In TV Appearance, Powell Plans To Answer Right-Wing Critics [Co"Lenin" Powell Alert!]

washingtonpost.com ^ | 5/23/09 | Michael D. Shear and Perry Bacon Jr.

[melt]

Under intense fire from the right, former secretary of state Colin L. Powell is preparing to answer his Republican critics this weekend in a television appearance that is likely to add fuel to his long-standing feud with top conservatives in his party.

The appearance will come just days after Powell, one of the country's leading black political figures, told an audience in Boston that a new Republican Party is "waiting to emerge." Earlier this month, he said the party is in "deep trouble" because "Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less."

Conservatives denounced his 1996 GOP convention speech, in which he voiced his support for abortion rights and affirmative action. But he quickly dropped off the political radar and did not resurface until presidential candidate George W. Bush sought him out as a popular figure whose public following and foreign policy expertise would benefit the Republican ticket.

At the White House, advisers say that the president and Powell have a good relationship and that Obama reached out to the former general during the campaign for advice and counsel on a variety of national security issues.

And on Capitol Hill, some Republican lawmakers -- fearful of driving away one of the country's most popular and charismatic figures -- say they are eager to keep Powell in their party despite the policy differences many have with him.

[AlanGreenSpam]

Just say NO to Colon Bowel!!!

[FreeInWV]

Sen. John Thune (S.D.), a member of the GOP leadership in the Senate, said Powell is “one of the greatest leaders of our generation, and he is at heart a Republican.”

[Venturer]

True Enough.

[Jagdgewehr]

And on Capitol Hill, some Republican lawmakers -- fearful of driving away one of the country's most popular and charismatic figures...

Yet, the Republicans have no problem driving away a substantial amount of their base.

I am so weary of this and care less anymore. The GOP continues to do all it can to render itself irrelevant. Therefore, its existence is irrelevant to me.

[Always Right]

Powell's Party:

1. Pro-abortion

2. Pro-gay marriage

3. Higher taxes

4. More spending

I am pretty sure that party already exists. Wouldn't it make sense for a party that represents the majority of people who don't hold those views??????? The GOP's biggest problem is convincing people they will actually cut taxes, cut spending, fight gay marriage. Most people don't buy the rhetoric from the GOP or fall for the Democratic lies about what they stand for.

[bitterohiogunclinger]

“Americans do want to pay taxes for services. Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less.”
On what planet? When a party is pro abortion, pro affirmative action, bigger government nanny statist, I don't need it. I certainly don't need Colin Powell or anyone else that tells me I have to make reparations for something that I didn't do, and that was done to no one living. Somebody needs to smack blacks upside the head and let them know they've been lead around by the nose for 50 years by the party that subtly tells them they can't make it without being given preferential treatment.
The Republican party does not need Token minorities that do not believe in the core values. It will gain nothing by being “just like” the DemonRATs. The Democratic Socialist Party is destroying this country in a systematic, planned and cohesive manner. They are not just a bunch of people that have different opinions. They must be stopped.

[BlueStateBlues]

Damn good point. No dim would think of wanting Zell Miller back, but many gop’ers actually grovel towards Powell asking him to lead them somewhere, anywhere, o great one. Why is he even staying RepublicanINO, just go Colin, find a home amongst those of your thinking.

[Venturer]

Has anyone noticed that Cheney’s numbers are up?? It isnt because he has become more moderate.

[silverleaf]

After he endorsed buraq obama and trashed conservatism - tell me why we are “eager” to keep powell in the republican party?

Why is powell even staying in the republican party? Because he thinks he can recruit hip hoppers?

[redk]

So let me get this straight, the nutty right wingers are driving people out of the party if Powell leaves, but he somehow isn't driving people out of the party when he basically says we have no need for Limbaugh, Palin etc.

Am I seeing this clearly?

[Jagdgewehr]

Powell shouldn't have any say in things Republican or conservative going forward. Period.

True, but...

The GOP wants to define itself as the diverse and modern-thinking party of Powell and not the anachronous party of Reagan. They will open their arms to Powell.

However, Powell shouldn't have any say in things conservative. He is not a conservative and doesn't represent conservatives. With that I agree.

[DoughtyOne]

I hear ya...

[y6162]

Powell = Judas goat

[DoughtyOne]

Good points, and obviously I agree with your conclusion.

[VR-21]

"Yes I’ve always wanted more government in my life. It is so efficient and organized."

Don't forget how jealously it guards our liberty too.

[DoughtyOne]

I share your disgust with him. For some reason I didn’t peg him during the Gulf War, but only later. I believe you’re right though.

[Man50D]

He voted for a pro-infanticide socialist. Pretty sure he’s in the wrong party.

He's in the Republicrat party.

[Man50D]

Sen. John Thune (S.D.), a member of the GOP leadership in the Senate, said Powell is “one of the greatest leaders of our generation, and he is at heart a Republican.”

I agree with that statement. It reflects the problem with the party for Conservatives.

[VR-21]

"I am so weary of this and care less anymore."

I'm not so much weary as I am numb from it all...but I can certainly relate. It seems as if the entire US Government has become something out a more sinister side of Lewis Carroll's imagination.

[Red Dog #1]

Of course he knows he doesn't belong in the Republican party. Seriously, can anyone name one point were his views coincide with the Republican platform? He only stays to sow disarray from within.