Cheney backs Limbaugh over Colin Powell as GOP leader

[ConcordCowboy]

Cheney backs Limbaugh over Powell

He says he'd rather back broadcaster in the battle over future of the GOP


WASHINGTON - Dick Cheney made clear Sunday he'd rather follow firebrand broadcaster Rush Limbaugh than former Joint Chiefs chairman Colin Powell into political battle over the future of the Republican Party.

Even as Cheney embraced efforts to expand the party by ex-Govs. Jeb Bush of Florida and Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and the House's No. 2 Republican, Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, the former vice president appeared to write his one-time colleague Powell out of the GOP.

Asked about recent verbal broadsides between Limbaugh and Powell, Cheney said, "If I had to choose in terms of being a Republican, I'd go with Rush Limbaugh. My take on it was Colin had already left the party. I didn't know he was still a Republican."

'Not as right as others would like'
Powell, who was secretary of state under President George W. Bush and held the nation's top military post under President George H.W. Bush, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president last year. Nonetheless, since the election he has described himself as a Republican and a right-of-center conservative, though "not as right as others would like."

Cheney, citing Powell's backing of Obama over Republican nominee John McCain, said, "I assumed that that is some indication of his loyalty and his interests."

Cheney's remarks on CBS' "Face the Nation" were the latest step in his slow-motion estrangement from Powell since the two worked closely together to manage the Persian Gulf war in 1991 — Powell as the Army general who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Cheney as defense secretary for the elder Bush.

Under the younger Bush, Powell initially backed action against Iraq's Saddam Hussein and delivered a famous U.N. speech laying out the U.S. case. But Powell and Cheney increasingly parted ways over the Bush administration's policies on the war and terrorism, with Cheney usually prevailing. Powell left the administration after Bush's first term.

Wading into the debate over the GOP's future, Cheney called efforts by George W. Bush's brother Jeb, along with Cantor and Romney, as "a good thing to do," but set a limit on how far the party should go.

"The suggestion our Democratic friends always make is somehow if you Republicans were just more like Democrats, you'd win elections," Cheney said. "Well, I don't buy that. We win elections when we have good solid conservative principles to run upon."


More government, not less

Powell has argued the Republican Party needs to move toward the center and reach out to growing black, Hispanic and Asian communities, but instead has been shrinking because it hasn't changed as the country changed in the face of economic distress. "Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less," Powell said last week.

For months, Powell has urged the party to turn away from the acid-tongued Limbaugh. "I think what Rush does as an entertainer diminishes the party and intrudes or inserts into our public life a kind of nastiness that we would be better to do without," Powell said.

"Colin Powell is just another liberal," Limbaugh retorted. "What Colin Powell needs to do is close the loop and become a Democrat." Limbaugh said Powell is "just mad at me because I'm the one person in the country that had the guts to explain his endorsement of Obama. It was purely and solely based on race." Both Powell and Obama are black.

On other topics on the CBS interview, Cheney:

said transferring suspected terrorists from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States would be a bad idea that would enlarge their legal rights. Obama's national security adviser, retired Marine Gen. James Jones, told ABC's "This Week" the White House isn't going to do that if it would make Americans less safe.
reiterated his belief the U.S. has become more vulnerable to a potential terrorist attack since the Obama administration renounced harsh interrogation tactics such as waterboarding, which simulates drowning, that Cheney said provided good intelligence. Jones said he didn't believe the nation was at greater risk and that even some in the Bush administration disagreed with Cheney on that score.
renewed his call for the administration to release two CIA memos he said list successes derived from those interrogations, including "attack planning that was under way and how it was stopped." The Obama administration is reviewing Cheney's request. Obama has said the memos are not so clear-cut and do not address whether the information could have been obtained without such methods.
said he has been speaking out about the Obama administration although George W. Bush remains silent, because if he didn't, "then the critics have free run, and there isn't anybody there on the other side to tell the truth."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30670941/?GT1=43001

[Doomsday101]

and Powell backed Obama is Powell for more Government control?

[arglebargle]

Just finished reading a bio of Eisenhower. What I found interesting (and relevant to this) is that everyone was convinced Ike was a shoe in for President, but his real fight was against the very conservative elements of the Republican party, and the Taft machine. Ike was behind by 100 votes at the first votes for nomination.

Colin Powell is a voice of moderation amongst the Republicans, and if he's not listened too, I think the Republicans will carve out their own little niche. Little -- Niche----

I know that many of the folks here who are more hard core conservative will not like this sort of thing. But overbroad support of the previous administration, with all its arrogance and flaws, has filtered down to the average voter.

Of course if the present administration totally screws up, any type of Republican could have a chance.

[Doomsday101]

Just finished reading a bio of Eisenhower. What I found interesting (and relevant to this) is that everyone was convinced Ike was a shoe in for President, but his real fight was against the very conservative elements of the Republican party, and the Taft machine. Ike was behind by 100 votes at the first votes for nomination.

Colin Powell is a voice of moderation amongst the Republicans, and if he's not listened too, I think the Republicans will carve out their own little niche. Little -- Niche----

I know that many of the folks here who are more hard core conservative will not like this sort of thing. But overbroad support of the previous administration, with all its arrogance and flaws, has filtered down to the average voter.

Of course if the present administration totally screws up, any type of Republican could have a chance.

What good is it to win an election if you don't believe in the policy of the person you are voting for? I don't see the Dems backing down or changing their views to accommodate.

[Danny White]

That's a no-brainer.

Politically speaking, I would take Limbaugh over Powell 6 days a week and twice on Sunday.

Powell supported, voted for, and campaigned for Obama... how exactly does this make him a Republican leader?

[JBond]

Just finished reading a bio of Eisenhower. What I found interesting (and relevant to this) is that everyone was convinced Ike was a shoe in for President, but his real fight was against the very conservative elements of the Republican party, and the Taft machine. Ike was behind by 100 votes at the first votes for nomination.

Colin Powell is a voice of moderation amongst the Republicans, and if he's not listened too, I think the Republicans will carve out their own little niche. Little -- Niche----

I know that many of the folks here who are more hard core conservative will not like this sort of thing. But overbroad support of the previous administration, with all its arrogance and flaws, has filtered down to the average voter.

Of course if the present administration totally screws up, any type of Republican could have a chance.

We ran with a moderate in McCain and lost horribly. Powell refused to support a moderate. Instead, Powell supported a radical leftist in Obama. Powell have been a Democrat supporter for some time now. I don't understand why anyone thinks he is a Republican. He won't even support moderate Republican candidates. Forget about those with any strong convictions. He flat out campaigned against the moderate Republicans in his support of a leftist.

[BrAinPaiNt]

That's a no-brainer.

Politically speaking, I would take Limbaugh over Powell 6 days a week and twice on Sunday.

Powell supported, voted for, and campaigned for Obama... how exactly does this make him a Republican leader?

Rush is someone only interested in making dollars and IMO not really all that concerned about anything else.

With Powell, whether you like his views or not, I think he would work hard and be a team player.

Either way Rush would not do this if he had to lose out on his radio money.

[Rogah]

Cheney backs Limbaugh over Powell

He says he'd rather back broadcaster in the battle over future of the GOPI am surprised at the amount of play this comment is getting. I like Colin Powell, I respect Colin Powell, I think Colin Powell is a great man. I probably would have voted for him if he had decided to run for President.

But, having said that, if I was a staunch Republican then I probably would not want my party to be led by a guy who openly endorsed a liberal Democrat in our recent Presidential election.

[Rogah]

Colin Powell is a voice of moderation amongst the Republicans, and if he's not listened too, I think the Republicans will carve out their own little niche. Little -- Niche----I have to respectfully disagree here. I don't want to get into the old argument about whether or not Obama was the single most liberal Senator from the past few years, but fact is he was pretty left leaning. That's not criticism, that's just a fact.

So when someone comes out and endorses a liberal Democrat over a moderate Republican for President, then that goes a bit beyond being considered "a voice of moderation amongst the Republicans." I mean, that's a guy who has pretty much left the party.

EDIT: I made this above post before reading what JBond wrote and we seem to be on the same page (though my language may be a little softer than his :D). But I didn't want anyone to think I was plagiarizing ideas.

[bbgun]

"If I had to choose"

That's the qualifier people are overlooking. It's pretty clear that he wouldn't have either man heading up the party.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Just finished reading a bio of Eisenhower. What I found interesting (and relevant to this) is that everyone was convinced Ike was a shoe in for President, but his real fight was against the very conservative elements of the Republican party, and the Taft machine. Ike was behind by 100 votes at the first votes for nomination.

Colin Powell is a voice of moderation amongst the Republicans, and if he's not listened too, I think the Republicans will carve out their own little niche. Little -- Niche----

I know that many of the folks here who are more hard core conservative will not like this sort of thing. But overbroad support of the previous administration, with all its arrogance and flaws, has filtered down to the average voter.

Of course if the present administration totally screws up, any type of Republican could have a chance.

I respect Colin Powell very much but he is no longer a part of the Republican Party. He's as much as said so himself. How can he be considered as a prospective leader of the GOP when he doesn't consider himself to be a part of the GOP?

[JBond]

Rush is someone only interested in making dollars and IMO not really all that concerned about anything else.

With Powell, whether you like his views or not, I think he would work hard and be a team player.

Either way Rush would not do this if he had to lose out on his radio money.

Powell is making plenty on his speaking tours. Your idea of a team player is strange to say the least. Powell claims he is a moderate republican so when the party ran out a moderate you would think Powell would be a good team player, right? Well we know what Powell did. He sold out or came out of the closet or whatever you want to call it, but he definitely screwed the moderates in the republican party. I guess your definition of team player would be to stab your teammates in the back.

[Jordan55]

I respect Colin Powell very much but he is no longer a part of the Republican Party. He's as much as said so himself. How can he be considered as a prospective leader of the GOP when he doesn't consider himself to be a part of the GOP?


I'm surprised he didn't make the jump with the old left leaning Rino from Pennsylvania. while I appreciate and respect Powell's service to our country, he no longer holds any creditability in the Republican party.
Hopefully the Dems welcome him as good as they have Arlen.
Back to the Principles!! of the conservative party

[Temo]

This isn't really earth-shaking news. It's hardly news at all.

[BrAinPaiNt]

That's the qualifier people are overlooking. It's pretty clear that he wouldn't have either man heading up the party.

Yep but IF I had to choose I would choose someone that could do the job and would be willing to do the job. I don't think Rush would want to and I don't know if he could because of the way he goes about things for shock value.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Powell is making plenty on his speaking tours. Your idea of a team player is strange to say the least. Powell claims he is a moderate republican so when the party ran out a moderate you would think Powell would be a good team player, right? Well we know what Powell did. He sold out or came out of the closet or whatever you want to call it, but he definitely screwed the moderates in the republican party. I guess your definition of team player would be to stab your teammates in the back.

You mean telling the truth? Admitting to making a mistake he regrets...heaven forbid we have someone with integrity vs someone who just wants to shock people for ratings.

[TheCount]

Powell has never been a "text book" republican and has always been a moderate when it comes to military matters. I think it's fair to say he was very put-off by some of the decisions Bush made and has tried to distance himself from that.

I mean the fact that he's pro-choice alone is enough to put off most hard-line republicans, and he didn't support McCain for several reasons although he had supported him in past efforts, not the least being the appointment of Palin.

Being that around here any vaguely progressive statement or disagreements with conservative talking points get you labeled a Liberal, I'm not surprised Powell is now considered to no longer be Republican by some, not in the slightest and to think Cheyney would ever support Powell is ridiculous.

I'd imagine many republican's felt betrayed by his support for Obama, but up until that point Powell had taken many stances that were contrary to the party line.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Powell has never been a "text book" republican and has always been a moderate when it comes to military matters. I think it's fair to say he was very put-off by some of the decisions Bush made and has tried to distance himself from that.

I mean the fact that he's pro-choice alone is enough to put off most hard-line republicans, and he didn't support McCain for several reasons although he had supported him in past efforts, not the least being the appointment of Palin.

Being that around here any vaguely progressive statement or disagreements with conservative talking points get you labeled a Liberal, I'm not surprised Powell is now considered to no longer be Republican by some, not in the slightest and to think Cheyney would ever support Powell is ridiculous.

I'd imagine many republican's felt betrayed by his support for Obama, but up until that point Powell had taken many stances that were contrary to the party line.

Your correct about Powell's historic stances. In fact, that more then anything IMO, is what held him back in the eyes of the GOP.

Never the less, the truth of the matter is that Republicans, IMO, will not follow him regardless. Temo is more correct then anybody IMO. This is a none issue. Republicans won't follow him so to present him as a leader of the GOP is like saying, "Lets get the band back together" when John and George are no longer amoung the living.

NC. No Chance.

[arglebargle]

I think when some of you go, 'We ran the moderate and he failed!', you are making a mistaken assumption. He failed because he was too tightly tied to the previous administrations failures. Even though he was never particularly a party stalwart. He had to run in the Republican primaries and provided all sorts of wonderful 'I am with the Prez 100%' moments for later use by the Dems. And nominating Palin completely destroyed any chance to attack Obama as inexperianced.

Anyway, Colin Powell has already shown that he has what it takes to be a very competant leader. I know I would most likely have voted for him, no matter which party he ran for.

[JBond]

You mean telling the truth? Admitting to making a mistake he regrets...heaven forbid we have someone with integrity vs someone who just wants to shock people for ratings.

Powell admitted to regretting his support for Obama? Good for him. I knew those who believed Powell was in the bag for Obama because he is black was crazy talk. I must have missed it. Do you have a link?

[DFWJC]

If I had to pick another old white guy for the GOP, I'd take Newt over Rush anyday.

I always liked Powell and was surprised he didn't support another moderate ex-military guy when McCain ran. It surprised me even more that he supported Obama because they have some pretty fundamental differences politically. So sadly, that leads me to believe that he supported him due to his race. That's his perogative, but I don't think it should ever be a driving factor.

[ABQCOWBOY]

I think when some of you go, 'We ran the moderate and he failed!', you are making a mistaken assumption. He failed because he was too tightly tied to the previous administrations failures. Even though he was never particularly a party stalwart. He had to run in the Republican primaries and provided all sorts of wonderful 'I am with the Prez 100%' moments for later use by the Dems. And nominating Palin completely destroyed any chance to attack Obama as inexperianced.

Anyway, Colin Powell has already shown that he has what it takes to be a very competant leader. I know I would most likely have voted for him, no matter which party he ran for.


I have to disagree with you here. McCain did not go 100% with the Bush Administration. Not even remotely close. In fact, he was opposed, in many instances, to the Bush Administration on many issues. The problem is that the Democrats tied him, very successfully, to the Bush Administration. You can make the case that perception is reality and I would not disagree but, McCain was never in lock step with the Bush Administration. Even if we allowed ourselves to accept that premise, for the sake of argument, the Bush Administration in and of itself was very Moderate and Powell still did not support McCain or even the Bush Administration. I can't see how that helps the argument at all.

[JBond]

I think when some of you go, 'We ran the moderate and he failed!', you are making a mistaken assumption. He failed because he was too tightly tied to the previous administrations failures. Even though he was never particularly a party stalwart. He had to run in the Republican primaries and provided all sorts of wonderful 'I am with the Prez 100%' moments for later use by the Dems. And nominating Palin completely destroyed any chance to attack Obama as inexperianced.

Anyway, Colin Powell has already shown that he has what it takes to be a very competant leader. I know I would most likely have voted for him, no matter which party he ran for.

So your argument is he tied himself to another moderate (Bush) and that was his downfall? No kidding. We have been saying that for months. Moderates are losers for the GOP. It has been proven over and over. Just as strong conservative leadership has been a proven winner. Thank you for agreeing with my point.

[canters]

I do not think Powell ever said outright that his support for Obama was based on race....I know there are those who suspect it was a race-based decision. I know I saw him cry the day after the election when talking about Obama's win. This alone convinced me that race was a factor...maybe one of many,, I do not know. Powell is the only one who knows.

Powell has earned the right to give his thoughts. Two tours in Vietnam as a Capt, Major and Lt. Col. give him that right. In the meantim, Cheney was asking for deferments, as was Joe Biden ( Cheney got 4, Biden 5, IIRC).

The popular culture in this country is so obsessed with race, I cannot help but wonder if Obama were white, would he have defeated Clinton, much less won the Presidency. I doubt it. I respect Powell, but wish he would be honest and admit race was a factor in his support for Obama. I might have more respect for him if he would.

How could Powell have honestly said that Obama was more qualified for the job than McCain? Any objective ( try to find them, they are far and few between) analysis of the qualification and backgrounds of both men would indicate that McCain was more qualified. Not to revisit the election, but it was a one-of-a-kind time in history that may never be repeated again.

[burmafrd]

I notice it is the libs like argle who keep saying the republicans need to moderate. Of course he says that since that is when we lose.
Bush WON as a conservative candidate in 2000. even though his conservative label was getting tattered by 2004 Kerry was a lousy candidate and Bush still won. BUT in 2006 The republicans lost both houses running a mostly moderate campaign. You cannot show one instance on a national level where Republicans WON running as moderates.

[burmafrd]

And by the way saying you could not attack Obama on his inexperience vs Palin is a total joke. Palin had a lot more expereince in executive type office - to be brutally honest Obama had NO experience at all in executive type office-which is what the Presidency is. It is noticeable that for only the second time in 100 years a sitting senator won the presidency- and he was running against another sitting senator.

[Rogah]

I think when some of you go, 'We ran the moderate and he failed!', you are making a mistaken assumption. He failed because he was too tightly tied to the previous administrations failures. Even though he was never particularly a party stalwart. He had to run in the Republican primaries and provided all sorts of wonderful 'I am with the Prez 100%' moments for later use by the Dems. And nominating Palin completely destroyed any chance to attack Obama as inexperianced.I agree with this. There wasn't a candidate in the world the Republicans could have nominated who would have won. It was the perfect storm for Democrats of an unpopular President, unpopular war and horrible economy.

I have to say that I find it amusing when people try to ascribe other reasons for why McCain lost. Blaming Sarah Palin or religious conservatives or Joe the Plumber or a poorly run campaign or party extremists or whatever is just fluff. McCain never stood any sort of chance at all.

But, having said that, the fact remains that of the Presidential candidates, McCain was clearly the more moderate of the two. So I just don't buy it when people say that the Republicans need to moderate their message in order to start winning elections again. What they need is a Democrat President during a poor economy. These things are cyclical and while I don't think it will happen in 2012, it will happen eventually.

[Rogah]

I do not think Powell ever said outright that his support for Obama was based on race....I know there are those who suspect it was a race-based decision. I know I saw him cry the day after the election when talking about Obama's win. This alone convinced me that race was a factor...maybe one of many,, I do not know. Powell is the only one who knows.

Powell has earned the right to give his thoughts. Two tours in Vietnam as a Capt, Major and Lt. Col. give him that right. In the meantim, Cheney was asking for deferments, as was Joe Biden ( Cheney got 4, Biden 5, IIRC).I agree 100%. Powell is a great American and has earned the right to say whatever he darn well wants. But keep in mind the subject of this thread is who would be a better representative of the Republican Party and I don't think it is unreasonable to suggest that anyone who acts as a representative of the Republican Party should, like, in fact kind of actually be a Republican. :D

[BrAinPaiNt]

Powell admitted to regretting his support for Obama? Good for him. I knew those who believed Powell was in the bag for Obama because he is black was crazy talk. I must have missed it. Do you have a link?

He regrets going before the UN saying that Saddam still have viable WMDs.

[arglebargle]

Hey, I am not unhappy with the 'purist' element tossing out the moderates and trying to take the Republican party further to the extreme right. I think it is a losing proposition, unless the Dow has sunk to 6000 three years from now.

[TheCount]

I agree 100%. Powell is a great American and has earned the right to say whatever he darn well wants. But keep in mind the subject of this thread is who would be a better representative of the Republican Party and I don't think it is unreasonable to suggest that anyone who acts as a representative of the Republican Party should, like, in fact kind of actually be a Republican. :D

I don't know that the discussion is who would be better, Limbaugh has absolutely no qualifications to do anything other than host radio and tv shows. I think the conversation is that Cheney said that between the two, he'd pick Rush.

[JBond]

He regrets going before the UN saying that Saddam still have viable WMDs.

I am sure Clinton and everyone else in his administration regrets saying it over and over also. Ditto the Bush era. What is your point?

Powell may have had a good military mind at one time, but he will sell out to the popular political flavor of the week every time. You bringing up the UN deal just proves my point. He will do or say anything regardless of his own beliefs to get in good with those in power. First he is all in for "W" and now he is bed with Obama. Chameleon.

[Jarv]

Rush is someone only interested in making dollars and IMO not really all that concerned about anything else.

With Powell, whether you like his views or not, I think he would work hard and be a team player.

Either way Rush would not do this if he had to lose out on his radio money.

Screw em both and lets move on to Newt.

[JBond]

I don't know that the discussion is who would be better, Limbaugh has absolutely no qualifications to do anything other than host radio and tv shows. I think the conversation is that Cheney said that between the two, he'd pick Rush.

At least Rush is a Republican. Out of the two choices, who would you expect Cheney to pick? The guy that dumped his party in favor of a giant leftist?

[JBond]

Screw em both and lets move on to Newt.


Newt had an affair and wrote a book. Things that are resume enhancers in the democrat party are killers in the GOP.

[TheCount]

At least Rush is a Republican. Out of the two choices, who would you expect Cheney to pick? The guy that dumped his party in favor of a giant leftist?

I already responded to that, whether or not Powell dumped his party is debatable.

Cheney was asked to pick between the two and choose someone more akin to the textbook definition of the party, nothing wrong with that but it doesn't change the fact that Rush has no experience leading anything other than a media crew.

[JBond]

I already responded to that, whether or not Powell dumped his party is debatable.

Cheney was asked to pick between the two and choose someone more akin to the textbook definition of the party, nothing wrong with that but it doesn't change the fact that Rush has no experience leading anything other than a media crew.

Rush has more experience in Capitalism than Obama or Powell. Then again, so does my 13 year old son.

[TheCount]

Rush has more experience in Capitalism than Obama or Powell. Then again, so does my 13 year old son.

http://jeffpicard.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/rim-shot-johnny-utah.thumbnail.jpg

[Rogah]

I already responded to that, whether or not Powell dumped his party is debatable.

Cheney was asked to pick between the two and choose someone more akin to the textbook definition of the party, nothing wrong with that but it doesn't change the fact that Rush has no experience leading anything other than a media crew.Come on, Count... Cheney wasn't sitting in some formal panel being asked to officially nominate a man to lead the Republican party. He was on some TV show being asked a hypothetical question by some news guy, so to sit there and talk about how technically qualified Limbaugh may or may not be would have been a cop out.

It was a hypothetical question geared mostly towards discussing where the party stands. It's kinda weak to expect an answer which involves formally comparing the resumes of the 2 men in question.

[TheCount]

Come on, Count... Cheney wasn't sitting in some formal panel being asked to officially nominate a man to lead the Republican party. He was on some TV show being asked a hypothetical question by some news guy, so to sit there and talk about how technically qualified Limbaugh may or may not be would have been a cop out.

It was a hypothetical question geared mostly towards discussing where the party stands. It's kinda weak to expect an answer which involves formally comparing the resumes of the 2 men in question.

A cop out of what? A hypothetical question on a tv show?

I never suggested his response was a big deal, in fact I already said to me it was an easy question for him to answer but he's an ex-vice president so his little statement is going to cause larger ripples, it's to be expected.

[Common Sense]

I think the bigger question in the midst of all this is how the hell has Cheney somehow managed to stay relevant? Dude's like a cockroach or something. I bet he could survive a nuclear blast.

[Rogah]

A cop out of what? A hypothetical question on a tv show?Exactly. To avoid the question by saying "well, Limbaugh has no political experience so has no qualifications" would have been a cop out - but Cheney didn't do that. He gave his opinion about which guy better represents the Republican Party without worrying about how much controversy he would generate.
I never suggested his response was a big deal, in fact I already said to me it was an easy question for him to answer but he's an ex-vice president so his little statement is going to cause larger ripples, it's to be expected.With all due respect, I think that by stating each individual's qualifications (or lack thereof), you've taken the question a bit too literally. Like I said before, this wasn't Cheney submitting some formal nomination for an official position.

[TheCount]

Exactly. To avoid the question by saying "well, Limbaugh has no political experience so has no qualifications" would have been a cop out - but Cheney didn't do that. He gave his opinion about which guy better represents the Republican Party without worrying about how much controversy he would generate.

With all due respect, I think that by stating each individual's qualifications (or lack thereof), you've taken the question a bit too literally. Like I said before, this wasn't Cheney submitting some formal nomination for an official position.

I don't know that anyone is taking this more seriously than you are, really. I already said Cheney's response to the question wasn't a big deal given the context.

[Rogah]

I don't know that anyone is taking this more seriously than you are, really. I already said Cheney's response to the question wasn't a big deal given the context.Ah, but I am not talking about taking the question seriously, I am talking about taking it literally, which seems to be what you are doing when you start saying "Limbaugh has absolutely no qualifications to do anything other than host radio and tv shows" and "Rush has no experience leading anything other than a media crew."

Your statements are certainly true, but they are a literal response to a question I don't believe was meant to be taken literally.

[TheCount]

Ah, but I am not talking about taking the question seriously, I am talking about taking it literally, which seems to be what you are doing when you start saying "Limbaugh has absolutely no qualifications to do anything other than host radio and tv shows" and "Rush has no experience leading anything other than a media crew."

Your statements are certainly true, but they are a literal response to a question I don't believe was meant to be taken literally.

I'm not sure what you mean by literally. I said it wasn't a discussion about qualifications, Cheney was picking the guy more in line with his ideals between the two, not who he wants to be the leader of the GOP.

You seem to mainly be taking issue with the fact I said Rush wasn't qualified as a politician. Which is true and an aside.

[BrAinPaiNt]

I am sure Clinton and everyone else in his administration regrets saying it over and over also. Ditto the Bush era. What is your point?

Powell may have had a good military mind at one time, but he will sell out to the popular political flavor of the week every time. You bringing up the UN deal just proves my point. He will do or say anything regardless of his own beliefs to get in good with those in power. First he is all in for "W" and now he is bed with Obama. Chameleon.

You made a snide comment I was just telling you what I was referring to when I said at least he admits mistakes. And even though he did not always agree with the administration he was a team player for the most part until rummy/cheney hamstringed him.

Now you can like him or dislike him for his political views but I have more respect for Powell as a man and soldier than I ever would for Cheney, Rove or Rummy. He is head and shoulders above them in class and integrity IMO.

Hell if he would have ever ran for president I would have voted for him in a heart beat. Much better than the other ones that both parties have trotted out since Ronny IMO.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Screw em both and lets move on to Newt.

Newt is a good conservative that is not afraid to take on rushes antics. Now newt has his own fleas but he is much better than most of the conservatives.

[BrAinPaiNt]

I'm not taking sure what you mean by literally. I said it wasn't a discussion about qualifications, Cheney was picking the guy more in line with his ideals between the two, not who he wants to be the leader of the GOP.

You seem to mainly be taking issue with the fact I said Rush wasn't qualified as a politician. Which is true and an aside.

hey you question Rush and they come out swinging.:laugh1:

[DIAF]

Newt isn't one of those annoying social conservatives (which most conservatives seem to be nowadays) that harp on and on about god, guns, and gays. Unfortunately for him, he will never ever run for anything again. All you would have to do is trot out faith and family values onto the battlefield and watch him skewer himself with conservatives by either downplaying their importance, or skewer himself with everyone else by talking the talk and having his personal demons thrown in his face.

[iceberg]

That's a no-brainer.

Politically speaking, I would take Limbaugh over Powell 6 days a week and twice on Sunday.

Powell supported, voted for, and campaigned for Obama... how exactly does this make him a Republican leader?

i disagree completely. powell has proven himself time and time and time again. but this ONE time he doesn't back "your guy" - we hate him? my version of common sense won't let me do that.

it also won't let me put *any* political columnist as a party leader.

powell has long since proven his value. my disagreeing with him on matters, even this big, will not change my respect for the man.

then again, i don't like putting party first.

[vta]

Now newt has his own fleas but he is much better than most of the conservatives.

Ha! Find me a politician that doesn't have his own fleas and I'll call him an imposter. :laugh1:

[vta]

i disagree completely. powell has proven himself time and time and time again. but this ONE time he doesn't back "your guy" - we hate him? my version of common sense won't let me do that.

it also won't let me put *any* political columnist as a party leader.

powell has long since proven his value. my disagreeing with him on matters, even this big, will not change my respect for the man.

then again, i don't like putting party first.

I don't think anyone should hate Powell, but supporting a premise like 'people want more government, not less', is pretty much a fundamental turn around from what your party strands for.

That's a pretty jarring statement. I sure as hell don't want more government in my life, and I'm sure I'm not a speck of pepper in a pillar of salt.

I would hope for reasonable compromise between the parties, but certainly not simply accepting the other's edict.

[ScipioCowboy]

Newt isn't one of those annoying social conservatives (which most conservatives seem to be nowadays) that harp on and on about god, guns, and gays. Unfortunately for him, he will never ever run for anything again. All you would have to do is trot out faith and family values onto the battlefield and watch him skewer himself with conservatives by either downplaying their importance, or skewer himself with everyone else by talking the talk and having his personal demons thrown in his face.

Newt is one of the more socially conservative politicians I've encountered. He frequently laments the increased secularism within our society, and pontificates about the Left's hostility towards religion.

[MetalHead]

I nominate Gary Sinise(Liutenant Dan) to lead the conservative movement.

[WoodysGirl]

I nominate Gary Sinise(Liutenant Dan) to lead the conservative movement.
CSI:NY?

[iceberg]

I don't think anyone should hate Powell, but supporting a premise like 'people want more government, not less', is pretty much a fundamental turn around from what your party strands for.

That's a pretty jarring statement. I sure as hell don't want more government in my life, and I'm sure I'm not a speck of pepper in a pillar of salt.

I would hope for reasonable compromise between the parties, but certainly not simply accepting the other's edict.

maybe it was about race. i can't say for sure why powell "crossed over". but i respect the man and hope he can help obama with some guidance to calm down the power rush.

i feel better about obama as president with powell with him than i do w/o.

[MetalHead]

CSI:NY?

Yes Ma'am...look him up and all the things he does for the troops.
He is a solid individual.