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The Obama Watch
If You’ve Lost Colin Powell
Will he give Obama a general discharge?
“If I’ve lost Walter Cronkite, I’ve lost Middle America,” said President Lyndon B. Johnson at the time of the Communist Tet Offensive in Vietnam in 1968. Walter Cronkite was then the CBS News anchor man, often described as ‘the most trusted man in America.” Just a few weeks after he said that, LBJ withdrew from his party’s nomination contest.
No one thinks President Obama is in that much trouble — yet. But he has just been criticized by his highest profile endorser from the 2008 campaign. When retired four-star Gen. Colin Powell backed Barack Obama for President two years ago, it was a huge leg up for the liberal Democrats’ prospects. Gen. Powell, a former Secretary of State and a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave Obama instant credibility on defense and foreign policy issues.
Now, Gen. Powell is criticizing the Obama administration. This is a very high level defection, if defection it is. If Gen. Powell is not the most trusted man in America today, it would be hard to name someone of higher standing. In fact, if Colin Powell had been pro-life, he probably would not have had to run for President. He would have been carried into the White House on his supporters’ shoulders. In that event, Barack Obama would probably still be sitting in the Illinois State Senate.
Gen. Powell still considers himself a Republican. He says Obama must provide a “razor blade” focus on the economy, on bringing down the 9.6% unemployment rate. Gen. Powell is especially concerned about minority youth. Unemployment among black and Hispanic young people is above 20% in many urban barrios and inner cities.
“America is going to be a [majority] minority nation in one more generation. Our minorities are not getting educated well enough now. Fifty percent of our minority kids are not finishing high school. We’ve got to invest in education.”
The general may be right about that. That’s why he could help minority youth by getting behind parental choice in education. The Obama administration took a razor to the District of Columbia’s Opportunity Scholarships. A mere $13 million dollars went to parents who chose successful schools for their poor and minority kids. Now, that program has been cruelly cut. If we had Colin Powell pumping for school choice, it would help him and help the children.
Gen. Powell even gives President Obama credit for something every other Republican in the country seems to be against: health care reform. Still, Powell says: “As far as the American people are concerned, the main attack is employment.”
Gen. Powell has not said he would endorse President Obama’s Republican opponent in 2012. It’s still much too early for that. Colin Powell is probably the most prestigious Republican “moderate” we have in the nation. But the real source of his standing comes from his 40 years’ service to the nation on the battlefield and at the highest levels of command.
President Obama needs to be very careful. If he loses the support of Colin Powell, it could be devastating. Obama will not have the same bright, shiny patina he had in 2008.
He no longer could claim to be the JFK of the black community. Instead, he’ll have a record to defend. Even his strong appeal to minorities and women will be diminished unless he changes course. He has given us record levels of unemployment and all-out support for abortion. Every poll shows that women are more pro-life than men. Minorities are more pro-life than whites. If the economy were humming, the President might get away with his anti-life policies. But with people hurting materially and spiritually, he could be in for rough sledding.
About the Author
Ken Blackwell, the former mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio is Vice Chairman of the Republican National Committee’s Platform Committee. He also serves on the boards of the Club For Growth and the National Taxpayers Union.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (133) | Leave a comment
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CB| 9.21.10 @ 6:13AM
"the most trusted man in America"??? I don't think so...more like the most RINO in America...
Kitty| 9.21.10 @ 6:39AM
I gagged on that line, too.
And let's clear up another lie: The problems in education have little, if nothing, to do with its funding. For starters, the curriculum has been dumbed down and too many homes have no father. Pumping more money into the system will fix those problems.
...
Kitty| 9.21.10 @ 6:40AM
Typo correction: Pumping more money into the system will NOT fix those problems.
Ted| 9.21.10 @ 9:50AM
You hit it on the first swing.... He is a RINO. He may consider himslef a Republican, but then again so did Jim Jeffords, Lincoln Chaffee, and Arlen Spector.
Peter Murphy| 9.21.10 @ 10:20AM
Mr. Blackwell, who really cares what Colin Powell thinks, other than DC insiders? Powell is bailing on Obama for the same reason he climbed on board his bandwagon in '08 - he's the consummate fair-weather friend.
Anthony| 9.21.10 @ 1:38PM
Peter, you are right about the D.C. perspective. The more I read Mr. Blackwell's comments, the more I am convienced that Blackwell suffers from Beltway myopia.
His observations and conclusions do not reflect what was actually said by Powell, rather, they are the observations of D.C. groupthink.
Quartermaster| 9.21.10 @ 5:50PM
Blackwell is not a beltway denizen. Up until 4 years ago he was the Ohio Secretary of State. He is not Ohio Governor for two reasons, the establishment hates him, and the Republican who was Governor while he was Secretary of State, who was loved by the establishment, seriously damaged the Republican brand in Ohio. Taft's fecklessness and hypocrisy cost many Republicans their offices, and prevented Blackwell's election as Governor of Ohio.
To speak to an earlier point. Walter Cronkite was able to bear the title of "most trusted man in America" because no one checked up on him. He was like Walter Duranty who lied about Stalin's Soviet Union. Cronkite lied through his teeth repeatedly and committed treason on national TV after Tet '68. he and the rest of the left caused the deaths of thousands in Vietnam.
Sheila| 9.21.10 @ 11:39AM
Excellent comments, all. Powell is as trusted and admired as . . . David Frum, perhaps? He was an AA hero to begin with, and no military genius or example of personal sacrifice.
This is just another movement conservative example of "Obama's numbers are tanking!" hype when actually, they've been in the low 40s for some time now. People like Powell and Obama's black critic at his speech yesterday may gripe about the economy a bit, but in the end you know they'll vote for him. Like to like, after all. Decline and fall.
Pete| 9.22.10 @ 2:09PM
Two tours and wounded in Viet Nam and you say no "example of personal sacrifice"? 35 years in the military protecting your useless butt, and no "personal sacrifice"? I guess being Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and leading Desert Storm slipped your mind.
You're an idiot and aren't worthy to take out his trash.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 2:33PM
Schwartzkopf led Desert Storm, not Colon Bowell.
Mark James| 9.21.10 @ 2:37PM
A leftist is a leftist is a marxist.... regardless of party affiliation. The establishment needs to know that we are sick to death of moderates who sell us down the river 90% as quickly as the left does. A pox on all of 'em. I'd vote for Hillary as soon as Powell, therefore, I'd rather die first.
Alan Brooks| 9.21.10 @ 7:50PM
Just in from the motor-mouth of Jimmuh:
"I feel that my role as a former president is probably superior to that of other presidents'," Carter said.
Tarr| 9.21.10 @ 8:46PM
Michelle Malkin described Powell today as a typical "beltway crapweasel"---an apt description.
jd| 9.21.10 @ 6:33AM
Colin who?
Miker| 9.22.10 @ 1:08PM
Hey Bill,
Here's a tip. If you write more than two paragraphs in the comment section, everybody skips your post. Go start your own blog.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 9.21.10 @ 6:46AM
It's amazing how two people can listen to an interview and come to two completely opposite conclusions.
First, I question if General Powell could run for office considering he's the master of double speak, misleading statements and ruling class innuendo.
The quotes Ken Blackwell refers to came from Colin Powell's Sunday morning visit on Meet the Press. For starters, David Gregory isn't going to ask any really penetrating questions of any liberal. However, the truth can come out.
During the interview Colin Powell did state he was for small government. Then he also stated he was for Obamacare, which is nothing if not a statist view. This seeming contradiction is actually nothing but ruling class hypocrisy, and is not to be admired.
When Powell was talking about America becoming a minority nation he was endorsing the Dream Act, another way of circumventing public trust, ignoring valid immigration laws, and basically screwing the public with higher taxes. The Dream Act isn't cheap because as soon as all those illegal aliens get their 6 year work permits they are on the road to guaranteed citizenship, jumping over millions waiting from other countries, and are eligible to receive free health care, housing and food stamps. That's a tax increase on legitimate Americans for a dubious reason at best.
Then a quote was show from Mitt Romney where he accused the administration of being weak on terrorism and treating Arizona as a rogue state.
Powell continued by stating that we need illegal aliens. Powell also claimed they did work over at his house then backtracked from that statement the next day. Someone should tell Powell our unemployment is at 9.6% thanks to deep ruling class thinkers like him and that many Americans would actually do those jobs.
During the same interview Powell handed Sarah Palin some back handed comments and then stated she wasn't ready to be President in 2008. This is the same Colin Powell who thinks Obama was an outstanding candidate.
Powell also stated that when you attack a President you should not go down low. This is the same Colin Powell who rips at anyone he dislikes including Palin, Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter. In fact Powell insisted that Limbaugh be thrown out of the party. If anyone should be thrown out of the Republican Party it's the phony Colin Powell.
Ironically, Powell would have you believe that middle of the road candidates like McCain are perfect candidates, but when McCain was nominated, Powell endorsed an obvious leftist like Obama. This would appear to blow a hole in Ken Blackwell's theory that Powell is a moderate. It would make more sense to portray the former General as an idiot, or perhaps something worse then an idiot.
What type of person needs to stay close to the reigns of power, playing both sides against the middle, while cashing in big with his dubious views? One could dismiss such a person as phony lying hypocrite.
And for anyone who would be misled by believing Powell is a a moderate here is a direct quote from the article:
"And he's done a lot with health care, with cap and trade, with education, and I understand the importance of all of that; but as far as the American people are concerned, the main attack is employment, and he's got to fix that. "
First, Obama did do a lot with the health care system. Taxes are already going up and soon health care as we know it will be destroyed. Secondly, he's done nothing with cap and trade yet but if it is passed it will destroy the standard of living in American.
This is in essence what the ruling class stands for now. Limit the chances of the average American while ensuring that the ruling class lives on with new restrictive programs.
Further proof of Powell's not being in touch with reality is that he claims the public schools have improved immensely. In fact, they haven't. Multiple major cities in this country suffer from high drop out rates and they aren't going down. The school systems are a perfect example of failed government thanks to central economic planning but Powell insists everything is fine.
In the meantime, we are subject to offerings like these from Ken Blackwell, where high profile ruling class citizens are treated like intelligent individuals when the renderings from just one interview show them long on hubris and short on substance.
Old Joe| 9.21.10 @ 9:33AM
BHO’S,
What a great response to a very bad and misleading article. The only things I would add are that Powell has never been anything but an affirmative action success that reached his maximum capability around his first star and then leveled out. His plan for the invasion of Iraq was rejected by Norman Schwarzkopf for its simpleminded approach which he felt would result in 10,000 dead allies. In fact he offered his resignation before he would proceed with Powell’s plan. Thank God Powell got his ego under control and backed down.
The second thing I would add was Powell’s absolutely horrible actions during the Valarie Plame incident. Powell could have done the honorable thing and gone public with the information that his assistant had released her name to the public and stopped the whole investigation in its tracks. The Democrat prosecutor would not have had the nerve to go after Powell. Instead, Powell let his petty dislike for Bush stand in the way and allowed a good man, Scooter Libby, to be persecuted. That one incident should tell everyone about the low character of this affirmative action joke of a man.
Alistair| 9.21.10 @ 12:23PM
Hear, Hear.
Paul D| 9.21.10 @ 3:42PM
Ditto
Nunya| 9.21.10 @ 4:35PM
BHO and Old Joe, excellent and well thought out comments, both.
Linda| 9.25.10 @ 12:19PM
Agreed! Excellent and well-reasoned comments by BHO and Old Joe. I must add that Powell endorsed Obama because (1) he's black; (2) Obama is of like world-view to himself. Simplistic - yes, but true. I'm weary of the "kabuki theater" (as Michelle Malkin as aptly put it once in a Fox interview) which IS the Obama administration.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 2:27PM
Bush hired him, but he backstabbed Bush whenever he could. I find disloyal people like that to be despicable.
Ret. Marine| 9.21.10 @ 6:51AM
The most moderate, non-sense. This is a RINO is ever there were an example. He is just peeved that his "bro" doesn't have a clue of what the Countrymen/ladies know instinctively. We don't cotton up to no "ism's" whatsoever. This man lost what creditability he ever had from this old devil dog when he endorsed this fraud.
Will| 9.21.10 @ 6:57AM
"Our minorities are not getting educated well enough" Whose fault is that? Polin parroting this worn out line isn't going to fix a damn thing. Pouring more tax money down the toilet isn't going to change a thing. Crowing about minority majorities isn't going to win you many friends, either, particularly with the post-Obama experience. Change the culture and value systems and you'll see results. Fix the immigration policies etc., etc. Most trusted man in America, by whom?
P. Aaron| 9.21.10 @ 7:27AM
Powell is lost in his own fog of political calculations, sound-bite cliche's and Washington games. Alienating Obama has left him few friends except, or course, the media. They're about 3 years behind everything anyway.
baslimthecripple| 9.21.10 @ 7:35AM
If you've lost Colin Powell, you haven't lost a damn thing. Which was true of Walter Krankheit, actually, if LBJ had had the courage of his convictions. Unfortunately, LBJ had no convictions.
LittleTony| 9.21.10 @ 7:51AM
Powell is a politician, plain and simple. The fact that he's a politician was instrumental in his rise to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I admire and commend his military service. And he was right about his reluctance for military adventurism in Iraq and Afganistan. But as to why anyone would trust him on social issues is a complete mystery to me. He's as much a Republican as Arlen Specter. We need a true opposition party in the US right now to stop this march from Constitutional Republic to Social Democracy, not more left leaning republicans pretending to be " moderates ".
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 2:22PM
I think his reluctance for action in Iraq and Afghanistan makes him even more of a RINO. He's also a very disloyal backstabber.
logmank| 9.21.10 @ 7:56AM
If Colin Powell is the most trusted man in America, that is just another sign that this country is in deep trouble, because we have an ignorant electorate that is incapable of seeing what is directly in front of them.
Colin Powell is a two faced, power hungry Washington insider, a member of the ruling class elite and a RINO.
God help the Republican party if he ever becomes their nominee, or worse, is elected POTUS.
stephanie| 9.21.10 @ 7:19PM
People think they trust him because he's a retired (armchair) warrior. They think he must be a good guy 'cause he was in the military. He lost touch with the real military life when he got those stars and became a political warrior.
moron| 9.21.10 @ 8:06AM
Most trusted name in America???? Try least trusted name in America. A self described conservative votes against John McCain [RINO] for the Senate's most liberal senator!! Colin, once a favorite of mine, kiss my.
moron| 9.21.10 @ 8:11AM
From Michelle Malkin.
"Yesterday
“We have millions and millions of illegal immigrants in our country, undocumented individuals, who are working, who are doing things we need done in this country,” he told NBC’s David Gregory on Sunday. “They’re all over my house, doing things, making repairs. I’m sure you’ve seen them at your house.
Today:
“I don’t hire illegal immigrants,” he said in the clarifying statement. “On Meet the Press yesterday, I referred to illegal immigrants working around my house. I was referring to the many service contractors who work in my neighborhood, using mostly immigrant workers, who do good work. Some may well be “illegal.”
Yesterday, he hired them knowingly and they were “all over” his house.
Today, he doesn’t hire them at all and they are simply “in [his] neighborhood.”
The Boshop| 9.21.10 @ 8:15AM
General Powell showed his bonafides when he kept his political mouth shut while he let Scooter Libby twist in the wind over "Plame Affair". He should do us all a favor and keep his calculating yap shut now. Who gives a **** what Generalissimo thinks?
Kishego| 9.21.10 @ 4:12PM
Right on Boshop. Powell deserves nothing but contempt and scorn for what he did to Scooter Libby. His actions (or lack thereof) were the actions of a COWARD, not a hero. He is a scumbag.
stephanie| 9.21.10 @ 7:23PM
You could say the same about GW. He should have pardoned Scooter Libby they day he left office. Nobody had a problem with Slick Willy cutting pardons for criminals they day he slithered out of our White House.
Siegfried X| 9.21.10 @ 8:46AM
Powell couldn't be elected dog catcher. The left-wing Democrats don't trust Powell because of his UN speech in the lead up to the Iraq War.
Republicans heard Powell say that he was "very, very moderate" on all social issues, and all issues besides war. Basically then he is a war Democrat, someone who calls himself "Republican" only because of military issues, and even though he agrees with the Democrats about anything else.
People also remember that President Bush fired Secretary of State Powell for what basically was insubordination, including endless leaks which damaged the president.
Occam's Tool| 9.21.10 @ 5:27PM
Why do I care what "Colon" thinks? If I want to ask, I've got my own!
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 2:17PM
I've heard he was secretly against the war, going up against Cheney and Rumsfeld all the time.
He whined that we opened Gitmo and whined because we weren't going to go by Geneva. After enough revelations of his already known disloyalty, he's been redeemed by most Democrats.
Thomas Poole| 9.21.10 @ 8:49AM
I have the deepest respect for Colin Powell, the General. I have zero respect for Colin Powell the politician. There are no tangible objects that would 'prove' his claim to be a Republican, indeed, his performance as SecState indicated he was RINO to the core. There is no way his thoughts, or opinions should be considered as anything other than the musings of a Democrat.
Caped Crusader| 9.21.10 @ 10:46AM
Acute discretion failure! Sir, you failed to realize that in this case the soldier and the politician are one in the same. Try not to let it happen again. As on O6 I agree with the comment of rjh that very few above are anything but politicians in uniform.
Kishego| 9.21.10 @ 4:15PM
A true soldier would not have done to Scooter Libby and his CINC. Powell has no honor. He deserves no respect.
Kishego| 9.21.10 @ 4:16PM
Ooops.
A true soldier would not have done what Powell did to.....
Warrior | 9.21.10 @ 5:36PM
I wish history would be written properly. Colin Powell was at best, half the soldier as it relates to military strategies, media savvy and leadership of General Stormin Norman Schwartzkopf. Powell was a politician in uniform and not the warrior he is portrayed to be.
Christopher Holland| 9.21.10 @ 8:26PM
I have no respect for Powell the general at all and I do not understand anybody who does. Powell is a gutless ticket puncher and a brown noser - he scarcely saw a shot fired in Viet Nam despite years of war there that nearly destroyed the army and he carried out the initial investigation into the My Lai massacre - he found nothing, the gutless bastard, he kept his nose clean. He never won a battle, let alone a war, he was openly disloyal to his superiors and the biggest leaker in Washington. How this guy manages to convince people that he is trustworthy and has good judgement is beyond me.
Powell is doing what he has always done - suck up to the guys in power, regardless of who they are. He is a rat always looking for the newest ship to board. He left the Republican ship for the SS Obama and now that ship is listing, taking on water and drifting without a rudder, he is looking for a lifeboat. To hell with him, who needs this guy. Let him get a tea party endorsement and win an election if he wants to be taken seriously. If Sharon Angle and Christine O'Donnell can do that, then so can Powell. Powell couldn't get elected dog catcher.
Mark Shepler- Jupiter FL| 9.21.10 @ 8:53AM
When I heard Colin Powell's remarks I bolted upright and yelled, "Shazaaaam!!"
What stunned me so was when he was waxing on illegal immigrants and said, "They’re all over my house, doing things, making repairs. I’m sure you’ve seen them at your house."
Great Caesars Ghost! Do you know what this means America? Colin Powell ...can... IDENTIFY... ILLEGALS... ON... SIGHT! And, more tellingly, he's equally sure other members of the Ruling Class can, too. Only after he realized he'd let the cat out of the bag to the rest of us yokels did the backpeddaling begin. THAT'S the real reason he's walking back his statements. Not that he hires them for his menial jobs at bargain basement wages but because he let on that spotting illegals is not quite the deep mystery the Obama admin. and the ruling class maintain. In fact, it's so easy that even a myopic, short-sighted RINO can do it.
So, my question is, if Colin Powell and his neighbors can tell illegals ON SIGHT ALONE then why is it the highly trained and conscientious law enforcement personnel of AZ cannot be trusted to ascertain their status by even more rigorous and documented means?
Hmmmmmmm?
Mark Shepler- Jupiter, FL| 9.21.10 @ 9:07AM
BTW, how DOES he know they're illegals? Maybe he could give AZ some pointers. Does he simply ask them or instead demand to see "their papers"? If so, how does he know to ask? Does he ask any and all who comes on the premises lest he engage in "profiling" of some kind or does he target his inquiries a little more, ahhh, discriminately? Or, does he simply make a judgement call?
In any event, THERE IS a method of telling with a minimum of intrusion and embarrassment to all and without the black-hand of gestapo tactics. Colin Powell says so.
Quartermaster| 9.21.10 @ 5:58PM
We should call him back to active duty at the rank of major (the last rank at which he was worth anything) and put on the border training the Border Patrol to instantly recognize illegal aliens. he could train the Army as well when we finally get serious and militarize the border. Just think of all the good he could finally do. He might even justify that military pension we have to pay him.
Siegfried X| 9.21.10 @ 9:09AM
If a white conservative Republican had made this remark, the entire media would be hammering on him now. He'd end up testifying before congressional hearings on whether he (1) profiled the workers, assuming that there were illegal because of their appearance or (2) he verified their work status, and therefore broke the law by hiring illegal labor.
Really this is nothing new though. In 1993 President Clinton appointed Zoe Baird as attorney general, but she had to withdraw after it was found that she had a couple of illegal alien workers in her house for years, and didn't pay the appropriate social security tax, etc.
chris haynes| 9.21.10 @ 8:54AM
The most trusted man in America made a fool of himself 7 years ago, telling us that some trailer trucks were anthrax plants.
The most trusted man in America thinks the law is optional. He wouldnt need illegal workers if he paid more. In America, you get the workers you need by paying them market price, not by breaking the law. There are plenty of deserving people from the hood. If you dont like that pay still more. You pay enough, you'll get Warren Buffet to wash your windows.
rjh| 9.21.10 @ 8:55AM
"If Gen. Powell is not the most trusted man in America today, it would be hard to name someone of higher standing." This is such an asinine statement that it totally trashes any credibility this author and this article might have. I'll merely repost my comment from another site regarding Mr. Powell: Mr. Powell is certainly not a conservative, and he probably does not even understand what a Republican is. It is beyond belief that anyone of his supposed military stature would support someone who has done as much damage to this country and the Constitution in less than two years as obama has. As a retired officer with over 24 years of military service, I make two observations:
1. With very few exceptions, any officer above the grade of O6 in any branch of service is merely a politician in a uniform.
2. Colin Powell's career spanned the period where "race relations" (the military version of affirmative action) was in full swing. I have observed the results of this program firsthand. It is my opinion that his military career would have been rather lackluster had he been of a different pigmentation.
If we take Mr. Powell at his word that he is indeed a Republican, then, based on his support of obama, we must assume that he views the world primarily through the lens of race, which trumps all to him. obama is the antithesis of everything in which even a moderate Republican believes. As an aside, Mr. Powell's recent admission that he employs illegal aliens does nothing to bolster his image in my eyes.
Old Soldier| 9.21.10 @ 9:02AM
I agree with all of the above. I don't trust his judgment a bit. In '91 he talked Bush into shutting down Desert Storm too early (I was there). He let the Republican Guard out of a trap to go on to kill Kurds and keep Hussien in power for another decade.
Old Soldier| 9.21.10 @ 9:02AM
I agree with all of the above. I don't trust his judgment a bit. In '91 he talked Bush into shutting down Desert Storm too early (I was there). He let the Republican Guard out of a trap to go on to kill Kurds and keep Hussien in power for another decade.
PJ| 9.21.10 @ 9:19AM
I was wondering who gave that dumb-as* advice to Bush I!
Occam's Tool| 9.21.10 @ 5:32PM
More trusted than "Colon" Powell: Mike Pence, Jim DeMint, Eric Cantor, Scott Brown, John Roberts, Gale Sayers, Mike Singletary, Lovie Smith, Peyton Manning, Roger Staubach, C. Everett Koop...I'm just randomly naming people that I trust more who are reasonably famous in politics and sports.
J.C.Eaton| 9.21.10 @ 8:59AM
When I see many of my attitudes and opinions put on this board by other posters, I generally nod and spare you the effort of reading mine. I agree with most of the criticisms noted above but want to add one quibble. Powell is the most overrated, affirmative action, figurehead the Office of Chief of Staff had up to his time. I mean the Goldwater-Nichols act took him completely out of Gen. Schwartzkopf's loop in 1990-91. He commanded absolutely nothing in Desert Storm, and his military education went as far as the War College. Hell, even I graduated that school:-].A great institution by the way, but one which virtually every colonel in the U.S.Army has attended.
Steve A| 9.21.10 @ 9:14AM
You can go ahead & take Colin Powell, Arlen Specter, Mike Castle & Charlie Crist & put them in a dark room. Cover their heads with a burlap sack & ask them questions on policy & you would never be able to determine who you were talking to. Powell is a JOKE. You claim to be a Republican & you endorse the most far left candidate for president the nation has ever seen because he looks like you. There can be no other valid explanation. I could care less if he endorses anyone.
Harry Flashman| 9.21.10 @ 9:20AM
Colin Powell did not mention the belief of many astute observers that Barack Obama's greatest long term political liability is the fast growing awareness of the continuing concealment of virtually the entire paper trail of his existence.
This will be a front and center issue in the likely event that he attempts to pursue a second term. He got away with hiding his past once. An increasing number of determined individuals are resolved to prevent this from occurring again.
The current president's original typewritten long form birth certificate, school records, SAT and LSAT scores, college and law school admission records and grade transcripts and thesis papers, medical records, passport history and other relevant records and documents have all never been released or allowed to be subjected to any sort of scrutiny, despite several years of repeated requests for disclosure by numerous individuals and non-traditional media organizations.
The Obama 2008 campaign and subsequent administration have to date spent a considerable sum on legal fees, estimated in the millions of dollars, to fight Freedom of Information Act filings and other requests to examine this material.
On his first full day in office, the current president signed Executive Order 13489, effectively prohibiting the release or disclosure of any of his personal records and papers without his specific authorization.
A computer generated laser printed short form version of a birth certificate that a child could have forged was posted on the Obama 2008 campaign website, but it only served to intensify the filings and requests to see the original typewritten long form document, which has never been released or allowed to be scrutinized. They also produced a one page letter from a physician attesting that Barack Obama was in excellent health for a man of his age. This has been the complete extent of any release or disclosure of any records or documents from his past life.
A vast majority of American voters believe that the process of running for president should be the toughest job interview on the planet. Barack Obama could not be hired as a janitor in a federal building with the amount of background information that he has provided. Virtually the entire paper trail of his existence continues to remain deeply hidden away.
The mainstream media has given Barack Obama a remarkable free pass on this basic issue of personal truth and transparency. It has become customary in modern times for presidential candidates to allow for the release and scrutiny of the substantive body of records from their pasts, indeed up until 2008 in large measure precisely because of a strong mainstream media interest. It is entirely appropriate to consider why Barack Obama has received such a special exception from this necessary practice.
In their eagerness to "make history" by covering the campaign of the man whom they were clearly interested in helping to become the first black president, the mainstream media failed in their essential national responsibility to report on significant events with thoroughness and objectivity. They have for the most part completely ignored their duty to uncover the truth and should be regarded with disdain by all people who value information in a free society.
Democrat incumbents at all levels of government, as well as rank and file voters, might well demand to know exactly how Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the rest of their party leadership allowed an individual who was obviously given only the most ridiculously cursory sort of vetting to become their presidential nominee.
Barack Obama's true origins, past associations, idealogical convictions, behavioral motivations and ongoing relationships are matters of great concern to an increasing number of Americans of all political persuasions who just want to know the truth.
What is being hidden and why are they hiding it?
Nunya| 9.21.10 @ 5:08PM
Harry,
While I don't disagree with anything you've said, I will say that the media today is in Obama's hip pocket. We don't have true Journalists any more (or if we do they're few and far between), we have editorialists who spin the story to go along with the way they want to see the world. It's been that way for years, probably at least the last 35 or more. There is no integrity in the profession, just look at the major networks and newspapers (and they wonder why they're losing share).
Asking the media today to do an investigative report on Obama's past is futile. If they can't find the information they want to see, they'd make it up.
DRed| 9.21.10 @ 6:12PM
Here's the actual executive order that Harry complains about:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-1712.pdf
Read it. It has nothing to do whatsoever with his Obama's birth certificate, his HS transcript or anything else at all relating to his life before he was president. This is a publicaly available document. If you want people to take you seriously, Harry, don't go spouting easily falsifiable nonsense.
breakn70| 9.21.10 @ 9:21AM
"If Gen. Powell is not the most trusted man in America today, it would be hard to name someone of higher standing."
What?! Mr. Blackwell, with all due respect, this may have been true fourteen years ago. Mr. Powell is now considered a racial partisan buffoon, a mediocre (or worse) Secretary of State, a liar with regard to the Scooter Libby fiasco, and a clueless dupe on all things domestic in this country. He has no credibility in almost every area. "Trusted"? Uh, no.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 2:04PM
Not to mention somebody who would backstab you to save his reputation.
Louis Jenkins| 9.21.10 @ 9:25AM
"They’re all over my house, doing things, making repairs. I’m sure you’ve seen them at your house."
Nope, they're not. Don't want them, won't take them, can't afford them. If they're all over his house then things must be kind of crowded. You see that's the problem, the Rinos, the liberals, tell us how it should be done, and then the next day backtrack when they realize they've stepped in the dog poo. "Ain't no illegals at my house, no suh! " In reality these people take advantage of the system.
cl| 9.21.10 @ 9:43AM
powell is not the most trusted man in the usa. he is the perfect weathervane of the ruling class. you can tell what the ruling class believes by listening to powell.
he ingratiated himself to bush 41 to advance his career as a "soldier/politician." he gave the stupid advice to stop the first Iraq war before sadam was toppled, thus setting the stage for the current war, and all those "inspections" for wmd during the clinton era.
he supported obama over McCain, a true war hero. that is all you need to know about powell.
if powell now abandons obama, it is over for obama.
Ned the Red| 9.21.10 @ 10:13AM
General Powell,
Didn't he get sapped by the Martians, when the doves were released?
Junius| 9.21.10 @ 10:29AM
"Old Soldiers never die they just fade away" words that General Powell would be wise to heed. His endorsement of the Anti-American Obama, most likely based on race, was a disgrace especially coming from a military man.
Fade Away General Powell.
Caped Crusader| 9.21.10 @ 10:29AM
Personally, I have never regarded anyone who is a petulant weasel , turncoat in battle, and traitor in the extreme as anyone except to be despised and avoided at any cost. Always knew he was this type of individual who has no knowledge of the meaning of honor. His only core conviction is self promotion and self aggrandizement. True of so many politicians. Proceed America with the winnowing out!
Nunya| 9.21.10 @ 5:12PM
Crusader,
Unfortunately, I was not always aware that he was such a weasel until his stint in the State Department. You're right about him not knowing anything about honor, the man is a disgrace.
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$| 9.21.10 @ 10:31AM
Didn’t Katie Couric expose the General when she broadcast a colinoscopy a few years ago? The skunk hiding under my back porch, for all I know an illegal, thinks he’s an Alaskan Malamute. Doesn’t make it so. I want no part of any political organization which considers this racist respectable. He may have been once, but when he betrayed OUR Country to hype and chains, he showed that his true color is kommie red. And if he did not know what he was doing with his infamous 2008 treachery, with all his connections, he’s no better than the pretender-in-chief. However, I do care about his political opinion. If he recommends X, I will seriously consider Y.
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$
Don’t Tread on Me.
gill.Oteen07041776@gmail.com
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” - Galatians 5:1
Only 852 days to go
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 2:00PM
He was always treacherous. He left the Bush admin smelling like a rose because he backstabbed them at every opportunity.
Ghastlyone| 9.21.10 @ 10:33AM
Colin Powell is a joke.
He lost all credibility (whatever he had left) when he decided to endorse Obama.
Now, seeing how much of an epic failure Obama has turned out to be, Powell looks like even more of a douche bag.
Most people I talk to that voted Obama, are pretty quiet about it. And some don't even admit to it. I'd be ashamed if I had voted for these fucksticks.
Bob Grant| 9.21.10 @ 10:54AM
I never understood why the opinion of Colin Powell is held in such high regard. The pattern with him is he appears from his hole at the beginning of an election cycle to sway moderate voters by giving his general position on the issues of the day.
* The interviewer rarely, if ever, asks tough followup questions to nail him on SPECIFICS on positions taken
* The interviewer NEVER holds Powell accountable for past positions taken
* The interviewer NEVER questions Powell's motives for why he chooses to go public to state his opinions
It's as though there is a double standard regarding the media's handling of him (does that sound familiar?).
Has he really earned his status as the "Yoda" of political opinion?
Has the public finally caught on to the fact that he is nothing more than a self-promoting political fraud?
God I hope so!!
Roy| 9.21.10 @ 4:42PM
Because he's a weathervane, and shows which way the wind is blowing.
Albert| 9.21.10 @ 11:21AM
I haven't trusted this guy since 1991 when at the opening of Operation Desert Storm he said of Iraq's Republican Guard, "First I am going to cut it off, then I am going to kill it." He did neither. The bulk of the Republican Guard was let go, and the US Army did not go into Baghdad. This was a mistake, a stupid one.
Ray| 9.21.10 @ 2:13PM
Powell was being used in a classic deception ploy. The objective was never to "cut off " and "kill" the Republican Guard, the plan, the strategy, was to avoid them completely which convincing Saddam that they were a legitimate target. Thanks in part to Powell's "speech," Saddam wasted enormous military and financial resources trying to protect and defend troops that were never in any real danger. That speech, although an effective deception tactic, has the effect of making Powell look like a fool.
Poor Powell, I wonder if he even knew what the true objectives were?
MarkR| 9.21.10 @ 11:23AM
Could anyone imagine for a minute- Colin Powell making an honest appraisal of a tea partier or debating an issue in even a "moderate" sense-such as "I see the point Ms Palin is making or Rush or Beck or Levin or Hannity or whoever and while I respect that view I differ slightly here and there"- hell no. Colin Powell spews democratic talking points. Why the man never became a democrat is a legitimate question. Probably made sense in 2008 to be perceived as a "enlightened" republican for Obama- but in 2010 it doesnt fly as can be seen by all the previous comments.
Bob Grant| 9.21.10 @ 11:39AM
"Probably made sense in 2008 to be perceived as a "enlightened" republican for Obama- but in 2010 it doesnt fly as can be seen by all the previous comments."
Excellent point! One I haven't really given much thought. He probably was more useful to Democratic operatives as the thoughtful "...enlightened republican...", as it provided justification for the many confused moderate republicans to vote for Obama.
I just hope this political whore is exposed for who he really is: Someone with absolutely NO core values.
Hopefully, he - like others of his ilk - will be relegated to the ash heap of history in the not-so-distant-future. It's part of taking our country back!!
rdman| 9.21.10 @ 11:54AM
I was in the military stationed in Viet Nam with Powell. He constantly made politically expedient decisions to gain his promotions and general stars.
Many of his actions handicapped our field forces in mortal combat conditions. His decisions were reversed time and time again by his field commanders. Powell’s efficiency evaluations from his in-country superior officers stated that Powell was a poor leader who should not be promoted. We held his ass-kissing, back slapping and glad handing in disdain and disgust!!
Powell is a JUDAS weasel, a closet rino subversive. He disgraced the uniform he wore by playing the race card with his political buddies in the Pentagon to reverse his poor evaluations and gain his general stars. At best, he is an unadulterated fraud and charlatan.
What did this token Affirmative Action product ever accomplish of significance in any position he held in the military or the government?
Bob Grant| 9.21.10 @ 12:05PM
It seems to me his career trajectory mirrors our POS POTUS. An articulate member of the protected class cashing in on every unfair advantage over those not part of said class.
Anthony| 9.21.10 @ 12:04PM
Dear Mr. Blackwell, With all due respect, Colin Powell is far from being the most trusted man in America. I mean BY FAR; unless of course, you're talking the elite Liberal Washington ruling class and their whores in the MSM.
Colin Powell has a history of thrusting the knife in the backs of those who elevated him to where he is. Or to put it bluntly, made this mediocrity into what he could never obtain on his own.
I believe in addition to the Presidents' Bush, Scooter Libby can opine as to the trustworthyness of Colin Powell. It's fair to say Libby would not want to share a foxhole with the perfidious Mr. Powell. A standup guy, General Powell ain't.
As to Obama having lost the vaunted general, I think not Mr. Blackwell. Powell's careful comments, tepid in criticism, except for those who have not supported our Marxist-in-Chief sufficiently, were nonetheless hopeful that the Marxist would finally "find his voice".
No, Obama still has the RINO Colin Powell. He can have him; they deserve each other. Two self serving empty suits whose glidepaths were made easy by their betters.
America, what a great country!!
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$| 9.21.10 @ 1:07PM
beavisbud’s losing general racist may still be open to conjecture, but the cracks are definitely visible amidst the kool-aid kool-alition. the lord of flies is starting to be questioned by such leaders of the lemming left as Chris Matthews on Hardball last night who opined, “I have one small tweak to make to what the president said today—he should stop saying that giving people tax cuts is giving people money. It‘s their money. A tax cut is when the government doesn’t take our money. It‘s an important distinction. He talked today, for example, about people getting a check from the government in the form of a tax cut. That‘s not the way it works. If tax rates are kept lower, it‘s a matter of the check going to the government being smaller. Again, it‘s an important distinction.”
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$
Don’t Tread on Me.
gill.Oteen07041776@gmail.com
“It's part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama's speech. My, I felt this thrill going up my leg.” - Chris Matthews 2/12/2008
Only 852 days to go
Roy| 9.21.10 @ 4:44PM
WHOA! Did Chris Matthews really say that? Not the leg tingling part, the other part.
If so, he better watch his back.
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$| 9.21.10 @ 6:51PM
Yes, he did. Here’s the link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39....._matthews/
It was working a minute ago.
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$
Don’t Tread on Me.
gill.Oteen07041776@gmail.com
“Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke. ” - Will Rogers
Only 852 days to go
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$| 9.21.10 @ 7:04PM
You have to click to read the full transcript. These words were spoken towards the end of the show. My browser let me do a search for ‘tax cut’ and I finally got there. It was still working a minute ago.
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$
Don’t Tread on Me.
gill.Oteen07041776@gmail.com
“I inhaled. That was the point.” - the incompetent won on the Audacity of (No) Hope book tour
Only 852 days to go
John II| 9.21.10 @ 1:08PM
A big kudos and thanks to all, but I mean ALL the posters so far. When I was through reading Mr. Blackwell's languid remarks, I was ginned up totally for a lengthy response to dispel the dark cloud that had gathered over my noggin from the sheer jaw-dropping experience of plowing through the lame commentary, itself illustrative of the climber Powell's sole talent of bamboozling nice people for self-advancement (including Our Ron, by the way).
But I have nothing left to say. You've said it all and then some, and then some more. Which gives me much more time to watch important movies after preparing classes. To which task I now turn, content. Thanks, you guys!!!
Ned| 9.21.10 @ 1:09PM
Colin Powell destroyed his reputation for honor and even honesty when he knew the truth but allowed Scooter Libby to twist in the wind. He is not just a RINO, he is a small, small man.
Kenneth E. MacAlister Jr.| 9.21.10 @ 1:37PM
B.O. will lose nothing if Colin Powell deserts him. Powell exists on his own little island where the only thing that exists of importance is himself. Powell went with the prevailing political winds in '08 when he endorsed & backed Obama & he wasn't alone. He knew he would get more state run media exposure by supporting the current man-child "president" than if he supported McCain. I'm no fan of McCain, but respect his service to our country & don't believe he would have been as bad as B.O. (he stinks!). Powell, like the typical RINO he is, puts himself first over everything including his country. Losing this man's support is no loss to anyone, including B.O.
Ray| 9.21.10 @ 1:57PM
Losing the support of Powell spells trouble for a politician? I would say that just the opposite is true. Howe many people actually listen to Powell and follow his "advice?" The answer is "very few, if any."
Powell is a chronic complainer, one who criticizes everything at some point. He is the consummate political wannabe, striving for sociopolitical importance and relevance by complaining incessantly as to how other politicians should act, what policies they should support or enact, while not hold ANY political power at all.
Like most narcissistic wannabe's, he acts just like a pampered 10 year old, one who whines and complains as a means to draw attention to himself in an effort to reinforce his grandiose feelings of self-importance.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:47PM
He is very overrated, however. He didn't deserve his reputation, but got it anyway.
Redstateboy| 9.21.10 @ 2:45PM
"Unemployment among black and Hispanic young people is above 20% in many urban barrios and inner cities."
Dirty Liber-ul Failure Open Secret No. 1
Fifty percent of our minority kids are not finishing high school.
Dirty Liber-ul Failure Open secret No 2
The Democrat Party was and still Is the Party of Slavery.
TR| 9.21.10 @ 4:43PM
The biggest non-secret of all - the biggest failures are cities that have consistently voted for "progressives" for decades. You just can't fix stupid.
Good comment Redstateboy...Democrats were and still are the party of slavery.
Oldefarte| 9.21.10 @ 3:41PM
Even though Powell served our country well and deserves all of our thanks for same, his political correctness endorsement of Obama strictly on racial lines destroyed most of his standing as far as I'm concerned. He more than most anyone else KNEW [or was in a position to know] both WHO and WHAT Obama was/is; and he ignored same in order to lend his support toward electing the first black President. That to me is unforgivable! He knew Obama's history, his political philosophy/leanings, and the man personally; and he endorsed him for no other reason other that the fact of his racial status. Powell IMO deserves no present political accomodation or respect for same. Additionally concerning his opinions regarding education, he should know that no amount of funded money will solved the problem of education in the black community; and that it will take an internal/communal upheaval of their values before any progress in education can occur. Powell is only practicing POLITICAL CORRECTNESS 101 by his expressed opinions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
aware| 9.21.10 @ 5:24PM
Colin Powell, statist piece of crap. Understood that way back in the 90s. That's what he is whether he's on your side or not.
NotALiberal| 9.21.10 @ 6:06PM
"That's why he could help minority youth by getting behind parental choice in education."
We need to call "School Choice" what it really is... A new Entitlement. Parents already have a choice where to send their children to school, the only "choice" in the above statement is who is going to pay for it. And in that case the people who are paying for it don't get a choice.
What we really need to do is fix the current public school system by eliminating the Dept. Of Education, teachers unions, waste and fraud in the schools and update the curriculum to keep students from becoming bored in class. Get the Federal Government and the Unions out of Education and America will regain it's place as the best educated in the world.
John II| 9.21.10 @ 11:45PM
Right. But "School Choice" and charters and homeschooling are among the concrete ways to force the issue. You don't think all those public school bureaucrats and overpaid administrators and corrupt union bosses and bought-and-paid-for liberal politicians are going to get off the stage without being shoved, do you?
Damn. I almost lost control over that tag-question. And now back to my "Mr. Peepers" and "Our Miss Brooks" DVD collections.
Dixiedrifter| 9.21.10 @ 6:32PM
Powell - what a guy. If he is a true Repub, somehow I've got to find a way to get my dog to the voting booth. Geez..... Senility, it has no limits. Dubya for all his shortcomings has kept quiet, the mark of some intelligence. Powell needs to decline all future requests to appear on public broadcast networks, he glaringly shows his ignorance with domestic policy issues.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:42PM
Dubya is loyal to his friends. Powell is not. I can't stand those who betray their "friends" like he does.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:44PM
Bush is infinitely better than this Obama-loving traitor.
RCV| 9.21.10 @ 6:50PM
Colin Powell is, in fact, one of today's most admired Americans, as polls have shown. Of course, he's no longer admired by the TAS crowd. As with anyone who deviates from the party line on any issue, they are immediately demonized and spoken of as loathsome.
Colin Powell has done more to serve his country than all the TAS crowd combined. He is a true American hero.
Gill O’Teen ✝✡$| 9.21.10 @ 7:21PM
Excuse me, isn’t your team the very same that was trashing the general for the part he played in taking us into war in Iraq? But now that he’s flipped and is promoting the statist agenda, you rush to his defense. Benedict Arnold also did more to serve this country than did anybody with whom you align. Nonetheless, he betrayed OUR Country and died a traitor. Bowel will suffer the same ignominious end. When he joined the kommie kool-aid hype and chains brigade, he violated his soldier’s oath and helped sell us out to georgie porgie sore-ass.
.Gill O’Teen ✝✡$
Don’t Tread on Me.
gill.Oteen07041776@gmail.com
“Is there not some chosen curse, Some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven, Red with uncommon wrath, to blast the man Who owes his greatness to his country's ruin?” - Joseph Addison
Only 852 days to go
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:40PM
It didn't start there. As the more loyal around him attest, he backstabbed Bush any chance he got. Hence how he was oh-so-much more popular than those who stuck by him, who were loyal. He also supports liberal policies like affirmative action and gun control, leaked with Armitage things to betray Bush with, even during the Gulf War, he stopped us from pursuing Saddam further.
Christopher Holland| 9.21.10 @ 8:47PM
Anybody fooled by Colin Powell and his shabby, despicable record will be fooled by anybody. Look out for salesmen for used cars and vacuum cleaners, they will take every cent your have.
rjh| 9.21.10 @ 7:35PM
RCV: "Colin Powell has done more to serve his country than all the TAS crowd combined." Your statement displays your utter ignorance and blind bias. Tell me, how could you possibly know this to be true?
John II| 9.21.10 @ 11:49PM
Actually, I know that it's false, because I know, for example, me--and I'm just a small part of this "crowd."
Roberto has these black-outs now and then. We have to make allowances.
RCV| 9.22.10 @ 1:40PM
I'm a lawyer. Trust me.
Greg| 9.21.10 @ 9:02PM
Powell is just another useless RINO like Lindsay Grahamnesty and Juan McCain. I have no respect for the man.
Obbop | 9.21.10 @ 10:43PM
Colin Powell declared the un-declared his hiring of illegal aliens but is still on record as supporting the ongoing invasion of the USA by mega-millions of ILLEGAL aliens that are especially harmful in oh-so many ways to USA citizen working-poor.
Sorry, Powell. I now despise you and consider you a traitor, a member of the ruling elites who spit into the faces of We, the People and it is my opinion that since you laugh at federal law regarding an invasion of our once-sovereign country that you be stripped of your military pension and face trial in a federal court
Longplay| 9.21.10 @ 11:27PM
From the first time Powell's name was floated as a Presidential candidate, I thought that supporting him would be the GOP version of "white guilt". Powell is a nice guy but he hasn't an ounce of understanding of political philosophy.
Answers1| 9.22.10 @ 2:29AM
No one listens to Colin Powell much anymore.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:32PM
Libs do. He's the "good" member of W's admin, after all.
Yosemeti Sam| 9.22.10 @ 2:45AM
" ... Gen. Powell still considers himself a Republican...."
For what earthly reason - he has the political mark of Cain upon him?
Ross| 9.22.10 @ 3:42PM
Quite frankly this issue should never have gotten into politics. It's amazing how we men have a better answer for a given situation then what we are taught in the Bible. Obviously these people in high places need to read it. There are those you can trust and there are those you can't regardless of their position, personal or political view. We as a people can think for ourselves. However we don't. A lot of our problems would be resolved if we would take the advise that Noah Webster gave to his student. When you exercise your right to vote, vote for God fearing men. Show me just one in our Congress that fears God.
Handy| 9.22.10 @ 8:28PM
I actually met Colin Powell several times. The first time was at a high-level briefing for Caspar Weinberger. Powell was a three star at the time, I think.
As we action officers left the conference room, we were laughing. Powell had no clues as to what was going on. Caspar actually intervened to keep Colin from embarrassing himself even further.
We nicknamed Powell the "Chocolate Michelin Doughboy."
A lot of weirdos become generals. I had the duty to watch over a really strange case. This guy put his medals on backwards and upside down. Why? Because they looked that way in the mirror.
There are millions of strange stories in the Naked City. Colin Powell is just one of them.
Oh, and BTW, the truth about My Lai and Powell's involvement has yet to be told. Powell was Lt. Calley's boss.
Jerry| 9.22.10 @ 8:48PM
Handy, finally, someone speaks the truth germane to the great general whose achievements were accomplished on the backs and at the sacrifice and expense of many outstanding soldiers as well as through quota based promotions forced on the Army by Congress.
Jerry| 9.22.10 @ 8:29PM
First, Walter Conkrite was a socialist in like manner with LBJ and JFK, who through his Maoist tactics was instrumental in turning the American will and sentiment against victory in Vietnam. Second, JFK and LBJ caused the dumbing of America that continues almost fifty years after the fact. Third, thank you for your service General Powell; but, please, do the Republican Party and America a favor, just fade away.
Ralph| 9.22.10 @ 10:14PM
Colin Powell is irrelevant. The only reason he gets any attention is because the left wing Sunday shows put him on from time to time.
He showed what he was made of in 2008. He's a hypocrite and he made his endorsement decision based on one thing only. And we all know what that was.
RCV| 9.22.10 @ 10:42PM
Yes, his power of reasoning.
Jerry| 9.23.10 @ 8:32AM
RCV, you are in denial and apparently not very educated in the matter at hand. What you have written in several instances germane to "If You've Lost Colin Powell" are factually incorrect and like substantiating or supporting evidence. |
Jerry| 9.23.10 @ 8:39AM
Please excuse the misspelling in my previous reply. In the second sentence, nineteenth word, "like" should be replaced with "lack".
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:30PM
I beleive what Cheney's right on the mark about him. He was no good all along.
S. Smith| 9.25.10 @ 12:00PM
Most trusted man??? I lost any trust I had in Powell when he came out in support of the current president during the 2008 campaign. I think the author of this article gives Colin Powell too much credit in being a "force" that got Obama elected. I really don't care what the man has to say!
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:28PM
People like us don't, but for some reason, he's been heavily overrated by the public. Colin Powell and Oprah's endorsements helped push Obama over the edge to get the nomination.
S.Lee| 9.25.10 @ 7:15PM
These posts are certainly entertaining and insightful. I hope all of you will vote in the Nov. elections. Vote all incumbents out. Vote for independents. Maybe that will work.
Jane Jamison | 9.25.10 @ 7:40PM
THE MOST TRUSTED MAN in America? The man who "leaked" to the liberal news media to betray the president he served? Are you kidding me? You liberals do not get it. We don't give a crap what Colin Powell says. He is discredited. He is a self-serving traitor. He is no Republican. Look in the dictionary under CRAP WEASEL and Colin's picture is there.
Shame on him for aiding and abetting a Marxist and now flaccidly admitting he was wrong.
pfft.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:26PM
Thank you. He doesn't deserve the adoration given to him, and he betrayed Bush.
Patricia| 9.29.10 @ 3:59AM
If Colin Powell is really interested in helping minorities help themselves, then work with Dr. Bill Cosby.
The day Powell announced his intention to vote for Obamaniac was the day I lost all respect for him. And they tried to tell us race had nothing to do with it! Yeah, right....
jacky | 3.20.11 @ 6:02AM
I was in a McDonalds a while ago
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:21PM
Ken, Colin Powell is massively overrated. This was sort of like those critiques the left has of itself; he said nothing of expanding government as he wants him to do that.
At least McCain was actually tortured, so he beats him in the military department despite both being quite Democratic.
Disloyal and oppositional, his positions have always been quite liberal.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 1:25PM
How come he was so adored while people like you, and many others I know of right off the bat, aren't? I don't think it's fair. The media loves him because he's a glory-hogging, disloyal, Obama supporter.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 2:40PM
Gonzales was so, so, so much more deserving of praise than this overrated gasbag Powell. But everybody hated him, while Powell had the ground he stood on worshiped.
Timmy| 11.15.11 @ 2:43PM
By everyone, I mean most people. It was so stupid. Powell just backstabs everyone and gets idolized.
He'll never do something if it's unpopular, he can't stand being unpopular, so he tore his old colleagues down because they were.
jacky | 2.25.12 @ 12:28AM
Gonzales was so, so, so much more deserving of praise than this overrated gasbag Powell. But everybody hated him, while Powell had the ground he stood on worshiped.