Conservative Dream Ticket: McCain/Powell 2008
This week, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright sandbagged his own former congregant, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, at a time when he needed it the least. Wright's comments prompted Obama to respond with outrage.
Now, more than ever, a dream ticket is needed in American politics and if ever there were a person to provide the balance that John McCain and this nation needs, it is former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
There will no doubt be those in the media who place blame at his feet for the "false information" he provided to the United Nations in 2003, which led to his resignation in 2004. In point of fact, those allegations are unfounded and most people know it. Consider the resumé that put him in the State Department in the first place. He ascended the ranks of the military and the Republican party the old fashioned way: hard work, grit and determination. He is the anti-Bush: a respected paleoconservative of high moral standing.
As an African American, Powell's race would undoubtedly help to galvanize Americans of all colors, classes and creeds, but it isn't the main reason I'm advocating him as a running mate for McCain. I was a fan of Colin Powell's long before race became the issue it is today. He's a man of unquestionable character, proven leadership and political shrewdness, all of which make him an ideal candidate for the Oval Office.
That said, Powell has often expressed distaste for a presidential candidacy, but perhaps the recent events dominating headlines on the Democratic side of this year's campaign will lead him to consider a run for vice-president. Powell's presence on the ballot (as well as the campaign trail) would undoubtedly have a calming effect on the nation and show America how blacks and whites can work together without demarcation or distraction.
If the invitation is extended -- and Powell accepts it -- he and McCain would sail into the White House in November and usher in a golden era of conservative politics, the likes of which American citizens have only read about in history books.
Bottom Photo: Joshua Lott/Getty Images
Comments
I agree that Powell is a man of exceptional character who gets a bad rap for the Iraq War (no one seems to remember that he had many private reservations about the war while he was the Sec. of State). The only thing that may be a problem is his age. Many voters are concerned about John McCain possibly being too old to be president, and picking a running mate who is only a year younger than him will probably not alleviate those concerns.
I have to concur; the age thing could be a problem for Powell. I believe that he could have mopped the floor with Clinton in 1996 had he run for the presidency, but that was 12 years ago and I’m afraid that ship has sailed. I could be wrong, and personally I’d like to see a McCain/Powell ticket, but I just can’t see McCain picking a fellow septuaginarian as his running mate. I think he’s going to want someone who can run for the presidency in 2016.
Besides, even if McCain wins the presidency, he’ll face the most Democratic Congress since 1994. So it would be like the Clinton-Gingrich years in reverse–McCain would be able to veto legislation, but getting stuff through Congress would be a challenge for him. No permanent tax cut, for example, is likely to emerge as a possibility any time soon regardless of who wins the presidency. The good news about a McCain presidency is that he does have the ability work across party lines to get stuff done.
I also think this would be a great Ticket… I respect and admire both men… even if I don’t agree 100% with some of their less than Conservative positions.
http://www.McCainPowell.com
Powell does not help McCain. A woman would be of more help — especially with Hillary out and many of her supporters unhappy. Powell doesn’t fix age. He doesn’t fix the economy issue. He doesn’t fix the social right wing…he is pro-choice and a moderate overall. He is not a conservative.
He should already be president.
But he is a far more likely VEEP for Obama. He would fix the experience issue. If he apologizes for his role in the Iraq lies, liberal Dems will get behind him. Most of all, he will fix the real problem for any minority president: the very real possibility that some red-neck nut case will attempt to change the race of the President by assassination.
That has got to be a serious concern of any salt & pepper ticket regardless of party. I think it would make the whole country feel better about electing an African American as President to know that potential was minimized by having running mates of one race.
Besides, national polling done earlier this winter shows Powell is the most admired American in public life…regardless of party.
Powell is far more likely as a running mate for Obama. Shores him up on national defense. Polling shows Powell is the most admired living American.
Powell has spoken very favorably about Obama. Powell is not a social conservative. He is too old to run for President from the Veep spot. Other dems would have free range to run to succeed Obama.
Running two African Americans on same ticket means no redneck assassination attempt.
If Obama picks Powell, they will be nearly impossible to stop.
I must concur with Jim Hale. Colin Powell has all but endorsed Barack Obama in public interviews over the last few months.
It would be so great, since I am an Obama supporter, to have Colin Powell on the ticket.
I actually think it makes sense for Obama, in the new politics that should transcend the old categories of “enemies,” and political adversaries.
And they are friends. And they both, in my opinion, have a similar character.
I hope it happens.
I think this general election is going to be very divisive… if the primary was any indication… the general will more than likely be all about race. When somebody votes for Obama they will be accused of racism… if somebody votes for McCain they will be accused of being racist… and by having Powell on the GOP ticket it will prove it’s really not about race but rather about politics (at least with most people). I believe McCain and Powell agree on the situation in Iraq and they have strong independent support. Not saying I think it will happen… but would be happy if it does.
Why not to choose Condoleeza Rice for the Republican’s VP candidate? She is black, female and smart.
Obama-Sinclair 2008