Politics Daily
Inside Politics Daily
Scott Brown and the Palin Path: Will He Choose Brassy or Boring?
Democrats Leave Health Care Behind for Jobs, Toyota, Gays in Military
Murtha Turned Against War, but Not Grab-While-You-Can Politics
Rep. John Murtha, Advocate for Pa. District, Pentagon, Dies at 77
Liz Christman, Enemy of the Passive Voice, Who Rocked Some Jaunty Hats
Is Obama's Search for 'Common Ground' Real?- Tim Tebow's Brilliant Fake Leads to Pro-Life Score
'Snowmageddon' in D.C. -- The Politics, Talk Shows and Snowball Fights Go On
Sarah Palin Serves Tea Party Delegates Red Meat and Certainty
My Left Breast Put Fancy TSA Scanner to the Test
From a Grass Roots Tea Party, a PAC Blooms
At Nashville Tea Party: Saving the Country, Waiting for Palin
Colin Powell Shoots Back at 'Mr. Limbow'
Posted:
05/24/09
OK, so Colin Powell is still a Republican. That part of what the former secretary of state said on CBS's "Face the Nation'' this morning wasn't really news; if Powell stayed "loyal'' -- to his party and his boss, anyway -- as we marched mistakenly off to war in Iraq, partly on his say-so, then no way was he going to let El Rushbo send him running off in tears, or let Dick Cheney force him to admit he's changed his mind.
Still, Powell sure did sound like an Obama Democrat, a soft-spoken, let's-meet-in-the-middle kind of guy, DLC all the way: Everybody wins! He noted that Republicans talk about reducing the size of government but did not actually do anything about it when they had the chance: "My Republican friends sort of get mad when I say we need government. People want effective, responsible government. Republicans have not cut much government, even though they talk about limited government.'' (We for instance needed a better FEMA when Katrina hit, he said, and better regulation of our financial institutions, didn't we?)
Powell also described his party as insufficiently broad-minded and welcoming to minorities: "I have always felt the Republican Party should be more inclusive than it generally has been over the years.'' He called himself a Jack Kemp sort of Republican, someone who believes in "sharing the wealth, though that became a bad term last fall.'' (Last fall? Your fellow Republicans have always had a word for that world-view, sir, and it's socialist.)
On the subject of torture, he said he had "no idea'' whether it works, which given his long military career was an odd cop-out. And he claimed he didn't even know we were using enhanced interrogation techniques on terror suspects; what was he, off kibitzing with Nancy Pelosi while waterboarding was being discussed? "I was aware that those enhanced interrogation techniques were being considered,'' Powell said, but not that they were actually being used. "It's easy now to look back in the cold light of day and say, You shouldn't have done any of that.' Now we see that these are not appropriate'' means of interrogating terror suspects. So, right and wrong are situational?
Most surprising, though, was that he let Limbaugh win by stooping to his level; doesn't he know to only fight with his equals – or if possible, his betters? He lost ground and gave away stature the minute he showed just how much General Limbaugh, whose Dittohead soldiers march off to do as they're told, has gotten under his skin.
Yes, it was highly entertaining hearing General Powell repeatedly refer to Limbaugh as "Mr. Limbow.'' (As in – rhymes with wow -- I do not bow to Limbow.) But in mispronouncing his name, Powell betrayed his anger at being called out by this entertainer: "Mr. Limbow is entitled to his opinion...He is an entertainer, he's a radio figure and he is a significant one, but he's more than that. When the chairman of the RNC, Michael Steele, issues the mildest of criticism concerning Mr. Limbow and 24 hours later has to lay prostrate on the floor?...If he's out there he should be subject to criticism, just as I am subject to criticism,'' Powell said, cocking his head in annoyance -- and forfeiting the match.
And for a tough-guy military man, boy does he feel boo-hoo sorry for himself: Any moderate voice within his party, he said, is "not that vocal about it, because if they are vocal about it you're going to get your voice mail filled up and you're going to get lots of emails like I do.''
All in all, I found it an infuriating performance – not despite some of the better points he made today, but because of them; where was all this great good sense when the country needed it? Why couldn't he have gone on TV and said some of these things back when they might have mattered?
PD toolbar!
and download the new Politics Daily toolbar!
-
PRINT
-
IM
-
E-mail
127 comments
+ add your own
Melinda Henneberger
Melinda Henneberger is the editor-in-chief of PoliticsDaily.com. She spent 10 years as a reporter for the New York Times, in the paper’s Washington and Rome bureaus... more
Comments (127)
David S.
2:53PM May 24th 2009
I will agree that Powell should not even bothering addressing his critics within the Republican party, as I think it is beneath him -- but as far as what he said about the GOP, what isn't true? Bush and the Republicans spent like drunken sailors when they ran the candy store and conservtives were too happy to genuflect at their altar. As to Dick Cheney, please -- a Vice President who left office less popular than Spiro Agnew (Nixon's VP who resigned in disgrace) has no credibility. Sad that some in the GOP think he does.
RATE THIS COMMENT:
(4)
(4) 
sandsnnydz
3:05PM May 24th 2009
If you think Bush spent like a drunken sailor what does it make Obama ...the deficit for the current budget year will rise by $89 billion to above $1.8 trillion about four times the record set just last year?
this in Obamas first 100 days and that doesn't count the first tarp Obama signed onto as well in October 2008.......
this in Obamas first 100 days and that doesn't count the first tarp Obama signed onto as well in October 2008.......
RATE THIS COMMENT:
(0)
(0) Janeyre
4:51PM May 24th 2009
Dear David S,
You have in a few words, given the best reply yet. Thank you, for your insight.
You have in a few words, given the best reply yet. Thank you, for your insight.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Alfonso
3:42PM May 25th 2009
It is refreshing to hear the truth instead of name calling.
RATE THIS COMMENT:
(-1)
(-1) Rheinhart Moxon
9:09PM May 26th 2009
sandsnnydz
3:05PM May 24th 2009
If you think Bush spent like a drunken sailor what does it make Obama ...the deficit for the current budget year will rise by $89 billion to above $1.8 trillion about four times the record set just last year?
this in Obamas first 100 days and that doesn't count the first tarp Obama signed onto as well in October 2008.......
===================
Why did you fail to mention that Bush came into the Oval Office with money in the bank and a future with Zero Debt not far off?
And why did you fail to mention that war against Iraq that Bush started and said would cost $80 Billion turned into a TWO TRILLION DOLLAR war that is still not over?
3:05PM May 24th 2009
If you think Bush spent like a drunken sailor what does it make Obama ...the deficit for the current budget year will rise by $89 billion to above $1.8 trillion about four times the record set just last year?
this in Obamas first 100 days and that doesn't count the first tarp Obama signed onto as well in October 2008.......
===================
Why did you fail to mention that Bush came into the Oval Office with money in the bank and a future with Zero Debt not far off?
And why did you fail to mention that war against Iraq that Bush started and said would cost $80 Billion turned into a TWO TRILLION DOLLAR war that is still not over?
RATE THIS COMMENT: (1)
(1) carol
6:09PM May 31st 2009
Where do you get your info? Obama spent more in 100 days then Bush in 8 years and 2 wars. Bush never went above 3%GDP and Obama has tripled that. You know what that means? It means inflation will be out the roof in two years or less!! How can any Democrat complain about how much Bush spent?????? And......What has Colin P. ever done that anyone should listen, or even care, what he has to say? He tickles people's ears (just like Obama)and blows with the wind. I could care less what he says and it really speaks volumes that any American would give a sh-- what he has to say - he has not earned the right to give an opinion - especially about Cheney!!!!!!!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (1)
(1) dlthomas14
2:56PM May 24th 2009
If Powell still self-identifies as a Republican, he sounds just as adrift as the rest. As Cheney, Gingrich and Romney try to reign everyone back in, they need to start faxing out talking points again. The first should be, "no Limbow".
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-4)
(-4) sandsnnydz
2:59PM May 24th 2009
I agree with Rush ..... Powell is a Democrat & I'm sick of listening to his petulant complaints (whining) in regard to the Republican Party
looks like he is catching that selective memory virus thats running rampant in the White House .....just like Nazi Nan Pelosi funny how these insincere, doubledealing, & deceitful people state they did not agree with what the Bush White House did but "SAID NOTHING" ...... until ..... 2009?
looks like he is catching that selective memory virus thats running rampant in the White House .....just like Nazi Nan Pelosi funny how these insincere, doubledealing, & deceitful people state they did not agree with what the Bush White House did but "SAID NOTHING" ...... until ..... 2009?
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
(-2) Steve
3:11PM May 24th 2009
Powell got where he is by being a suck-up. Everyone with a brain knows that. He is a vile betrayer to the people that gave him the opportunity to become something other than a typical Bronx or Brooklyn, I forget which, thug. He has never stood for or up to anything. He should be grateful for what he has attained and shut the f... up!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
(-2) stacknef
3:33PM May 24th 2009
No, Colin Powell didn't become your "typical Bronx or Brooklyn thug" as your narrow mind described him, instead he bacame Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Secreatary of State. So, Steve, what have YOU accomplished? Not only is Colin Powel entitled to his opinions, we would be better off listening to him instead of "the entertainer".
Powell had a solid middle class upbringing in the Bronx, which contrary to your stupid remark, does not produce thugs. In fact The Bronx has produced Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize writers, renown scientists, politicians and just solid good people. I wonder, Steve, where do you live and how many Secretary of States or Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs your town has turned out?
Powell had a solid middle class upbringing in the Bronx, which contrary to your stupid remark, does not produce thugs. In fact The Bronx has produced Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize writers, renown scientists, politicians and just solid good people. I wonder, Steve, where do you live and how many Secretary of States or Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs your town has turned out?
RATE THIS COMMENT:
(2)
(2) Sheila
6:02PM May 24th 2009
You are one ignorant pathetic fool to call Colin Powell a thug. You are probably under the belief that Obama is an uneducated dummy who never write his own speeches. I believe you are envious that these two black men are intelligient and capable.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (8)
(8) HORSUN 4 TJS
12:44PM May 25th 2009
Stevie your right-on about the thugs but you left out chi-town thugs they are all related to President Dumbo with his Rope-a-Dope speeches that say NOTHING but spend spend. More tea parties so the other half can stand up to these HALF-WITS
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
(-2) Vaughn D. Gale
2:06PM May 26th 2009
Stop being sooo RACIST with your THUG STATEMENT. Remember that when COLIN POWELL grew up there were PLENTY OF WHITE THUGZ in NEW YORK as GLAMORIZED in movies like THE GODFATHER, ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, etc. COLIN POWELL HAS MORE INTELLIGENCE IN HIS PINKY THAN YOU HAVE IN YOUR WHOLE BRAIN. AND BY THE WAY, THUG DOES NOT RELATE TO BLACK MEN ONLY YA RACIST!!!! Think about THE MAFIA!! Guess they aren't any THUGZ there, they're just GREAT ALL AMERICAN GUYS.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-1)
(-1) jan
3:14PM May 24th 2009
His 'good sense' was being ignored, much to his disgust. In the two major factions of Bush's close circle, the more extreme, less honest, less capable won out. Rumsfeld basically kept overriding the more moderate, reasonable Powell - and Rice. It was unfortunate, as was Bush's lack of judgment in letting it happen.
I don't believe stating facts about the current loud conservative fringe is 'complaining'. They are becoming increasingly, fanatically, exclusive, setting themselves apart from the rest of the 'unAmerican' population. Moderation and compromise have enabled our nation to thrive...rigid ideology has always harmed it.
The 'socialist' accusation being thrown at everything which doesn't conform to the ideologues' approval is silly - and dishonest. There are elements of so-called socialism which work very well with capitalism. The ignorance of talk-show hosts and their followers about this is annoying. Our Founders encoded a degree of 'socialism' with their levying of taxes and their huge emphasis on 'the common good' - a concept which has become a filthy word among neo-conservatives.
As for tea parties - the original colonists had no problem with taxes...just with the total lack of representation which accompanied them.
I don't believe stating facts about the current loud conservative fringe is 'complaining'. They are becoming increasingly, fanatically, exclusive, setting themselves apart from the rest of the 'unAmerican' population. Moderation and compromise have enabled our nation to thrive...rigid ideology has always harmed it.
The 'socialist' accusation being thrown at everything which doesn't conform to the ideologues' approval is silly - and dishonest. There are elements of so-called socialism which work very well with capitalism. The ignorance of talk-show hosts and their followers about this is annoying. Our Founders encoded a degree of 'socialism' with their levying of taxes and their huge emphasis on 'the common good' - a concept which has become a filthy word among neo-conservatives.
As for tea parties - the original colonists had no problem with taxes...just with the total lack of representation which accompanied them.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
(2) Kerry
7:20PM May 25th 2009
Hello Jan: I am in total agreement with what you have said in your e-mail. Colin Powell is a very honorable man that should be treated with the highest degree of respect because of his service to this country and when the President of the United States ( Commander in Chief ) ask's you to serve your country in his administration and Colin Powell being the top soldier that he is. What would you expect him to do and what would you do?
I am from Washington, D.C. and I still live here. There are a lot of things that happen inside the D.C. beltway that may not get out to the rest of this nation or may not get to our representatives on capital hill or in the White House, but just like you said and I agree with you a lot of Colin Powell's " good sense " was ignored concerning the invasion of Iraq and after all is said and done he should be able to say whatever is on his mind without being attacked.
Jan, I do agree with what you have said about the talk show host people. I will take it up a notch and say that they are trying to install fear in the people of this country and in my opinion i think that they do it to keep the ratings up and keep their jobs. ( Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck )
Kerry
I am from Washington, D.C. and I still live here. There are a lot of things that happen inside the D.C. beltway that may not get out to the rest of this nation or may not get to our representatives on capital hill or in the White House, but just like you said and I agree with you a lot of Colin Powell's " good sense " was ignored concerning the invasion of Iraq and after all is said and done he should be able to say whatever is on his mind without being attacked.
Jan, I do agree with what you have said about the talk show host people. I will take it up a notch and say that they are trying to install fear in the people of this country and in my opinion i think that they do it to keep the ratings up and keep their jobs. ( Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck )
Kerry
RATE THIS COMMENT: (4)
(4) jim
8:42PM May 26th 2009
Jan Is right on. Obama bashing is as bad or worse than Bush bashing. Colin Powell was and remains the voice of reason among a substantial number of republicans ...perhaps (hopefully) the silent majority republicans that do care about our country and "all the people"....not just the rich...nor just the poor.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
(2) Steve
3:15PM May 24th 2009
It seems like your left wrist is a little limp. Facts not opinions "tough guy."
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
(-2) bob
3:27PM May 24th 2009
You Democrats spend more time worrying about who says what to whom about what in the Republican party than most Republicans do.
Maybe instead of that you should be asking your president why Gitmo's still open for business and planeloads of troops aren't being shipped home from Iraq.
Maybe instead of that you should be asking your president why Gitmo's still open for business and planeloads of troops aren't being shipped home from Iraq.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Sheila
6:16PM May 24th 2009
Bob, we are months away from Pres. Obama deadline to return some of the troops home. Can not believe you are complaining about troops coming home you probably agreed that there should have been an Iraq war because of WMD(weapons of mass destruction)that have been proven to be all lies. Furthermore, if we had a repub in office there would not be any talks of bringing troops home. Afghanistan and Pakistan is were the war should after taken place after 9/11 not Iraq.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (7)
(7) markeschu
12:47PM May 26th 2009
That's because Democrates are allowed to question each other without being run out of the party. Something a Republican would not understand.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (4)
(4) 
Politics Daily on Facebook
Now Commenting
- even keel on:
Former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder Calls for White House Staff Shake-Up - cbu1955 on:
Americans Held in Haiti Plead for U.S. Government Help - Ed on:
Former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder Calls for White House Staff Shake-Up - Harold on:
Americans Held in Haiti Plead for U.S. Government Help - falling on:
Robert Gibbs Gets Hands On About Mocking Sarah Palin - wearley26 on:
Former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder Calls for White House Staff Shake-Up
Submit Your Favorite Links
No.
Props
Props
- 33
- 24
- 27
- 23
- 23
- 21
Follow Politics Daily
Other News
- The race is on for Murtha's seat
- The real political realities
- Senate blocks NLRB appointee
- Did a soldier waterboard his daughter?
- Surprise guest at White House briefing: Obama
- Schumer's Wall Street Donors Look for Revenge
- Michael Steele Suggests Racism Fuels His Critics
- Robert Gibbs Pokes Fun at Sarah Palin
- World Likes Obama Much More Than Bush
- Obama Makes New Plea for Bipartisanship
- London's Dark Underworld
- This Week's Hot Reads
- A Greek Economic Tragedy
- No Idol for Stern
- Iran on the Brink
- Iran's Acts 'Not Acceptable'
- Boehner: Why Discuss Dead Bill?
- Senate Rejects Obama Nominee
- Clinton Hostage-Taker Now a Fugitive
- Lead Scare Over Target's Valentine's Day Bears in Calif.
Politics Daily More Links