Decision ‘08

Colin Powell - Candidate Profile Five

A recent Gallup Poll shows Colin Powell is the early choice of 7% of Republicans for the 2008 nomination. The outgoing Secretary of State has long been one of the more admired politicians for his grace, intellect, and moderation. Some desperate Democrats even want to claim him. Powell would be a formidable candidate, but not without some glaring weaknesses.

Colin L. Powell - official biography

I don’t know of an unofficial campaign site, but there is considerable chatter out there about a Powell candidacy.

Resume - four-star general in the United States Army, former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, former chairman of America�s Promise � The Alliance for Youth, 65th Secretary of State of the United States, recipient of two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the President�s Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal

Colin Powell could have probably been the Republican nominee in 1996 had he truly pursued it. He surely would have been a more realistic choice than Bob Dole proved to be. I don’t think he has the right stuff for 2008, and here’s why:

Guilt by Association - Some of the independents and Democrats who would have backed Powell in 1996 would surely not do so in 2008. In their eyes, he completely lost his integrity by not resigning over a war he opposed, and, even worse, making the WMD presentation to the United Nations.
Not ALL Things in Moderation - Alas, some of my fellow conservatives behave like Democrats at times and refuse to support anyone who doesn’t follow the ‘correct’ conservative pattern. His support of abortion rights and affirmative action would doom him with these elements of the conservative base.
Take My Wife, Please - It is widely believed that Alma Powell discouraged her husband from making the 1996 run that he might have won. I also recall a lot of talk about whether Alma’s treatment for depression would be an issue, though I think the stigma of anti-depressants has largely disappeared in the intervening years.
Old Soldiers Never Die… - he doesn’t look it, but Colin Powell will be 72 in 2008. The last two presidents and most of their predecessors have been younger and more dynamic. Powell himself has mentioned this as a reason he won’t make the run.
Powell 2006 - Many Republicans would prefer that Powell challenge Hillary for the New York Senate seat in 2006. I don’t share their enthusiasm. First, I don’t think Powell could win that race, and second, please, oh, please, let Hillary be the 2008 Democratic nominee. A true-blue Republican has to salivate at the prospect.

For all his accomplishments, and they are many, Powell’s political career will be looked upon some day by historians who will wonder what could have been, if only…

CURRENT ODDS: 23-1

UPDATE 01/02/05 10:37 pm central: Powell, already considered a longshot for 2008, appears to be shutting the door even tighter, after firmly ruling out a run while making the rounds of the Sunday Morning talk shows today. I had him at 23-1, but now I’ll move the marker even further down.

CURRENT ODDS: 28-1

UPDATE 03/19/05 10:47 am central: Powell has virtually disappeared from the ‘chattering class’ radar, so a downgrade is in store.

CURRENT ODDS: 33-1

UPDATE 07/24/2005 10:56 p.m.:

CURRENT ODDS: 50-1: see here…

13 Responses to “Colin Powell - Candidate Profile Five”

1 phentermine Says:
May 18th, 2006 at 12:17 pm
phentermine

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2 AndrewRVoss Says:
September 1st, 2006 at 12:10 am
I believe that Gen. Powell should be called upon to serve his nation one last time, in a time of great need. In a time when those that ‘volunteer’ for the job are not up to our expectations or needs, America needs to call out & call upon the best & brightest to serve. General Colin Powell, I do not know how to contact you personally, but I am calling out. If nominated, would you run ? If elected, would you serve ? one last time ?
3 JamesASmith Says:
September 14th, 2006 at 9:01 pm
I could not agree more!
4 Liam Fowlie Says:
November 29th, 2006 at 8:32 pm
Nice guys finish last as they say… One of the most respectable men at the time. This is a man who believed so much in the institution that it blinded him. He should have resigned after being used as a spokesman for such a “noble cause”. I believe they used the man pure and simple, of course hes not too happy about it…otherwise he just might run. Other than the above listed reason, he has all the makings of just what America needs… but nice guys finish last.
5 Matt Says:
December 17th, 2006 at 1:42 pm
General Colin Powell is possibly the greatest leader America has ever seen. No one right now might be able to see it, but General Powell single handedly could win this war in Iraq. Reason is because of his experience he has with the military, his foreign relations, and not only do the people of America respect General Powell but other countries respect him. If he is President in 2008 he will be able to obtain the greatest relations with all other countries, better than America has ever seen. General Colin Powell for President in 2008!
6 Robin Uff Says:
April 26th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
There is ABSOLUTELY NO ONE RUNNING
7 Robin Uff Says:
April 26th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
We NEED Colin Powell , he’s our smartest , most dedicated and experienced statesman , respected world wide .

He’s the absolute best choice we have for President , especially considering the crap that we’ll be in for the foreseeable near and distant future , caused by TOTALLY INEPT LYING IDIOTS!!!!!!

The call MUST go out for him to serve , he’s NEVER shirked any responsibility when called upon , AND WE MUST CALL UPON HIM AGAIN , no one else is even close to his credentials or can do what he can do for this nation!

If a minority is to be elected as our President IT BETTER BE HIM FIRST!!!!!!
8 Dominic Messerly Says:
May 1st, 2007 at 3:43 pm
I am happy to see others expressing their desire to see Colin Powell run for President in 2008. I couldn’t agree more with the positive sentiments expressed in their views. I, too, would like to send out a plea for Mr. Powell to strongly consider running for President. In the last 15/20 years there has been NO ONE as qualified for the presidency as Mr. Powell. He is almost entirely self-made and would be the last person to act on behalf of financial gain or political spoils. I am a republican who has never voted for G.W. Bush, and it is quite obvious to me that Mr. Powell’s integrity was hijacked to make a case for the war in Iraq. Hemmingway once said that “No man is an island”, but Powell is the closest I’ve seen to one. Please Mr. Powell, make a decision to run and know that there are people all over this country, military and non-military, who will support you. You have the potential to be internationally and domestically, the best President these United States have seen.
9 Jia Says:
May 8th, 2007 at 2:06 am
This website is designed to petition Gen. Powell to run in 2008 as Third Party. I went ahead and signed it, but I think he’d have a better chance going Republican. Anyway, it’s easy to start a new petition if anyone’s interested, or you can sign the existing one. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/PresidentPowell/
10 Dan Kenney Says:
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Hello all.

I am sorry that you feel compelled to support a person with no moral integrity.

If Colin Powell had the guts to stand up to President George W. Bush, it is possible our country would not be in the mess we are in now.

I am ashamed that Mr. Powell found it more expedient to be a yes man than to stand up like true hero’s do.

I looked up to Mr. Powell but not longer.

Run for president, get real.

Daniel Kenney
11 msteele Says:
October 10th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
I believe it would prove beneficial for Colin Powell to run for president. I know that everyone who is running can’t speak what is really on their mind without offending someone. I wouldn’t want the job. America however has to stand for something we have to show values. I don’t believe we are going to agree 100% with anyone. We need lots of prayer. I know that Bush is taking a hit right now but at least we know what he believes. I recently saw an interview on the JONI show,DAY STAR NETWORK, of an ex General to Sadam. I quote him “Bush has done the right thing” he said that if it were not for the US Iraq would have already taken Isreal. Isreal is GOD’s chosen people and if we don’t help them we will suffer. He also made another good point if you do not stop terrorism before they get here they will come here. In other words go to them before they come for you. Everyone out there, please pray for God’s hand in the 08 election. I pray for the safety of our nation and everyone in it. God Bless You all.
12 jerry Says:
January 8th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Unfortunately I do not believe that Powell should run for president. He has served long enough and should not be subject to the hard life that goes with being president. Now having said that, he is the only person that I would vote for as a presidential candidate. He has style, intelligence, experience,,, oh hell, he is just a classy person. I am a middle age, middle-class, well educated, veteran, caucasian male and I have always believed that politicians are nothing more that cheats, liars and thieves but I “would” do my little part to help campaign for him (which I would never do for anyone else).
13 Pace Says:
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Right now, I consider myself an Independent who would definitely vote for Gen. Powell as either a Republican President or a Democratic VP to Hillary. A Clinton/Powell campaign sounds & looks unstoppable.