McCain on Powell: “I wished he had taken the opportunity to meet Governor Palin”
posted at 6:49 pm on October 20, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Strange behavior indeed for a man who claims to have deliberated so thoroughly and whose endorsement, we’re assured, means so much to the electorate.
No phone call, either.
Remember, they’ve been friends for decades. McCain even allegedly considered him for VP.
“I was surprised that he didn’t call me before,” McCain told the Tribune-Review in an exclusive telephone interview on the eve of a campaign swing through Pennsylvania that includes a rally at Robert Morris University in Moon…
Powell acknowledged a close relationship with McCain for more than two decades, saying he weighed the decision long and hard. One reason Powell gave for not endorsing McCain was the Republican’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Powell said he doesn’t consider Palin prepared to be president, which is the primary role of the vice president.
McCain chided Powell for criticizing Palin.
“I wished he had taken the opportunity to meet Governor Palin,” McCain said. “I’m proud to have four former secretaries of state endorse me and over 200 admirals and generals who are retired support me.”
Here’s Limbaugh lighting into him on today’s show. Whether race influenced his decision is a fruitless subject since there’s no way to prove it either way; I’m willing to take a former Joint Chiefs chair at his word, and the boss notes that there’s no need to impute to racial politics what’s equally well explained by Powell’s social liberalism. The more interesting question is whether the public thinks race had something to do with it and, if so, how that’ll affect the weight of the endorsement. Gallup and Rasmussen will presumably/hopefully have something to say about that within the next 48 hours.
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Why would Powell want to meet Gov. Palin? Powell has been kissing liberal butt for a while now.
upinak on October 20, 2008 at 6:52 PM
lol @ the shot at Schumer. Mitchell is worthless now as a journalist, I think.
I think McCain’s answer was good.
Spirit of 1776 on October 20, 2008 at 6:53 PM
I don’t think it would have made a difference. I agree with Rush. He decided a long time ago but waited for the proper time and effect. The idea that he labored over his decision is asinine.
So he didn’t like the vitriol coming from the McCain Camp.
Hmmm, what planet did Powell move to after he left the administration.
hawkdriver on October 20, 2008 at 6:53 PM
Powell has always been a social conservative. There was NO way he was going to endorse McCain.
But, this “endorsement” was about as WEAK as you could possibly get.
He basically said, “I’m going to vote for Obama”. But, did you notice he didn’t say “And I THINK ALL AMERICANS should vote fo him?”
WHY NOT? Because Powell is trying to protect his legacy.
originalpechanga on October 20, 2008 at 6:53 PM
It wouldn’t matter if he DID meet Sarah Palin. She wouldn’t provide the right KIND of “diversity.”
Star20 on October 20, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Why do you feel the need to lie? Powell is pro-abortion and that disqulafies him from being considered a “Social COnservative.”
Elizabetty on October 20, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Most of the opposition to McCain is that he no longer denounces the “agents of intolerance”. They think he might actually be a Christian and they KNOW Palin is. And that’s why they hate him. It’s all about the social issues. It’s more about the social issues for liberals than it is for conservatives. They will not tolerate any more conservatives on the supreme court. Period.
D0WNT0WN on October 20, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Powell is a war criiminal to Obamabi’s serious supporters.
Good luck with that, Colin.
profitsbeard on October 20, 2008 at 6:56 PM
Ding ding ding.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 20, 2008 at 6:56 PM
Powell has just flushed his credibility down the crapper. He will be spoken of with the same affection we have for Clark and Murtha.
csdeven on October 20, 2008 at 6:57 PM
He endorsed Obama. All such past sins are forgiven. YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK OF THIS AGAIN.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 20, 2008 at 6:57 PM
When was the last time Powell was really relevant? Bueller…?
Fletch54 on October 20, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Hate to disagree with the boss, but Rush is right. Would Powell have endorsed Hillary or Richardson if he or she were the nominee because he didn’t like Palin and the tone of McCain’s campaign? Could you imagine that happening?
CanadianGuy on October 20, 2008 at 6:58 PM
He’s nothing more than your average bureaucrat that puts his finger in the air and goes which ever way he thinks the wind is blowing, nothing more.
Oh and according to Mark Levin, Powell promised McCain he wouldn’t endorse anyone this time around. Surprised? I’m not.
thirteen28 on October 20, 2008 at 6:58 PM
JiangxiDad on October 20, 2008 at 7:01 PM
I know it wont get posted here so I will do it.
broker1 on October 20, 2008 at 7:01 PM
I’m curious how the Powell endorsement is going over on lefty sites.
Is Powell suddenly a reformed person whose opinion matters? Or do they still hate him just as much as they have for the past few years?
JadeNYU on October 20, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Chris Matthews is literally ejaculating over Powell’s endorsement.
Speedwagon82 on October 20, 2008 at 7:01 PM
So, Colin Powell RELIED on the NYT and WAPO, MSNBC and CNN to formulate his views on Governor Palin?
He didn’t even MEET his own party’s prospective VP?
Uh, did he look at the intelligence before he went to the UN?
originalpechanga on October 20, 2008 at 7:02 PM
T-M-FREAKIN’-I!!!
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 20, 2008 at 7:02 PM
Yeah? Why won’t it get posted, smartass? Want me to collect all the posts I’ve written about polls that were trending well, starting with this morning’s? Whiny little baby.
Allahpundit on October 20, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Thank you for your service Gen. Powell, but I’d never, ever, wish to have you as a friend.
Weasels and fakes are indignant.
Entelechy on October 20, 2008 at 7:04 PM
He is a RACIST and a SEXIST……what a guy!
SDarchitect on October 20, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Can’t wait for the photos “proving” Powell has been at Obama’s side since the beginning.
We’ve always been at war with Eastasia
JiangxiDad on October 20, 2008 at 7:05 PM
You just have to have an Anbar Awakening and drink their Kool-Air and then you’re in their camp; with no crime being too severe. Woman beater, child-molester, wife-cheater, campaign fund misuser and in the case of Tookie Williams even cold, blooded murder can be redemptive.
There are probably only two people in the world this courtesy would not be extended to.
Guesses?
hawkdriver on October 20, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Breaking news – Messrs Richardson and Powell are opening a new club.
Entelechy on October 20, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Powell is and always has been a liberal and how he ever became a Republican is a deep mystery. He’s been pouting ever since he left the state department and is using this action to get back at the Administration. Go away General, you’ve long since lost your glitter.
rplat on October 20, 2008 at 7:07 PM
I know that this is neither here nor their but am I the only one who thinks that Powell’s face looks quite a bit like a woman’s face?
MB4 on October 20, 2008 at 7:09 PM
I used to admire him, but Powell’s become an opportunist, a back-stabbing snake. He needs to expressly renounce the GOP and join the Dems. This Colin snake has been killin’ us quietly long enough that I’d say, ‘GOOD RIDDANCE”.
petefrt on October 20, 2008 at 7:10 PM
I’m guessing Palin is one, Rush the other.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 20, 2008 at 7:10 PM
I lost all respect for Powell over the Scooter Libby witch hunt as he sat silently and allowed Armitage to hang Scooter out to dry. Now I confess a level of disdain for Powell as he obviously attempts to play kingmaker in this election with so much on the line for our country. His justification for his decision to endorse Obama while he slams at Palin is beyond lunacy. His overtones in his comments about Palin that have appeared in quotes ring of racism, sexism and bigotry.
Texas Gal on October 20, 2008 at 7:11 PM
Heard BO would consider Powell for a position (advisory). So the payoff is in play.
kurtzz3 on October 20, 2008 at 7:11 PM
He’s a social liberal. You’re the last one in the country that now knows.
Do your homework before you post such blatant lies.
Have you not learned anything on HA at all?
Sapwolf on October 20, 2008 at 7:12 PM
vs
I guess reading the New York times editorial page on Sarah Palin is as good as Powell’s word……….
By the way, why are Obama’s Medical Records, School Records, Graduate Thesis, State Senate Record, Community Organizing Record, and just about anything and everthing that would shed light as to who this guy really is, are sealed?
…………. and why is no one asking the question, why?
Seven Percent Solution on October 20, 2008 at 7:12 PM
DUN DUN DUNNNNNN… THE PLOT THICKENS…
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 20, 2008 at 7:12 PM
+1
It was a simple decision for Powell, one made long ago (he has been advising the Osama Obama campaign for “some time”):
“I’m black, he’s black; give a brother a break!”
MrScribbler on October 20, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Hmmm….I bet they’d forgive Palin if she converted to a pro-abortion stance and said how much she regretted the burden of her baby.
George W. Bush has to be one of the two that they’d never forgive.
JadeNYU on October 20, 2008 at 7:13 PM
And he is absolutely part of the crowd that would rather do away with the pro-lifers entirely from the Republican Party. He’s not just pro-abortion, he’s a no-limits pro-abortion proponent.
hawkdriver on October 20, 2008 at 7:13 PM
General Petraeus and Clarence Thomas
JiangxiDad on October 20, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Now, if we can only find a Raul the Restaurant Manager in Miami, we just might pull it off. Cool.
Sapwolf on October 20, 2008 at 7:14 PM
Thanks for posting that, I did not know.
redrock on October 20, 2008 at 7:14 PM
It’s in the headlines.
JiangxiDad on October 20, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Colin Powell just went from respected General to yet another B.O. lackey.
Any respect I used to have for this guy is now gone for good.
He is no better than the buffoonish butt-kissing Army General from Tim Burton’s sci-fi spoof “Mars Attacks!” who winds up getting zapped to dust.
Come to think of it, it wouldn’t surprise me if Burton used Powell as the inspiration for that character.
pilamaye on October 20, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Powell is indeed a social liberal but so is McCain.
What makes a man embedded in Republican politics and a four star General come joint Chiefs come Secretary of State in a Republican administration joint a far left anti war obligated liberal?
This is the man who made the case for war in Iraq and knows full well the anti military motive of Obama and nearly all of the liberal, Code Pinko, MoveON, Media Matters, Huffington, The Nation, party, he’s been hoisted and rotisseried by the very people he’s now joined.
Powell is at the exact same level of Conservatism McCain is, that’s why they’ve been budds on the same wavelength all these years.
Its a sad day, a very sad day.
Look who Colin Powell has turned his back on.
Speakup on October 20, 2008 at 7:16 PM
I’d say Bush and Cheney couldn’t get into their liberal good graces if they threw themselves on the mercy of a liberal kangaroo court accusing them of war crimes and endorsed Obama to boot. I bet they’d turn down the endorsement.
hawkdriver on October 20, 2008 at 7:17 PM
True, true.
Spirit of 1776 on October 20, 2008 at 7:18 PM
It bewilders me, if Powell was seriously considering both candidates, why he didn’t take an hour of his day and meet with Sarah Palin. Then he could say he met her and was not impressed, or say that he was impressed. That is what people seeking the truth do, they research. And he has the inside track to have done that.
But to not meet with McCain after decades of friendship? No class…look a friend in the eye and tell him man to man…if you are a man.
right2bright on October 20, 2008 at 7:20 PM
I think the bigger deal is whether Powell went dancing because he felt the need to project an image before hand…that would be kind of sad. He is no Michael Powell
tomas on October 20, 2008 at 7:20 PM
Powell was never in the running for VP… he was annoyed at the notion that his team put his name out there…
ninjapirate on October 20, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Not quite. Obama will lose on Nov 4. Powell, Noonan, Frum, et al are farked. Royally, rectally farked.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Of course it’s a race based decision. No honest or intelligent person could ever vote for Obama in the first place, and I’d like to think Powell is (or has been) honest and intelligent. There’s no other explanation. Again folks, we’re talking about a terrorist befriending, infanticide supporting, racist church attending, gaffemaster socialist who’s accomplished virtually nothing and has been riding his race for decades. It’s actually just silly that he’s even holding public office, much less running for the job of leader of the free world. There is absolutely no reason to vote for him. None. And anyone who claims there is, is either lying or a complete idiot.
RightWinged on October 20, 2008 at 7:23 PM
I think it was race, more than anything else. Not to mention the fact that Powell likes the strong horse and right now the media says that is Obama.
Terrye on October 20, 2008 at 7:24 PM
There are three reasons that someone endorses someone else: the reason they tell others, the reason they tell themselves and the real reason.
Tav on October 20, 2008 at 7:24 PM
It has been said before. He can now change the official spelling of his name to “Colon”.
Buford Gooch on October 20, 2008 at 7:24 PM
That is the trend, right or wrong AP, that is what many now see. You are appearing to be a Palin discounter, a McCain “good poll” discounter…kind of the K-mart of the Republican party.
Not saying you are, just saying your posts have been interpreted that way.
right2bright on October 20, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Gotcha. Still say Rush is pretty high up there too though.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 20, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Manly, I’m trying so hard, but your unbridled confidence is knocking my stuff in the dirt. Please keep it up, I’m drawing energy from your posts.
Seriously!
hawkdriver on October 20, 2008 at 7:25 PM
It’s obvious from the context that he meant to say social liberal, not conservative. Why throw the lie accusation around needlessly?
Darth Executor on October 20, 2008 at 7:26 PM
It has been said before: he can now change the official spelling of his name to “Colon.”
Sorry if this is double posted, but the first one didn’t show up.
Buford Gooch on October 20, 2008 at 7:27 PM
You are a smart dude, but I have to disagree. 1) Believe it or not, Rush has liberal friends and liberals that admire his success. 2) these guys understand logistics and would welcome a shrill voice on talk radio speaking their points (for as long as Rush would last in that changed capacity)
And that’s what liberals will never get. Even if Rush did that, we move on without him. They truly believe he’s the Pied Piper over us.
hawkdriver on October 20, 2008 at 7:29 PM
I just heard on Hewitt that McCain had a 1 point lead in Florida.
Blake on October 20, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Literally? Video or it didn’t happen. Then again, maybe I’ll just take your word for it on this one.
mattshu on October 20, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Obama needs someone else to give him FP creds. Strike one.
Powell’s entire career is 180 degrees out of phase with Obama’s war policies. Strike 2.
Powell didn’t take one hour out of his day to vet the reports in the MSM about SarahCuda. Strike 3.
You’re out Powell. You just turned yourself into another former patriot who became a political hack.
csdeven on October 20, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Ok, I have it ask-was it at least on Olby’s face?
nevermind.
mattshu on October 20, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Well, I never see his hands above the desk when he’s talking about Obama.
hawkdriver on October 20, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Well, you know what the news is missing today.
Imagine if Senator McCain and Governor Palin visited Fayetteville NC and while they were here, never made it even on to Ft. Bragg let alone get into Womack Hospital to visit the wounded troops there.
Story?
You bet your ash!
As it was, Obama visited Cumberland County Arena, must make spent millions in ads and didn’t get within 10 miles of post.
hawkdriver on October 20, 2008 at 7:36 PM
So now the thrill is running down his leg?
right2bright on October 20, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Good honorable soldier.
Terrible statesman, awful politician.
Write your book and retire, Colin, before your soil yourself with Obama dung.
bloviator on October 20, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Too late.
csdeven on October 20, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Powell endorsed Obama because Obama and Powell are black.
Powell may have been a courageous man on the field of battle but off of it, a coward.
carbon_footprint on October 20, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Powell timed his endorsement for maximum effect. His timing has nothing to do with anything other than this.
Unfortunately, for Powell, race trumped all. There is simply no other explaination.
BTW, how come white guys never get to be “eloquent” or “articulate”?
gridlock2 on October 20, 2008 at 7:39 PM
The New Yorker says Ken Adelman is now voting for Obama.
The news apparently came out today. Already, Adelman’s wiki bio has been updated to reflect the news.
JiangxiDad on October 20, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Because Gridlock2: white, heterosexual Republican men are not allowed any handicaps in life. Something to do with paying for the supposed sins of our ancestors.
carbon_footprint on October 20, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Does anyone else remember all the heat Bush took over Colin’s son being head of the FCC? Glad to know his support was well rewarded.
/sarcasm
Speedwagon82 on October 20, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Adelman on Obama:
JiangxiDad on October 20, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Over on my personal blog, I just had my second commenter (ever), and he has instructed me that my post on this matter (wherein I wondered [prior to McCain's statement] about the juxtaposition of both sexism and racism) makes me a racist.
McCain’s statement indicates that he and Powell had fallen out of touch. If this was McCain’s doing, I’m betting that Obama did not make that mistake. If so, Powell’s endorsement may have less to do with racism or sexism and more to do with vanity. Then again, if McCain did stay in touch with Powell, I’m back to sexism/racism as a driver.
Curious minds are inquiring.
unclesmrgol on October 20, 2008 at 7:46 PM
BO also let slip out today that Colon (heh) has been ADVISING him all this time too.
So this was a contrived announcement; with the media, the Dems, and Colon himself in on the dishonesty from the start.
Let’s roll.
ex-Democrat on October 20, 2008 at 7:48 PM
And yet the good people of Alaska saw fit to choose her over two former governors. That’s why we have elections and not coronations. The people decide.
I wouldn’t hire Ken Adelman to mow my lawn with judgement like that.
SAZMD on October 20, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Then draw energy. Victory is ours.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 7:50 PM
In favor of abortion = not a social conservative = social liberal. What is the difference?
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 7:52 PM
yeah way to go Colon. Friggin traitor. He was a soft General anyway.
Palins going from Governor to VP. She’s not someone off the street.
johnnyU on October 20, 2008 at 7:55 PM
I suspect that’s the reason J-Mac eased off of the Reverend Wrigtht angle of attack.
Now it’s a different ballgame and I can’t help but wonder if Schmidt is whispering into Mac’s ear, “He screwed you, Senator. He screwed you royally. Buried a shiv in your back. Sold you out. Betrayed you. It’s time, Senator. Time to cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war.”
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 7:58 PM
I am a social conservative and I do not want to criminalize abortion, neither did Barry Goldwater.
Hilts on October 20, 2008 at 7:58 PM
Which can also sum up McCain, which is why Powell’s endorsement of Obama is such a mystery.
More seriously, Powell’s endorsement of Obama does nothing. Many of us on the right would be negative of Powell jumping on the McCain bandwagon after his letting the Bush administration take all the heat from treason within his own department. One public announcement or phone call would have taken all the wind out of the Plame witch hunt. Instead of doing the honorable thing this political traitor stayed silent.
highhopes on October 20, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Powell is sure to regret this endorsement. It will come back to bite him. Hasn’t he seen what becomes of Obama’s “friends”?
EMD on October 20, 2008 at 8:00 PM
And Obama is prepared how? What has he done to show this?
jharada on October 20, 2008 at 8:02 PM
Fair enough.
At what point does human life become a human being?
Are all human beings human persons?
Is personhood intrinsic to humanity or is it a status granted by the state?
I’m curious to see your answers to these questions.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 8:02 PM
There is a giant leap from anti-abortion to wanting to criminalize the detestable practice of killing of unborn life. I can’t imagine how any human being can advocate abortion let alone self-described social conservatives. I’m guessing you are as much a conservative as Huckabee is an evangelical Christian- not at all.
The political solution of leaving it to states is best. That way if you live in a state with enough like-minded monsters as yourself you’ll have no problem with furthering the culture of death and the rest of us can give the unborn a shot at staying alive. Seriously, defend why abortion is ever the answer outside of medical reasons or sexual crimes.
highhopes on October 20, 2008 at 8:04 PM
Where the F#$% is the McCain press conference with the other four Secs. of State and all the generals who have endorsed him? McCain hasn’t done ANY if this basic Campaign 101 stuff. Where’s the press conference with the five Nobel Prize economists saying Obama’s economic plan is a disaster?
**beats head against wall**
rockmom on October 20, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Two words: Affirmative Action President
carbon_footprint on October 20, 2008 at 8:08 PM
So was General CLark. And they supported him. What difference does it make. Move over Scott McClellan, Colin Powell is taking your spot. Until the next one comes along, and they Powell will have to move for their next object of adulation.
Congratulations, Powell. Have fun being a democrat.
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 8:09 PM
I have to admit, I didn’t watch Gen. Powell’s endorsement. From what I understand, Gen. Powell endorsed Sen. Obama based on economic policy and his choice of Vice President.
Gen. Powell is a former National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State. And yet, his endorsement does not appear to be related to either national security or foreign policy… subjects in which Gen. Powell could be considered an expert.
Is this correct? Because, if so, my response to the General’s endorsement is a resounding “meh”.
malclave on October 20, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Colon Powell endorsed Obama because he is black.
HELLO??
Everybody knows this, right?
SaintOlaf on October 20, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Supposedly, Powell is a crypto-Muslim who is plotting the destruction of the Orthodox Church. But confirmation is needed before Allah can break it into the headlines.
Better get going on this story, Olaf. We are relying on you to save Western civilization.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 8:20 PM
It’s a meaningless distinction since the story has already been written erroneously for obvious reasons but Obama isn’t black he is multi-racial with as much “white blood” as “black.” Were Obama running as a Ivy-league educated Republican, this fact would constantly be out there as proof he’s an Uncle Tom.
highhopes on October 20, 2008 at 8:21 PM
AP may be willing to give Powell the benefit of the doubt, but I’m not. Not after his behavior in the Plame affair; he’s no longer entitled to the presumption of honorable intent. He’s just another black person voting on the basis of racial identity. It wouldn’t have made a lick of difference if he’d met Sarah Palin before he made his Obama endorsement. The election of Gov. Palin as VP just wouldn’t be as “electrifying” for the world as the election of a black man as president.
As for Adelman, he joins the long list of idiots who are now voting for Obama with their fingers crossed – hoping against hope that as soon as he crosses the WH threshhold, Obama will somehow magically transform from the hyper-partisan, anti-American, racial-grievance-mongering, far Left Liberal/Socialist he’s been all his life and become a reasonable centrist who puts country first. Fat chance.
AZCoyote on October 20, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Amen, brother – especially since Bambi will be going down to certain defeat on November 4.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 8:26 PM
And Sexist..
Racist old Colon Powell is not only a bitter racist but a sexist too!
SaintOlaf on October 20, 2008 at 8:26 PM
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