Bush vs. Powell (Will Bush lead and demand that Powell follow?)

Washington Post ^ | 9/25/01 | Bill Kristol

[truthandlife]

Since his speech to Congress last Thursday, virtually every major political figure has gone out of his way to support the president. Except for his secretary of state. On the Sunday talk shows, Colin Powell revised or modified many of his boss's remarks.

The president devoted a good chunk of his speech to an indictment of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan: "In Afghanistan we see al Qaeda's vision for the world. Afghanistan's people have been brutalized . . . we condemn the Taliban regime." Further: "By aiding and abetting murder the Taliban regime is committing murder."

[truthandlife]

Washington Post (Read rest of article in link above)

[demlosers]

Commie Wash post still trying to drive a wedge between the Pres. and Powell.

[eastforker]

I would think that if powell crossed bush more than once that bush would send him packing.How does one achieve the rank of general and still remain a dove.Then again maybe they are playing good cop, bad cop, who knows.

[truthandlife]

I think Kristol is right on in this article. Powell is a loose cannon and I think it was a big mistake for Bush to pick him as Secy of State because of his popularity.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

Bush would be well advised to keeping Powell on a short leash attached to a choke chain. Powell's meeting with Sir Patrick Hine, Britain's air chief marshal, on 9 October 1990 is very telling about what lies in his gut. It's a remote possibility that Powell is being used to spout a line that seems to be in conflict with Bush just to catch people off guard and keep them wondering. However, remember that Powell said he'd be happy to serve in a Gore administration prior to the election.

[RoseofTexas]

So much for the BIPARTISAN PATRIOTIC MODE from the liberal crackheads!

[Neets]

Bill Kristol WHO?????

[DittoJed2]

Bush makes his own decisions. He purposely gets folks of varying opinions so he can hear both sides, but he yields to no one. If a person makes a persuasive enough argument then he may do it their way. However, with the anger and determination we have seen in President Bush's eyes in recent days, I don't think he is in much of a mood to appease anyone.

Powell, is an issue. But, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Rice can prevail individually or collectively over him. Somehow, I doubt that the split is as major as the press has recently been reporting. They have Powell at odds with just about everybody in the administration. Powell's past character has shown him to be, while a man with distinct opinions, a soldier who also follows the orders of his commander-in-chief. I would expect Powell to accept whatever President Bush chooses.

[JohnHuang2]

Krystol who?

[JohnHuang2]

Kristol who?

[JohnHuang2]

Kristol, the consumate fraud, has never been more irrelevant. And him and his side-kick, Kagan, just can't stand it.

[Neets]

Kristol will NEVER EVER get over the fact that his guy lost.....he is pathetic and whinny and plain childish.

[Cyber Liberty]

Say goodbye, disruptor. Time to go back to teaching your class up there.

[jungleboy]

dittojed -You say Bush yields to no one? How about the embryo stem cell research feds hand-out?

[JohnHuang2]

Re: #13 - so true.

Memo to Kristol: Grow up.

[DittoJed2]

I don't think that was a case of him yielding to others wishes as much as it was weighing what he was told and then deciding (in my opinion, poorly, but it wasn't him being strong-armed into doing something against his own will).

[DittoJed2]

This does not, by the way, mean I think Powell is an asset. I think he is in the way and do not trust his personal judgment.

[Redleg Duke]

Any other dumb questions, Compost?

[truthandlife]

I know exactly what you are saying and hopefully Powell's ego will not get in the way of following his Commander-In-Chief.