Colin Powell: I belong to the Republican Party that’s “waiting to emerge”
posted at 11:25 am on May 20, 2009 by Allahpundit
Reminds me of when Democrats talk longingly about their love for the America That Will Be once the entire progressive agenda is enacted, in contrast to the poor imitation of America that we have now.
I don’t know what just made me think of that.
“Rush Limbaugh says, ‘Get out of the Republican Party.’ Dick Cheney says, ‘He’s already out.’ I may be out of their version of the Republican Party, but there’s another version of the Republican Party waiting to emerge once again,” Powell told the crowd.
No word on what this emerging version will look like, but presumably a key tenet will be that “Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less.” And how long will he have to wait? If Jon Huntsman’s any indicator, a bit longer than three years:
During our conversations last month in Utah, Huntsman had already begun to realize that perhaps the Republican Party was not ready for him. “You cannot have a successful party based upon a very narrow band, demographically,” he tells me. “You’ve gotta broaden it to include more young people, more people of color, more people who are urban-dwellers, more who are the intelligentsia in America, many who have jettisoned the party. … And that’s ultimately I think how it’s going to play out. We’re just not there yet.” Two years was probably not enough time for the party to change. “He realized he’d just be beating his head against the wall with these guys, which made him open to the phone call [from Obama],” says another source close to Huntsman. “If he thought he had a real chance to be the standard-bearer and savior of the party, obviously he would have said no.”
At least one GOP kingmaker thinks Romney’s the answer in 2012, which brings to mind a famous quote from Gertrude Stein. Exit question: Isn’t most of the sturm und drang over how centrist the party should be a luxury of being out of power? If public anger mounts over spending and the backlash sends a wave of Republicans to Congress next year, the responsibility of wielding some measure of power again is going to paper a lot (although not all) of these differences, just as it did when a coalition of hawks, social cons, and fiscal conservatives coexisted relatively happily for the past 15 years. We can’t fight the Democrats right now so we fight with each other. We can fight them again, we will.
Blowback
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Rush is talking about the colin right now….
HornetSting on May 20, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Being that the California just went ‘tea Party on old ‘Ahnuld’ and Collin’s wing of the party, I think the signs point to going the direction of fiscal responsibility and jettisoning the RINOs. That will be the winning strategy; admitting the RINO screwups and attacking them in the primaries.
michaelo on May 20, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Exactly
New Progressive Repartee
maverick muse on May 20, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Dear Colin Powell I’m not a Republican, and I don’t want to be a member of your dream of a 1 Party aka oligarchy. This coming from an educated man? I am an Independent check how many Americans polled now describe themselves as Independent. I am conservative so why wouldn’t I identify Republican? Because of RINOS like Powell “political wind shifters” I wish this man below was a member of our Government but I see the United Kingdom needs him more than we do right now. Although he is doing his best to get the message out across the pond.
Daniel Hannan
paraphrasing: Take a look at us America, this is what your future looks like if you follow our path. Honestly this isn’t rocket science, this is what is being perpetrated on the Citizen’s of the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. There are more of us than there are of them now holding elected office in our respective countries. I was watching Hannan on Hannity last night. The man can’t make the case any clearer of the insanity of following Great Britain than he already has. There is a blue print for what is happening to us, and he lays it out. Check the videos at the link below.
http://logisticsmonster.com/2009/05/19/the-right-stuff-too-bad-hes-a-brit/
Dr Evil on May 20, 2009 at 12:10 PM
From Powell’s previous comments, his vision of “The Republican Party to Come”, is a pale immitation of the Democratic party.
MarkTheGreat on May 20, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Look at Prop 8 in CA. If there are those that even think Republicans should be socially liberal…which is just another infuriating thing to try and marginalize social conservatives in the GOP.
There is no such thing as a socially liberal conservative, they are liberal, period.
kirkill on May 20, 2009 at 12:10 PM
An empty brain at work.
notagool on May 20, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Democrat Brownnoser Party
maverick muse on May 20, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Once had an economics professor draw a line on the board where he put the dems in the center, the socialists on the left and the repubs on the right. Powell obviously believes in this picture and should therefore join the donkeys. But no; he, along with others who claim to be conservative, want to destroy the viability of the right and move the left further to the center. It’s framing. It’s how you present it. It’s how you put it on the board.
dingbat on May 20, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Some of you who have been around these here parts for a spell may have noticed my fondness for quotes. I just did a search on “Colin Powell Quotes”. I found a site with 37 of them. Not a single one of them worth repeating. Not one! Most were drivel. The only ones that were any good at all were just poor versions of what others had already said much better.
Try to think of a Colin Powell quote. Probably the only one that most could remember would be, “You break it, you bought it”, which is absolute claptrap.
MB4 on May 20, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Same guy who didn’t vote for the progressive McCain. If the colin couldn’t vote for one of the most progressive RINO’s, why would we want him in the party?
I agree with Cheney, he is out. I’ll take a less government conservative anyday.
Oh and by the by, not sending a dime to the GOP until Steele starts sounding like a less-government conservative. Meanwhile am contributing to SarahPAC and Palin’s legal defense fund.
matthew26 on May 20, 2009 at 12:17 PM
I was pulling for “Anybody has a friend,” but that one’s a little too obscure, I guess.
CK MacLeod on May 20, 2009 at 12:17 PM
BTW, for any not aware of it, at the Pentagon, where they knew him best, they used to call Powell the “Perfumed Prince”.
MB4 on May 20, 2009 at 12:18 PM
What are you saying, the republican party is full of whites? Racist.
/S
HornetSting on May 20, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Without Colin Powell the Republican party would be like a fish without a bicycle.
MB4 on May 20, 2009 at 12:22 PM
…waiting to emerge, like birth??? So they’re stuck coming out? Wouldn’t that make them all stuck up ****s?
THEN I AGREE!!!
29Victor on May 20, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Metaphorically speaking if Colin Powell is waiting for the Republican party that is to emerge he would be better served to be looking for the party to emerge from the birth canal than from the alimentary canal.
clarsen13 on May 20, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Huntsman is correct that Republicans need to win over those it has lost as well as the young and ‘minorities’ but he’s wrong in that tacking left is going to do it. Recent polls show that more people support pro-life over pro-choice and Prop 8 in California show that supposed ‘social conservative’ issues are losing ones. The Republicans real problems are:
(1) They had a chance to lead and govern and they blew it by being too corrupt and abandoning small government and conservatively fiscal principles. They need to show people they can be trusted to stick to conservative principles.
(2) They need leadership to articulate the conservative perspective to convince others to vote for us instead of trying to triangulate the moving target of what the ‘center’ is. The ‘center’ will always appear to be ‘liberal’ because the media and democrats will spin it this way.
The problem with Republicans is not conservatives.
gwelf on May 20, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Well, this isn’t a quote along the lines of anything worthwhile, but here’s a nice view of the vapid and asinine nature of Powell’s “thinking” (and I use that term loosely). Powell unhinged:
Okey doke …
Powell doesn’t seem to understand ANYTHING about our different levels of government, or their functions, or what actually happens with taxes. I wonder how this fool ever graduated from college … (yes, I do know the answer to that).
progressoverpeace on May 20, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Then your wait is over. It’s emerged already. The Democratic Party.
Denial is not a river in Egypt.
Loxodonta on May 20, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Go awat Colin
chicken thief on May 20, 2009 at 12:28 PM
“Resistance is futile….you WILL be assimilated!”
angus mcbeemer on May 20, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me.
Not biting, Mr. Moretaxes.
hillbillyjim on May 20, 2009 at 12:28 PM
What precisely is it about the Democrat Party that Powell is so opposed to that prevents him from ( publicly ) joining them? Are they not big government enough for him either?
This is the kind of person who gets promoted to General. Scary stuff.
Buddahpundit on May 20, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Four stars! One for every ten IQ points.
progressoverpeace on May 20, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I am an absolute asshat. — Colin Powell
hillbillyjim on May 20, 2009 at 12:31 PM
That “gem” makes me wonder if the man can tie his own shoes.
MB4 on May 20, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Colin Powell is an absolute disgrace and I’ll say it to his elitist, anti-American face.
ex-Democrat on May 20, 2009 at 12:32 PM
I absolutely agree.
IMO opinion in the long term the party is better off getting rid of the RINOs. Powell, Huntsman, McCain, et al., are the problem. I’m not even convinced that conservatives lose anything in the short term when you have McCain backing the stimulus, Graham backing amnesty, Specter blocking judicial nominees, etc. When Powell was running for president a few years ago, IMO, his campaign looked like it got all of its planks from the Democrats.
It also concerns me a great deal that a major financial backer of McCain now supports Romney. But then I was always convinced that Romney’s support for the health plan in Massachusetts was proof that he had RINO leanings.
clarsen13 on May 20, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Powell has been reading the New York Times and believing every word in his retirement! This guy is so unstable, he can’t get a security clearance as a junk yard cop.
Cybergeezer on May 20, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Has anyone seen my tampon? I can’t find my tampon. –Colin Powell
hillbillyjim on May 20, 2009 at 12:36 PM
The key phrase in deciphering that is “once again”. That would be the GOP in the early-mid 1970s. That would be the GOP that gave us price controls, wage freezes, the EPA, Justice John Paul Stevens, and a 61-seat ‘Rat majority in the Senate.
Come to think of it, except for a 57% ‘Rat majority in the House, we’re already there. I wonder what Powell is complaining about.
steveegg on May 20, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Hmmm… so what then do YOU call a Fiscal Con / Libertarian?
Romeo13 on May 20, 2009 at 12:37 PM
I had to read that paragraph three times, it was so unbelievably stupid. I’ve rarely seen anyone so clueless. It really reminded me of The Precedent’s declaration that stimulus is nothing but spending, and any sort of spending, at that. At least The Precedent has the excuse that he was raised in Indonesia by a marxist.
progressoverpeace on May 20, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Hey Colin! you are a Lying Democrat.
BillaryMcBush on May 20, 2009 at 12:40 PM
+1000. “What he said, only a little less so” is not a platform. “You be the engine, we’ll be the brakes” is not a platform. You want to completely deplete a political party intellectually, that’s how you do it: Not different ideas, just less of the same.
And another thing while we’re on the subject of ideas: I’m waiting for some of the folks waiting for this new Party to emerge to roll up their sleeves and do some midwifery rather than standing around loudly chewing the ice chips from the nurses’ station. Powell, Frum, Parker, Brooks — put up or shut up.
DrSteve on May 20, 2009 at 12:41 PM
The sad truth is that with the centrist noise coming from the RNC, Powell may be right.
hillbillyjim on May 20, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Colin belongs to the party of BO and he knows it…simply hedging his bets.
d1carter on May 20, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Oh no….Colin Powell does not agree 100% with Rush or Sean, let’s throw him to the wolves and give him over to the Dems. Rush and Sean supported the all of a sudden conservative Romney, Powell has at least been a consistent moderate Republican, and Romney never made it out of the primaries.
arizonateacher on May 20, 2009 at 12:47 PM
You missing a tampon too?
I care not a bit whether Powell “agrees 100% with Rush or Sean”, but when the man says that he believes America wants to pay more taxes for more government services, he is the antithesis of what a Republican should be.
hillbillyjim on May 20, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Colin Powell endorsed and voted for Barack Obama this past election, despite the fact that the GOP put up a rino like himself.
If you are really a teacher, I see why we have such an enormous education problem, genius.
HornetSting on May 20, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Unfortunately, now the social conservatives are calling us Democrats and RINOs if we want the party to go back to its fiscal conservatives and limited government roots.
firepilot on May 20, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Hillbilly, you can send the teacher a free package of tampons like I sent to the President. “For the P*ssy of the White House”. In the Era of obama, even feminine hygeine products are ‘FREE’.
HornetSting on May 20, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Why is Powell the center of so much discussion? He’s getting more attention than he did during the campaign after he endorsed Obama?
He’s a Democrat, isn’t he? Hell, he voted for Obama and has done nothing but rag on the GOP? Where does the fault lie with the GOP?
Forgive the analogy, but this seems akin to the man who walks in on his woman (Powell’s the woman) in the act with another man of almost the exact combination of personality, character, and the like, only to have the woman complain that she was driven to the other man because the guy didn’t pick up after himself. And now, friends of the woman are criticizing the guy for not being more understanding and accomodating to her needs.
Screw Powell. He’s welcome back any time he wishes. But the make up sex better be darned good. Until then, he can take his complaints to Obama–the guy he voted for and, presumably, will vote for again in 2012.
I say, again, why waste time worrying about this guy? Who cares about him?
BuckeyeSam on May 20, 2009 at 12:54 PM
General Powell has earned the right to voice his opinion thru blood and service to his country. I give more credance to someone who has risked life and limb and made great sacrifices than a bunch of whiny losers still bitter over the collapse of the republican party. Why not learn from your mistakes and rebuild instead of tearing down an American hero. Geeesh.
robertnyc212 on May 20, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Look, Powell is just trying to keep up the facade that he didn’t vote for Obama just because he was Black.
Texas Gal on May 20, 2009 at 12:55 PM
arizonateacher on May 20, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Um, have you actually been following the discussion or do you just find Colin Powell personally attractive? Can you name one significant policy position that Colin Powell embraces that makes him more Republican than Democrat? Just one. I’m really curious. Assuming you can come up with one or more, we can then discuss whether it or they outweigh his endorsement of Obama and his open support for bigger government, and perhaps what the purpose of a Republican Party that supports Obama and Obamaism is supposed to be.
CK MacLeod on May 20, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Mr. Powell wet his finger, held it up to the political winds an on (Oct. 19, 2008) just a few weeks before the election, endorsed Obama. Holding out for the best deal speaks volumes.
diogenes on May 20, 2009 at 12:59 PM
When have social cons ever opposed fiscal conservatives (as if the two are mutually exclusive anyway)? As to ‘limited government’ – social cons are usually only for ‘social’ legislation in an attempt to halt and stem the liberal tide of laws and the interpretation thereof. The libertarian or ‘limited government’ argument in this case amounts to letting the liberals control the agenda.
Usually it’s the social cons that are told they are the scab on the party making it unpopular.
gwelf on May 20, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Collin, yes, you do. I don’t think it’s waiting any more, though. You are that party. You and MegMac.
Upstater85 on May 20, 2009 at 1:00 PM
So does this mean that if the Republicans nominate a true conservative ticket in 2012, then Powell will accuse Michael Steele of being a “house slave”?
ardenenoch on May 20, 2009 at 1:01 PM
That’s not just vapid. OK, about 90% of it is, but if you delete out all the meaningless rhetoric, you get this: “Anyone who opposes government redistribution of wealth seeks arnarchy.”
He might SOUND like he’s braindead, but that’s what all propagandists sound like. In truth, his mind is very carefully trained. And if he was able to do this without a prompter, I’d go so far as to say he’s better at it than Obama is.
logis on May 20, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Everyone has the right to voice their opinion, but I have to right to criticize it. Also military service is no indicator of having better ideas than anyone else.
dpierson on May 20, 2009 at 1:03 PM
No one is kicking him out of the party.
What’s up with these RINOs (yes, you are RINOs when you use this embarrassing logic) that keep moaning about being kicked out of the party? Which national figure has kicked you out of the party? Who even has that power?
Now, the libertarians on the other hand get a cold reception by the king of the RINOs and you RINOs keep on b*tching about being persecuted. Grow a pair!
“I am not a libertarian,” Graham told a tepid crowd at last weekend’s SCGOP convention. “If you are, you’re welcome to vote for me and help this party, but we’re not going to build this party around libertarian ideals.”
Upstater85 on May 20, 2009 at 1:05 PM
To save the Republican Party, I must destroy the Republican Party. Twenty years? I need more time.
Feedie on May 20, 2009 at 1:06 PM
HERO? May want to read up a bit on his military history…
Purple Heart, for stepping on a Punji Stick… now, we used to call the PH the Enemy Marksmanship Medal… but we never called it the Clutz Medal…
Two tours in Nam… basicly as a Staff Officer. Never held a Combat command.
Had a run in with his Commanding General in Germany, which would have KILLED the career of a White Officer (horrible FITREP).
During Desert Storm, he was instrumental in the decision to betray the Iraqis who were rebelling in Iraq, and stopping us from helping them…. thus the need for the ongoing War today.
Just because you served, it does NOT make you a Hero… or any less full of shiite than anyone else…
Oh… and by the way… USN (Ret).
Romeo13 on May 20, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Two words: Compassionate Conservatism
Romeo13 on May 20, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Thank you for that, Romeo. And thank you for your service.
HornetSting on May 20, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Oh no, General Powell is no hero at all…pathetic
robertnyc212 on May 20, 2009 at 1:11 PM
That was more of an excuse for bigger-government-Republicans to expand government spending while trying to come across as ‘just as compassionate as the liberals’. Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t know that a lot of social cons were real big on ‘Compassionate Conservatism’ as much as they are on opposing the left’s attempt to make our culture and society more ‘progressive.’
gwelf on May 20, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Yes, the two of you are.
HornetSting on May 20, 2009 at 1:13 PM
very heroic comment
robertnyc212 on May 20, 2009 at 1:17 PM
You do realize Social Conservatives were Democrats for the longest time dont you? They did not move over to the Republican Party out of a desire for limited government, after all in social-con areas, you can still find silly nonsense like blue laws, dry countries, or having to buy a “club membership” to drink in restaraunts.
They were also for the New Deal, against Gerald Ford, and FOR Jimmy Carter. They were AGAINST Barry Goldwater, and FOR Lyndon Johnson.
Social Conservatives seem to act like the party is about them, they want it to be values based party, with limited government as something secondary.
firepilot on May 20, 2009 at 1:19 PM
Ah, but by your own logic, you have no standing to make that opinion… or did you serve and thus get automatice HERO status?
Romeo13 on May 20, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Colin Powell is not very bright. He needs to stay where he fits in. If he has no clue that people with minds want to keep more of their own money, then he needs to go Democrat .
seven on May 20, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Strollin’ Colin had his chance to be the Savior/Messiah back in ’96. The GOP nomination was within his grasp but he wanted to be coronated instead of going out and earning the nomination in the primaries. I think he’s regretted his ’96 decision not to run for president ever since but blames the GOP for not placing the crown on his head.
Percy_Peabody on May 20, 2009 at 1:31 PM
When it came down to the nitty gritty Colin, you were a brotha’ nothing more, nothing less….bro. You voted for your bro. against your party and now you want back in? Scamper over to Obama where you belong. A turncoat is not to be trusted.
UnEasyRider on May 20, 2009 at 1:31 PM
Some were. Some weren’t.
You know this how? Different people have different motivations, and they are not necessarily region or party specific. Your post is very narrow-minded.
You are the King of Generalizations! All hail the King!
*For me, it’s all about the limited gov’t thing. Don’t Tread On Me and all that.
hillbillyjim on May 20, 2009 at 1:32 PM
I heard Rush talking about Colin Powell’s comments. Powell is waiting for a “party to emerge” that
1) Wants more intrusive government
2) Wants more raced-based preferences
3) Wants abortion on demand
4) Wants deficit spending so grotesquely large that it defies belief
5) And supported and voted for an out and out Marxist candidate in the last election
Hey Powell! Here’s a newsflash: the party you’re waiting for already exists. It’s called the Democrat party. Make a note of it.
Physics Geek on May 20, 2009 at 1:32 PM
What chaps me is all these people like Powell giving us the Potter Stewart treatment on Acceptable Republicanism: They’ll know it when they see it. That’s simply not an adequate operational principle around which to rebuild a Party. I think that has to be obvious, and it makes me wonder what the real objectives are.
DrSteve on May 20, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Didn’t Rumsfeld say something like that? Like going to war without the French..
Western_Civ on May 20, 2009 at 1:34 PM
What’s that old saying……….?
Seven Percent Solution on May 20, 2009 at 1:34 PM
First of all, some of us have taken the same “risks” as Powell. Your argument is an extention of the chickenhawk argument in a way. If someone serves in a war they are automatically, entiteled to the right to never have thier opinioned questioned. So in that line maybe we should go with the “Starship Troopers” approach to government. Military service as a prerequisite to voting and any other government job.
Secondly, to get the first star you have to be political or politically popular.
Third, there is debate about how good Powell was as a senior military officer, especially Chairman JCS.
cobrakai99 on May 20, 2009 at 1:40 PM
If this nation would adhere to the Constitution, we would have a better economy, more freedom, and much less government intrusion into our lives personally and collectively. Somehow I doubt that Mr. Powell understands this.
hillbillyjim on May 20, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Even if he understands this, I doubt he cares. I think Powell wants one of these Big Gov’t jobs and doesn’t care what you think… Looking out for number
12.Upstater85 on May 20, 2009 at 1:44 PM
HA! HA! HA! You will be waiting for a looooong time Colin!
RMR on May 20, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Gertrude Stein had something to say about the future of the Republican Party? That’s weird.
I suppose she is a RINO right? I mean everyone is a RINO to most posters on Hot Air. RINO RINO RINO naa naa naa naa naa naa you are a RINO.
I think we have a ways to go before we can be taken seriously. Until respect is shown for divergent approaches to the same goals, there is no chance of weilding power. Basic respect is sadly lacking in this party.
petunia on May 20, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Which is why I say…
kick out the RINOs, or watch us conservatives leave…
…take your pick!
dominigan on May 20, 2009 at 1:50 PM
RINO goals are to consolidate power… same as the Dems.
Conservative goals are to advance personal responsibility and freedom through a smaller, Constitutionally-limited Federal government.
We do NOT have the same goals… which IS the problem.
dominigan on May 20, 2009 at 1:54 PM
Sounds like an impacted bowel more than a policy statement.
C’mon, Colon — er, Colin — we know you are not a Republican. Stop straining so hard. Dump the label already.
Tennman on May 20, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Impudent slugs, how DAREST thou question mine ascent to the throne?!?!
Umm… Colin? We know all about your divine integrity.
You know all about cover-ups. Can’t you take the money and retire? Sit back on the porch with duct tape?
Feedie on May 20, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Well, I’ve stated my opinion. The notion that Rush L. is anything more than a radio guy is funny. He has moments of brilliance, when he really nails something. And then he has long periods of idiotic opinions. That’s the fun of his job. He can do that.
He is responsible to entertain, draw in listeners, and produce ad revenue. Period.
What bothers me most? I think the GOP members who even answer questions on this topic must be a bit stupid. Why?
The appropriate answer is to laugh.
AnninCA on May 20, 2009 at 2:02 PM
The Deep South was extremely Democrat. Republican was a bad word down there, people could not even fathom the idea of voting Republican for a very long time.
Look at the electoral map for 1976 for Jimmah Carter, the Deep South was his biggest support.
Because its part of history, why the social conservatives started to leave the Democrats in the late 1960s. It had nothing to do with wanting limited government and fiscal responsibility.
No, narrow minded describes those who want the GOP to be a evangelical values based party, and that anyone who does not agree is actually a Democrat who needs to leave.
I think in reality the Social Conservatives had a bit in common with Social Liberals. Their positions are different, but both envision enacting social change through the federal government.
Thats very much a two edged sword, because it can come back to bite you when someone of different values gets elected who has different social ideals.
As for me, I just think a lot of these issues are for the individual and family and not something the federal government needs to be meddling into.
firepilot on May 20, 2009 at 2:04 PM
I would love to ask Mr. Powell, “Exactly what is it about you and what you believe that causes you to categorize yourself as a Republican instead of a Democrat?”
Or, “What exactly is it about the Democratic party that you do not like that causes you to call yourself a Republican?”
watson007 on May 20, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Powell, if you never knew , you’ll never know. Go home, and read a book.
capejasmine on May 20, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Powell, what you are thinking of is called the Whigs, and you are too late to join them.
Vashta.Nerada on May 20, 2009 at 2:19 PM
So if I disagree with Colin Powell’s vision of big taxes for big-time government everything then I must be one of those knuckle-dragging evangelicals? That’s good to know.
The resentment of Colin Powell’s Big Government Agenda and his desertion in November has absolutely nothing to do with “evangelical values.”
Oh, by the way, values are not necessarily a bad thing, and they don’t necessarily have to flow from an evangelical viewpoint.
hillbillyjim on May 20, 2009 at 2:20 PM
I did’t read all the comments, so sorry if someone already said this, but Powell’s “waiting to emerge” rubbish is eerily reminiscent of the creepy bad guy in Silence of the Lambs. Does Colin dance in front of a mirror at night while smearing lipstick on his face? Does he hold his moobs up?
boko fittleworth on May 20, 2009 at 2:20 PM
You seem to forget that the Kool Aid drinkers on your side of the aisle formally charged Powell at The Hague with War Crimes.
And how exactly is Colon “an American Hero”? During the Vietnam War he investigated, and then whitewashed, the My Lai Massacre. And I don’t recall him doing anything heroic in any subsequent conflict that would qualify him for “hero” status.
Del Dolemonte on May 20, 2009 at 2:27 PM
It had everything to do with limited government, particularly the power of the courts. Social conservatives were energized by a series of Supreme Court rulings like school prayer and abortion where the court rule by fiat and subverted the democratic process. Big government has always sought to pursue it’s agenda via the courts. All social cons have ever tried to do is regain lost ground taken by an overreaching branch of government. They saw the Republican party the more likely to bring the court back into a more conservative direction.
frank63 on May 20, 2009 at 2:46 PM
I may be out of their version of the Republican Party, but there’s another version of the Republican Party
waiting to emerge once again,” that want to be just like the dims.That is why repubs got their asses waxed in the “08 elections.
la.rt.wngr on May 20, 2009 at 3:01 PM
These moderate folks want to run it? Go ahead!!!!! Let’s see their wonderful leadership skills in action. I know I am really excited by them. Who wouldn’t want a guy who endorsed and voted for Obama to be running the show for the Republicans? I can’t wait until I see his agenda and starts really firing everyone up. Him and Brooks, Frum, Meghan McCain, Allahpundit can show us all how it is done! How about a big moderate rally at stadiums around the country? Lets see how big the crowds are. I am done with this nonsense, I am leaving the party, I have no party.
echosyst on May 20, 2009 at 3:05 PM
The GOP can take a long walk. They have no power now, and I fail to see how putting them in power will accomplish anything other than improving their careers. That’s all they care about.
spmat on May 20, 2009 at 3:24 PM
At my age, people are far more concerned with something else “emerging” without much difficulty. Preferably in the morning.
platypus on May 20, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Colin Powell is simply Barackus Caesaer’s house-boy waiting to emerge.
Otherwise, he’s not a Republican in any way, shape, or form.
SilverStar830 on May 20, 2009 at 3:29 PM
I think he’s done now…toast.
Rush cooked his goose today! Chose GOP…conservative or Moderate!
will sass u on May 20, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Colin Powell always reminded me of the General Casey character in the Tim Burton film “Mars Attacks”, in fact I always thought that was who Burton was parodying in the character played by the actor Paul Winfield…
From Mars Attacks! (1996)
General Casey: [talking on phone to his wife] Hello? This is General Casey. I get to meet the Martian Ambassador! Ain’t that great?
He played the Republicans for years, as if no one couldn’t see right through him- now he’s playing the liberals.
He sees a new avenue in Obama- who is of course, the Martian ambassador in the film.
8-track-vinyl on May 20, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Ah baloney Powell. You’re nothing but a phony drive by shooter that rode the affirmative action pony, and GOP elephant to your advantage. When things got tough, and NOT to your liking, you then bailed out, hopped on the nearest jackass saddle blasting away at the hand that fed you. Now go screw yourself, you poser.
byteshredder on May 20, 2009 at 4:15 PM
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