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
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Don’t worry: it won’t be long before the left starts calling Colon Power “Uncle Tom” again.
AubieJon on October 20, 2008 at 8:35 PM
JiangxiDad on October 20, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Why do people keep acting like this was Colin’s idea? It’s his racist wife Alma who calls the shots in that household.
TMK on October 20, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Yeah! And an anti-Orthodox bigot, too! Go get him, Olaf!
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Powell never intended to do anything other than endorse Obama. That he would publicly rebuke Palin without having met her shows his disdain for white western women who show the wherewithall to be conservative and make a difference for the better!! Powell places himself into the category of a user and abuser. He doesn’t need any help looking in bad form with his head up his ass.
maverick muse on October 20, 2008 at 8:40 PM
You mean Powell needs to have a conversation with the woman who thinks she’s in touch with foreign policy vis a vis Russia because of her state’s location on the map?
This is also the woman who failed to:
- name 2 reasons why McCain is known as the ‘maverick’
- name another major Supreme Court Case outside of Roe vs. Wade
What did Powell miss by not calling her? A chance to find out for himself what a neat person Palin is? This isn’t about Palin’s cute personality, it’s about her knowledge and difficulty engaging in a serious conversation without falling back to memorized lines.
bayam on October 20, 2008 at 8:41 PM
You know that and I know that. Apparently Hilts is a *sigh* Drive-By Troll. Oh well.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 8:41 PM
A guy I work with has (for years) been a huge Powell fan.
Even wanted him to run for President.
He’s seriously confused now.
.
I’m not — Powell was a confront evil type of person until he assumed the DC mindset of dialog with evil — “they’re just like us, really”. And now he fits in quite well with most of those with moonbat tendencies.
least1 on October 20, 2008 at 8:42 PM
Perhaps he was relying on the Huffpo resume of Sarah Palin – as you apparently are, troll.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 8:44 PM
Don’t know. Hilts is nobody in particular.
JiangxiDad on October 20, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Nonsense. Of the social issues on which I know their policies, the biggest distinction is abortion, where Powell is pro-abortion and McCain is solidly pro-life.
Powell is also a big affirmative-action supporter, not surprisingly, as it is the only explanation for his career. But the truth is, I don’t know where McCain stands on legal government discrimination.
Jaibones on October 20, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Bros before hos
redrock on October 20, 2008 at 8:55 PM
I made this point elsewhere yesterday. On his single claim to knowledge, Colon either completely whiffs, or soils himself walking down the tunnel to the clubhouse, too afraid to enter the batter’s box.
Nothing about the ludicrous spectre of Obama as Commander in Chief of the U.S. armed forces.
Jaibones on October 20, 2008 at 8:57 PM
I thought her resume was Governor of Alaska for 2 years. Is there another, better resume that I should know about? Are you talking about her hockey mom background?
bayam on October 20, 2008 at 8:59 PM
I wonder who dropped the ball on advising Obama about Georgia this summer? Guess advice he’s getting from Powell may not be in his best interest after all.
tru2tx on October 20, 2008 at 9:00 PM
If his endorsement of Obama is based mainly on race and not actually examining Obama and Palin’s comparative experience then nothing as he can clearly see from afar that she is white.
MB4 on October 20, 2008 at 9:00 PM
Powell has been advising Obama for weeks now. This was meant to be an “October Surprise”. Feh. No surprise.
When audio is available, listen to The Great One’s (Mark Levin) show from tonight. He tears Powell apart, exposing him for the liberal that Powell is.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 20, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Actually, it’s a bit more than that. But I agree with you, Palin is only marginally more qualified than Obama.
malclave on October 20, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Race based decision. Nothing more.
madmonkphotog on October 20, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Just those two years is more executive experience than Obama has. Add to that an American who worked hard to get an education (without political connections) build a successful business, saw problems and ran for city council, mayor, then Govenor, fixing problems all the way….gee, seems fairly impressive to me.
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 9:15 PM
And which one is running for President? How much experience will she have after 4 or 8 years as VP?
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 9:17 PM
I would put it more than just ‘marginally.’
From what I know of Palin and Obama, I trust Sarah Palin as president to make the right choices for America than I do with Obama. If Obama is elected, I pray that nothing happens to Joe Biden.
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 9:19 PM
If you think that her intelligence and knowledge are up to par, then your statement is valid. Keep in mind that you’re practically repeating W’s resume point by point. And as Palin has pointed out, when Russia invades American airspace, it does so over Alaska. So be sure to add that qualification as well.
bayam on October 20, 2008 at 9:23 PM
If Colin Powell waited for the Liberals
to give him a position in Government,I
dare say he would still be waiting!
I wonder what position Hopey would allow
Powell to be in his administration,gawd
forbid,if ChangeLess is elected!
And he hasn’t met SarahCuda?
canopfor on October 20, 2008 at 9:23 PM
The reason I know that you are correct, as Rush said, Name the inexperienced white liberal democrat who Colin Powell endorsed.
Okay? What’s this inexperienced white liberal democrat who decided to begin his political career in a former terrorist’s house, and who is this person who chose to be a member of a racist white church for 20 years? Right? Who is that, Colin Powell? What is his name. This is about Choice. Judgment. The Decisions that this inexperienced white liberal democrat makes that cause him to earn your endorsement, Powell.
The reason that Powell can’t name this person is because he’s not black. Like Powell is.
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 9:23 PM
eh, I see Obomba kissing Hillary now. I guess she got a job too.
johnnyU on October 20, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Governor and mayor, yes. Both involving executive experience, albeit not in a presidential capacity.
But then…she’s not running for the office of president, is she? Obama is. And he has zero, zilch, zip executive experience. Nor does Obama have any – ANY – legislative accomplishments that he can call his own.
For the most part, he is a complete cipher: his college transcripts are secret, as are his post graduate transcripts, post-graduate papers and thesis; there is no paper trail to document his tenure in the Illinios legislature and we still have not seen his medical records.
And this is the guy Colin Powell endorsed for president.
Heh…good luck with all of THAT.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:24 PM
Yeah…and Bambi said we should unilaterally invade Pakistan to attack Al-Qaida. He said he would meet with genocidal despots without preconditions.
A real foreign policy genius you have on your ticket.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:27 PM
Fact is that Alaska is the first line of defense with regard to Russian attack in that part of the world.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:28 PM
I just checked the Rasmussen Report for Missouri. I found some of the wording odd;
“McCain still has an edge among white voters in the state, 48% to 45%, while Obama has a dominant lead among non-white voters.”
Why list the percentages for whites, but not the “non-whites?” Is it because the “dominant lead,” could suggest that the “non-whites” could be near unanimous in voting because of skin color?
Star20 on October 20, 2008 at 9:28 PM
So… 93% of black people support Obama and we’re suppose to be shocked that Powell supports him? A liberal, pro abortion, general of color supports a liberal, pro abortion, candidate of color.
Color me shocked!
The former VP candidate endorses McCain and it’s no big deal though.
Mojave Mark on October 20, 2008 at 9:29 PM
I’m glad you are able to keep clicking those ruby slippers but it’s hard not to be pessimistic.
There is no fire behind the GOP base.
ACORN has managed to muddy the waters in at least a dozen states and no matter how many more.
McCain may pull this out but I just don’t see where the “certain defeat” is in evidence.
highhopes on October 20, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Well look at that, you might get your wish after all.
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Tammy Bruce was just on O’Reilly and nailed Powell. She said the fact that he won’t even campaign for the one, shows that he neither has faith in his foreign or domestic policy expertise, or agrees w/his positions enough to defend them. Not that Powell even knows what those positions are enough to defend them! He never got into what specific positions he agrees w/Obama on yesterday and most of what he said was based on emotion and his impression that Obama is a great speaker. Imagine that?
JAM on October 20, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Then your hopes aren’t very high are they, Highhopes? heh. McCain will win. That is a fact. Make book on it.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:34 PM
ManlyRash
I now search for your name when I log in to Hot Air. I thank you for your enthusiasm. I feel it too and get saddened to see so much negativity.
McCain will win because Obama is such a flawed candidate. Sarah Palin is Reagan in a dress and will be President in 2012.
skree on October 20, 2008 at 9:36 PM
I certainly can. Powell is looking out for Powell – just as Noonan, Brookes, Frum, Barnes et al are looking out for themselves, in fear of an Obama thugocracy.
Trouble is…they are betting on the wrong horse. And after November 4 we shall not let them forget their treachery…shall we?
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Let’s not trash Gen. Powell as a racist or a betrayer of the GOP. We have no idea what went through his head. His public statements didn’t exactly lay out a convincing case, and race may have been a factor, but we don’t really know that he’s racist in some way. Gen. Powell served his country honorably. He was never a serious conservative and was always pretty up-front about being a moderate. He should have called Sen. McCain first – that would have been the decent thing to do, but this is politics. It’s a rough sport. Whatever Gen. Powell says makes no difference to me and probably not a lot of others. Will it help Obama – maybe, but Powell doesn’t command that much of a following nowadays. Let it go.
Jill1066 on October 20, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Or else?
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 9:39 PM
I’ve always respected Powell, but nolonger. The reason I heard he gave for his decision to endorse Obama and not McCain was because of the vitriol reportedly expressed at some McCain rallies. But has Powell ever spoken out against the vile vitriol the Left and the media have directed at President Bush for 8 years and of late at McCain? Powell’s condemnation of such behavior strikes me as selective and based on race, not principled.
Wendy on October 20, 2008 at 9:41 PM
I’m flattered and honored. *bows courteously*
I merely echo the future, sir/madam. McCain will be the next president. And, in 2012 Sarah Palin will be the first woman president of the United States.
Sarah Palin is the political love child of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:41 PM
No.
Remember, remember
The fourth of November…
The ACORN treason and plot.
I know of no reason
Why the ACORN Treason
Should ever be forgot.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:44 PM
manlyrash,
Please list the reasons why Obama should be President and Palin not Vice-President?
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Is this a joke? Perhaps you meant to ask that I list the reasons Palin should be president and Obama vice-president.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:46 PM
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 9:44 PM
I can’t think that ManlyRash could give one good reason why Obama should be president and Palin should NOT be VP? Have you been reading his posts?
JAM on October 20, 2008 at 9:48 PM
W
Go away you filthy liar. You have nothing to add of value.
highhopes on October 20, 2008 at 9:49 PM
It is a question I assumed you had an answer to
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Precisely. I’d much rather have the Vice President undergo on-the-job training than the President. Early on in the primry season, before we got to really fail to know Obama, I thought he might be a good V.P. candidate for the Democrats.
Oh, I trust Palin more than Obama as well… I was only referring to experience, not judgment. I consider their experience comparable, with her having the edge due to being elected as an executive rather than a legislator.
And I understand what you mean about Biden as well. Even Obama admits he needs someone “above his pay grade” to make decisions.
malclave on October 20, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Then why do you claim “There is no fire behind the GOP base.”? Looking in the mirror? I see a lot of fire when I see the news reports on their cheering crowds.
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 9:54 PM
I’ll agree with you (to an extent) about the racist stuff. Of course race is a factor in this campaign. It’s uncharted territory and Obama’s campaign along with the McCain campaign’s ineptitude has managed to make some issues tinged by race even when they are not not and have successfully taken some salient issues off the table for fear of being branded racist for even bringing them up. I’m willing to give Powell the benefit of the doubt about his motives.
As to the politcal traitor part, Powell is guilty as charged. Not over endorsing a Democrat but over a long list of treasonous acts that undermined the current administration and set the Democrats up so that somebody so visibly unqualified is leading in the polling two weeks before the election.
highhopes on October 20, 2008 at 9:55 PM
You come to my defense, madam!
*bows courteously*
I am honored.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 9:55 PM
You need to spend more time looking at a television news report on the rallies and less in the mirror.
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 9:56 PM
You see what you want to see. You are so filled with hatred toward anybody who dares give an honest assessment you make things up and then spew your lies to back up facts only in evidence in your partisan head.
Based on four years ago, there isn’t a fire behind the GOP base. Most conservatives I know are going to vote for McCain but resigned to the fact that Obama is going to win because, in part, McCain has run a dismal campaign.
Put another way, if there were a fire behind the base, filthy liars like you would be out of a job. There would be no need for you to attack anyone with criticism of McCain as an “Obama supporter who wants the terrorists to win.” You’ve posted that crap for weeks without effect because it is sheer stupidity.
highhopes on October 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM
One more time, in English? I don’t speak trollish. Unless someone can translate the high hopes post for me.
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Kind of tired of hearing that if Powell were really a racist, he would have endorsed Obama a long time ago. NO NO NO!! He just thought he could remain the good guy if he didn’t come down on either side. But, when he was offered a job with the OBAMA administration, it became more important to discard that idea and take his chances on going black on black. Not only is Powell a two faced racist, he’s about as self absorbed as they come. Perfect for the Obama people–he’ll fit right in.
jeanie on October 20, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I have seen more McCain yard signs and car stickers here in NC in the past week than I have ever seen. Something is afoot here. The backlash has begun, and this race-based endorsement is further kindling for the fire.
SouthernGent on October 20, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Rush’s initial response was exactly correct. Powell’s endorsement is about race…. didn’t he tell the school kiddies he had Chris’ tingle up his leg too?
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 20, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Like it or not…McCain will win on Nov 4.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Nah…it’s more like the Noonan Niggle…he’s looking out for #1. Trouble is, he stepped in #2, because McCain will win.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Wish I had some sort of verifiable evidence of Obama’s intelligence besides that a jew-hating buddy of his, which you guys love, sponsoring him as the token applicant at Harvard. He attended, yet refuses to release grades, papers, etc… Wonder why that is? Most likely the fool could not even write his own book, but needed his master Ayres to take care of that for him. So get back to me when there is any actual proof of your messiah’s intelligence.
Concerning Russia, Palin might make some mistakes in such a scenario, but at least she would be make an effort to defend the country. Obama, on the otherhand would send a fighter escort for the migs and bring the reds into the White House to go over their KGB checklist.
ClassicCon on October 20, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Watch out. high hopes doesn’t take too kindly to ‘McCain shills.’ It’s best that you agree with him that there is no support for teh hated McCain.
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Sorry to correct you ManlyRash… trolls must have you distracted.
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 20, 2008 at 10:11 PM
You don’t support somebody simply because you find them ‘transformational.’ That’s neutral. They have to represent something you heartily embrace. In Powell’s case, it’s a sharp turn to the left – the direction taken by most of this country’s enemies in the 20th and 21st centuries.
whitetop on October 20, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Depends on how Obama is going to “transform” America and the world. Does Powell actually think that because America elected Obama that terrorists around the world will put down their weapons and want to live together in peace?
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Even Manly Rash falters from time to time, CC. I’m only super-human, after all. Remind me to open a bottle of 25 year old McCallan for you on the fifth of November.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 10:15 PM
It appears I was wrong
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 10:15 PM
I don’t give a fiddler’s fuck what highhopes takes kindly to. Facts are stubborn things…he better get used to them.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 10:17 PM
jed58:
I am curious, what the heck are you talking about. Why would ManlyRash list qualifications for Obama being President when Obama has no qualifications to be President?
Vince on October 20, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Hopefully for them to prove they have at least the most minor of intellect on the subject.
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Old hippies never die…they appear from time to time on Hot Air and amuse us with their incoherence.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 10:30 PM
John McCain is being diplomatic with respect to Colin Powell. The rest of us can view Powell for what he is: a disloyal Washington D.C. insider who has used Democrat talking points to cover making a race based endorsement of an incompetent for Commander in Chief who has been friends with left wing radicals who made the sacrifices of Vietnam vets for naught. Disgusting. President Bush should have reamed Powell publicly once it became known that Powell knew Armitage was the source for Novak and did not tell Bush and Cheney, even with Powell out of office by then. Powell should not have the status he has. He has shown himself too many times.
Phil Byler on October 20, 2008 at 10:31 PM
And we will remember after the fourth of November.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 10:34 PM
No need. He and Obama both appear to be white, and I never considered him to be much involved in the GOP.
But, then, they never did.
Strong finish, Jill. You needed help, but we all do, now and again.
Jaibones on October 20, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Admit it, wise_man, you thought Powell was stupid, but not this stupid. Admit you were wrong. I was.
Jaibones on October 20, 2008 at 10:38 PM
jed58
well, since you think you have the “intellect” on the subject to judge ManlyRash on his unmade assertions, why don’t you lay it out for us?
If you think Obama has the qualifications to be President, say what they are? If you feel Palin lacks the qualifications to be VP, list them. Otherwise, your bait makes no sense. Why would Manly or anyone who hasn’t espoused Obama’s resume as up to the challenge for the office he seeks, defend said resume? It is a non sequitur…
Please, have at it dear sir…
JAM on October 20, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Powell’s in it for racial reasons only. Why not admit it? He does not agree with Obambi’s policies! He does not agree with Obambi’s politics! The real deal is why didn’t Powell announce 3 months earlier? This is just so obvious. The only reason Powell is voting for Obambi is race. Now he is running from the racial reasons for his endorsement! Really! Why not just admit the obvious! Everyone else has seen it. It is race, race, race!
Neocon Peg on October 20, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I always held out hope. No more. Powell now joins Noonan and the others. I won’t forget.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Rest easy, madam. Put thy sword in its scabbard. He is a fool and therefore of no account.
ManlyRash on October 20, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Manly-
I am trying to understand where he is coming from? It is a very bizarre request, don’t you think?
JAM on October 20, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Is it possible you have this backwards when directed at me?
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 10:52 PM
No. Your original question?
manlyrash,
Please list the reasons why Obama should be President and Palin not Vice-President?
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Why are you asking him? He has never given ANY reasons why Obama SHOULD be president. Why would he come up w/reasons just to amuse you, when he doesn’t believe there are any?
As far as Palin goes, Manly has given many reasons why she IS qualified. Not the other way around. WTF are you asking precisely?
JAM on October 20, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Dudes and dudettes! It’s the drugs, man.
Vince on October 20, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Looks as if I may have gotten names possibly mixed up in all the posts. That is enough to tell me it is way late and I will step out of the conversation. Have a 14 hour day again tomorrow but will rejoin conversations at a later date.
jed58 on October 20, 2008 at 11:02 PM
You know what’s ironic? This is:
“Diplomacy”
And who is on the left at the end of the animation?
wise_man on October 20, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I don’t think Colin Powell is a racist. Certainly not in the conventional sense of racism.
In spite of that, I believe this endorsement was all about race. Specifically, I think he feels a certain loyalty to an African American running for the Presidency, and even though he can’t truly endorse him as the best qualified, he’s determined to give him as much support as he can.
It’s still a decision based on race, though.
theregoestheneighborhood on October 20, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Stop pulling the Jesse Jackson stuff and playing the race card. No proof. Besides, who cares? My sense is that he’s still bitter from the Bush Administration sending him to the wolves in the form of the U.N. security council.
I think he made a lame argument re: Palin’s lack of experience compared to Barry’s, but the MSM isn’t gonna call him on it.
RMCS_USN on October 20, 2008 at 11:41 PM
In this election, the Democrats basically make this simple proposition to America, and apparently do so with with a straight face:
“We challenge Americans to prove they have achieved Dr. King’s vision of considering a person not by the color of their skin “but by the content of their character”, and demonstrating this by voting for our nominee because of the color of his skin, while regarding the content of his character as a distraction.”
drunyan8315 on October 20, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I respect Powell – but he is all about himself at this point. He wants to be on the perceived “right side” of history, and good intentions, as opposed to just being on the side of the debate.
“Hello bandwagon! Colin Frontrunner here!”
juanito on October 20, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Do your nation a favor, dude. Take an extra bong hit and keep sleeping till November 5. We’ll wake you then.
ManlyRash on October 21, 2008 at 12:06 AM
When should Mr. McCain make it known that he won’t run in 2012?
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Too bad you never bothered to read the *transcript* of the Gibson interview, rather than recalling the soundbyte he pulled for the TV segment. Here’s the segment on Russia in full:
“GIBSON: Let’s start, because we are near Russia, let’s start with Russia and Georgia.
The administration has said we’ve got to maintain the territorial integrity of Georgia. Do you believe the United States should try to restore Georgian sovereignty over South Ossetia and Abkhazia?
PALIN: First off, we’re going to continue good relations with Saakashvili there. I was able to speak with him the other day and giving him my commitment, as John McCain’s running mate, that we will be committed to Georgia. And we’ve got to keep an eye on Russia. For Russia to have exerted such pressure in terms of invading a smaller democratic country, unprovoked, is unacceptable and we have to keep…
GIBSON: You believe unprovoked.
PALIN: I do believe unprovoked and we have got to keep our eyes on Russia, under the leadership there. I think it was unfortunate. That manifestation that we saw with that invasion of Georgia shows us some steps backwards that Russia has recently taken away from the race toward a more democratic nation with democratic ideals. That’s why we have to keep an eye on Russia.
And, Charlie, you’re in Alaska. We have that very narrow maritime border between the United States, and the 49th state, Alaska, and Russia. They are our next door neighbors.We need to have a good relationship with them. They’re very, very important to us and they are our next door neighbor.
GIBSON: What insight into Russian actions, particularly in the last couple of weeks, does the proximity of the state give you?
PALIN: They’re our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.
GIBSON: What insight does that give you into what they’re doing in Georgia?
PALIN: Well, I’m giving you that perspective of how small our world is and how important it is that we work with our allies to keep good relation with all of these countries, especially Russia. We will not repeat a Cold War. We must have good relationship with our allies, pressuring, also, helping us to remind Russia that it’s in their benefit, also, a mutually beneficial relationship for us all to be getting along.
GIBSON: And under the NATO treaty, wouldn’t we then have to go to war if Russia went into Georgia?
PALIN: Perhaps so. I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you’re going to be expected to be called upon and help.
But NATO, I think, should include Ukraine, definitely, at this point and I think that we need to – especially with new leadership coming in on January 20, being sworn on, on either ticket, we have got to make sure that we strengthen our allies, our ties with each one of those NATO members.
We have got to make sure that that is the group that can be counted upon to defend one another in a very dangerous world today.
GIBSON: And you think it would be worth it to the United States, Georgia is worth it to the United States to go to war if Russia were to invade.
PALIN: What I think is that smaller democratic countries that are invaded by a larger power is something for us to be vigilant against. We have got to be cognizant of what the consequences are if a larger power is able to take over smaller democratic countries.
And we have got to be vigilant. We have got to show the support, in this case, for Georgia. The support that we can show is economic sanctions perhaps against Russia, if this is what it leads to.
It doesn’t have to lead to war and it doesn’t have to lead, as I said, to a Cold War, but economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, again, counting on our allies to help us do that in this mission of keeping our eye on Russia and Putin and some of his desire to control and to control much more than smaller democratic countries.
His mission, if it is to control energy supplies, also, coming from and through Russia, that’s a dangerous position for our world to be in, if we were to allow that to happen.”
Yeh…such a dolt she is!!
EasyEight on October 21, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Colin Powell has a short memory, and is kow towing to the very side of the fence which tossed crap bombs at him, with their racial diatribes, their racial attacks, their mocking of him and Condaleezza Rice who don’t know their place, who don’t have their minds right, who are Uncle Toms, House Negroes, or House Ni###$S and similar rants of hatred and malevolence perpetrated by they very side which Obama most represents.
Powell also has a lack of memory regarding Obama’s Neville Chamberlain incarnation, and Obama’s desire to surrender to any and all others and submit our nation to the whims of those who love to chide and hate us. Obama’s supplications don’t help, but only aid and abet the enemies of the USA, while Colin Powell’s errant endorsement of such a weakling, stuttering, phony as Obama only reinforces the image of weakness, disagreement, and leftist-liberal slant that is taking place in our nation today.
Powell also contradicts himself in disagreeing with Sarah Palin as VP for lack of experience, while supporting the TOP of the Lib-leftist-Democrat ticket, the Presidential spot, occupied by a person who has LESS experience than either Sarah Palin, John McCain, OR Joe Biden.
If it is lack of experience that concerns Powell, then Sarah Palin would be Powell’s choice above Obama, and McCain and Palin would be a touch choice for Powell, for they are both more experienced than Biden, and Palin is the only one who actually has experience as a chief executive of a city and of a state.
I wonder what Powell will say after he is pinned down on his endorsing the attack in Iraq.
Perhaps he will get down on his knees, confess his sin, and beg forgiveness.
While position will Powell take in Obama’s cabinet?
Bottom line, Powell’s rationalization for supporting Obama all for short, and are weaker than the grasp of a dying person.
William2006 on October 21, 2008 at 1:39 AM
“EasyEight,”
Thank you for taking the time to point out, so economically and succinctly, how phony the hate filled, misogynist attacks against Sarah Palin are, and how Sarah really does have an excellent grasp of important matters as they relate to the USA, and to the world stage.
This campaign cycle has clearly been rife with misinformation, fabrication, distortion, and outright lies, along with misogynist, and racist diatribes perpetrated by the left-liberal-Democrat point of view, and their claques in the media and in Hollywood, skewing the election toward favoring the weakest, least experienced candidate – Obama, and his loud mouthed, foot-in-mouth stooge, Biden, over the more courageous, although flawed candidate, John McCain, and the breath of fresh air, the brave, clear thinking, more experienced Sarah Palin, with her fortitude, her strong will, and her strong, excellent, laudable values.
William2006 on October 21, 2008 at 1:52 AM
It is moments like this that you just got to love Rush Limbaugh for insight. Sorry, Allahpundit, Rush has it right.
Phil Byler on October 21, 2008 at 6:38 AM
You will have to ask him. I’m not a mind reader.
ManlyRash on October 21, 2008 at 7:51 AM
Understanding Powell:
Survivor – D.C.
Powell had to endorse Obama to win immunity.
Angry Dumbo on October 21, 2008 at 8:18 AM
J.B.White’s take on the Colin Powell endorsement.
http://rattlergator.typepad.com/rattlergator/2008/10/the-african-american-slide.html
Dr Evil on October 21, 2008 at 8:35 AM
It’s hard to believe that Powell would feel comfortable with a first term senator as the president. The same man who decided to have as his political associate a former terrorist, who belonged to a racist church until he was forced out when the news reported what was going on inside the place. What the hell does Powell think that Obama has the right decision making skills to handle international crises?? Is he going to vote “present” when Russia invades another country? When Iran sends nukes to Israel?
It’s my gut feeling that Powell really does want to stick it to Bush, and betrayed his friendship with McCain and used a few of the audience who said that Obama was a muslim (which McCain immediately denounced) to advocate Obama. And of course it was because he is black. Or more to the point, half-black like him. But again, the question – how in the hell could Powell feel comfortable with this idiot as commander in chief?
Because he knows that if he is part of an Obama administration, then he can make all the right decisions and convince Obama what to do. Powell then can relax and let Obama become president and govern as the most liberal president just as he did as the most liberal senator. Screw the domestic side, right Powell? As long as you are there to make sure that you can whisper in his ear and tell him what to do on the international front.
wise_man on October 21, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »