Thread: Meet the Press

Was I the only one surprised that Colon Powell actually came out and stated that he was going to vote for Sen. Obama? Personally, I thought he might vote party lines. From what he said in the interview, it's more about character and composure for him than issues. I'm sure that some people will say Powell is voting color. I disagree for one reason: I'm black and if Obama wasn't concerned with the middle-class and the outsourcing of American jobs but McCain was, I'd vote for McCain. Now I can't say that all Blacks (African-American for you "pc" wack-jobs), but I think Powell is intelligent enough to put race aside. Now the biggest question is, how does McCain deal with this? Does he address this and bring it to the attention of those who missed it, or sweep it under the rug and find an issue that's near and dear to America's heart that he can win with?

I don't know what McCain can attack Powell on - he is more successful in the military than McCain was (McCain went into politics when he finally realized he was not going to get a star), he is a vet of ground combat in VietNam, and I am sure he is better educated than McCain, Powell having earned his advancement, starting in ROTC, rather than relying on Daddy to get advancement. As far as being surprised, I'm not and - like you - I don't think race has anything to do with it. I had always wondered if Gen. Powell left the White House each day, asking himself "Am I the ONLY sane person in there?"

I Powell had run for the office, I would have voted for him. Intelligent, articulate, reasoned, level-headed, experienced - I think he is one of the top US leaders in the last 25 years.

There's no way McCain can attack it. Powell is one of the most respected men in this country, and it would only make McCain look extremely tacky to try to attack him. He might be voting race, but who can really say otherwise except Powell himself?

I thought this was expected, at least over the last several days. McCain has nothing to gain by attacking Powell and a lot to loose, so I think he'll stick to his initial response, and hope the story dies quickly.
It doesn't appear that this has anything to do with race - the reasoning Powell gave seems quite fitting to him. I think his timing was impecable, as well - at this point it's pretty clear that only a miracle can get McCain to win, so Powell is just trying to regain influence in the party and get back the power from the crowd that Palin panders to. The sooner the republicans return to more moderate and reasonable positions the better for everybody.

Originally Posted by gugi

at this point it's pretty clear that only a miracle can get McCain to win

I think that your evaluation is not necessarily correct. There is a lion sleeping on the floor and nobody has yet to look down at McCain's feet. I am referring to the Christian vote. They number 217 million strong and I can tell you that most are silent and unassuming. I think they will vote in large numbers and the vast majority are not going to vote for Obama.

We all heard when Gore ran how he was a shoe in, we all heard how Hillary was a shoe in and of course there was Kerry who was measuring the drapes. I think we all have a dog in the race but if you look at Zogby, the race is neck and neck. We have also found in the past that money will not buy a inaugural suit for big spenders. It is going to be interesting to say the least.

Take Care,
Richard

Well, we'll know in a little over two weeks, but you may want to recheck your numbers, Somehow they don't reconcile with the census.
Both candidates are nominally Christian, so I'd be very interested if you could elaborate a bit more on your argument.

As far as I remember Bush outspent Gore and Kerry, although I don't think the spending was the deciding factor. Hilary Clinton was presumed to get the nomination easily, largely because of the already developed political machine she had, at her disposal, but Obama proved he can run a campaign a whole lot better than her, and then better than McCain, as well.

Originally Posted by WireBeard

I don't know what McCain can attack Powell on

Well, Buchanan and Limbaugh certainly found a way.

It wasn't surprising at all to me. The fact is, while Powell is nominally Republican, on some very hardcore issues, he's liberal. I believe that to be the reason he never ran for president on a Republican ticket; he knew he couldn't get the Republican base.

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

There's no way McCain can attack it. Powell is one of the most respected men in this country, and it would only make McCain look extremely tacky to try to attack him. He might be voting race, but who can really say otherwise except Powell himself?

Speaking as an outsider for a moment, I can tell you that in Europe, Powell is possibly the most respected (ex)member of the Bush administration.
When he quit I thought he'd rather quit and retain his honor and dignity than stay and milk it for all it was worth.
But then again, even when he was still part of the clan, he was the voice of reason.

As a sidenote, I think that voting party line by default is the most silly thing you can do.
I certainly never do. As soon as you do that, your vote is taken for granted and you become unimportant. Only if they have to win your vote do they care for it, in the same way that cell phone providers will give nice benefits to people making the switch to their network, and not to the people who are already on it.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Speaking as an outsider for a moment, I can tell you that in Europe, Powell is possibly the most respected (ex)member of the Bush administration.

That's about the reputation he enjoys here as well.