Posted on 07/14/2009 3:33:55 PM PDT by rightwingintelligentsia
Could Colin Powell run against Barack Obama as a Republican and win? The idea is more than a little fanciful. Alma Powell, Colin Powell's wife, has long opposed her husband's political forays. And of course a presidential campaign would be an ordeal for a man Powell's age, his robust health notwithstanding. It doesn't help that there is no clamor for a Powell presidential campaign.
Back in 1996, he was seen as an Eisenhower-like figure who could unite Republicans and independents to defeat Bill Clinton. Since then, Powell has alienated Republicans with his sharp criticisms of social conservatives and his support for affirmative action, among other things. Then, of course, there was his 2008 endorsement of Obama. After the election, Dick Cheney wondered aloud if Powell still considered himself a Republican at all. In a party that feels down and out, such displays of disloyalty are not exactly welcome. But to win in 2012, Republicans have no choice but to win over millions of voters who, like Powell, backed Obama in 2008.
To that end, Powell could be exactly the presidential candidate Republicans need. Consider Powell's interview with John King on CNN's State of the Union last weekend. For whatever reason--perhaps to preserve his reputation as an independent, above-the-fray voice--the former secretary of state raised serious questions about President Obama's leadership. Powell is convinced that the president is expanding government too much and too quickly, a view he shares with the Republican base. Rather than couch his objections in ideological terms, Powell used the sober language of fiscal responsibility. He didn't advocate limited government for its own sake, and he acknowledged that American voters consider the many issues the White House is tackling to be very important.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
You forgot the barf alert.
NO!
‘need a barf alert’ on this one
OK Reihan, back away from the hookah...
This would certainly lead to a 3rd Party candidate.
Sorry. I was too busy barfing.
Who is gonna vote for him?
All the Dems and other affiliates of the Party of Satan will vote for the anti-Christ Obama, and actual conservatives will vote for neither.
Hey, it’s almost dinner time! Article needs a MegaBarf alert.
Reihan M Salam jumped the shark. Not only no, but hell no.
In an alternate universe.
there is no clamor for a Powell presidential campaign.
Doh!
He's not a republican (neither am I, any more, but that's a whole 'nother story) and his conservative values have suffered some...plus he endorsed Obong-bama for the presidency.
I sure as hell wouldn't endorse a democratic ticket over him, if he were the only choice...but, still.
No, thanks.
Powell already ran in 08, we saw how that went.
This isn’t satire? Powell as a presidential candidate would be worse than McCain!
100% No.
Puhleeze!
(and anyway, why would Powell suddenly decide to do something he refused to do when his ‘numbers’ were much higher than they are now?)
If you want a ‘wind sock’ for potus . . . . ?
Powell supports Obama and attacks conservatives.
The media thinks he should run as a Republican??
What drugs was he on?
Colin Powell makes John McCain look like a Conservative. YUCK!! Powell in 2012, I think I am about to puke
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