[gundog]

It was more a protest statement against Clinton. And no worse a ticket than Dole/Kemp. Probably more electable.

[BillyBoy]

Powell was well to the left of both Dole and Kemp (pro-abortion, pro-gun control, pro-affirmation action, pro-gays in the military, etc.) which was true back in 1996 as well. Putting him on a GOP ticket, in either the Presidential or Veep slot, would have been similar to having Arlen Specter or Chris Shays as the GOP standbearer.

The ONE thing I think Powell did right in his career was avoiding elective office. He would have been a disaster as President. Basically he'd be a GOP President the same way Earl Warren was a "Republican” Supreme Court judge.