Before you rush judgement : Why not a Paul - Powell ticket?

[rp08rp]

Colin Powell, in my mind, was forced to talk about WMD, and he was ousted by this Admin for trying to be fair after the disasters,
the only military Veteran really, and I think an honorable guy who got caught up in sleeze and maybe was black mailed somehow,...who knows.
but you need an Insider to get things to change, 2 outsiders would not work.

Powell is a true Diplomat and may want to ameliorate the wounds in our foreign affairs,
I think that ticket would be a great one in a perfect world of course

[LibertyEagle]

He's a consummate insider. No thank you.

[rp08rp]

He's a consummate insider. No thank you.

YOU cant get action in DC, the incestuous beast it has become with 2 outsiders,
Dont delude yourself,
It will take time to change it.

[LibertyEagle]

YOU cant get action in DC, the incestuous beast it has become with 2 outsiders,
Dont delude yourself,
It will take time to change it.

Well, you're certainly not going to get where you want to go by including someone who is working for the other side.

Don't delude YOURself.

[rp08rp]

Well, you're certainly not going to get where you want to go by including someone who is working for the other side.

Don't delude YOURself.

But thats where we differ, to me he is a decent guy..
I think Powell is a throwback to the Reagan like Republicans, who has honor
and got caught up in the sleeze/slime of this Administration

[LibertyEagle]

But thats where we differ, to me he is a decent guy..
I think Powell is a throwback to the Reagan like Republicans, who has honor
and got caught up in the sleeze/slime of this Administration

Are you basing that on anything real, or just gut feel?

[hocaltar]

[QUOTE=rp08rp;434693]Colin Powell, in my mind, was forced to talk about WMD, and he was ousted by this Admin for trying to be fair after the disasters,
the only military Veteran really, and I think an honorable guy who got caught up in sleeze and maybe was black mailed somehow,...who knows.


Nope. He was complicit in a lie and compromised his integrity. Regardless of whether he got bullied or blackmailed, it's irrelevant. It was his job to lead by example and sometimes integrity means doing the right thing. No wait! Integrity means always doing the right thing even when it's hard to do.

Look at all the votes where Dr. Paul was the lone black sheep. Do you think he didn't feel pressured to go along with the crowd? Dr. Paul routinely has tried to return the power to its rightful owners (the people). To match these two up would be a huge mistake IMO.

The consensus here seems to be: Buchanan, Napolitano, Williams and a couple of others. Personally I seem to like the idea of Buchanan because the people in New Hampshire love him. If Buchanan could run around New Hampshire and guarantee the win, that would leave Dr. Paul time to goto Iowa, SC, NV, and FL.

However, Buchanan has his baggage too. But Heaven knows what type of baggage Napolitano and Willams may have.

[RegularRon]

Well atleast you guys are talking about someone other than that Socialist scum-bag Dennis Kuninich.

And for Powell, I don't know. I still like Gov. Staford from SC. and "Uncle" Pat Buchanan.

[davidhperry]

Well atleast you guys are talking about someone other than that Socialist scum-bag Dennis Kuninich.

And for Powell, I don't know. I still like Gov. Stanford from SC. and "Uncle" Pat Buchanan.

I would totally pick Stanford over Buchanan. Like the OP, I actually like Powell because I think he does have convictions. People have raised some good points though so I'll have to research him a bit more. He seems more honest than the average politician to me.

[LibertyEagle]

And for Powell, I don't know. I still like Gov. Staford from SC. and "Uncle" Pat Buchanan.

I'm taking it that you mean Mark Sanford. Why do you refer to Pat as "Uncle" Pat?

[undergroundrr]

Whatever one thinks about Powell, he still leaves a bad taste for anti-Iraq war people. It would probably eliminate their confidence in Paul's anti-war principles.

[Ridiculous]

Are you basing that on anything real, or just gut feel?

There was actually a documentary on PBS about Rumsfeld that implied that about Powell.

[Jagwarr]

I have thought about Mr. Powell and this campaign too. I feel that at some point Dr. Paul is going to need a group of respected Americans to step forward and explain to the American people in very simple and straight forward terms some of the aspects of the Iraq war and the federal reserve system that the American people are not generally informed about and I do think Mr. Powell is a possible candidate for this.

Obviously this type of approach has to be left of to Dr. Paul to decide and I would have to imagine that such an approach has at least entered the minds of those directly involved in this campaign.

It would be difficult because it would have to be done in an informative way rather then a political, I support the Dr Paul message, but I do feel this could be done and I think it would create a debate in this country that hasn't been seen in any of our lifetimes.

[kylejack]

I'm sure Powell is a good man, but he's damaged goods. Palin is untouchable AND she fixes our gender imbalance.

[ButchHowdy]

Once you get a taste of those $100,000 speeches, a VP salary looks quite lackluster.

Didn't Bill Clinton already make about 4 million YTD?

I wonder how much Dubya speeches will command!

[Ozwest]

I know it's childish, but... LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!!!!!

[LibertyEagle]

Paul Powell will be a good ticket, defintley get more minorities..

Walter Williams would do the same thing and he isn't a member of a very unsavory organization.

Regardless, I don't think we need that to attract minorities. That doesn't give them the credit that they deserve. Some people may vote on race alone, but I don't believe that is the norm.

[mesler]

I suggested Powell a few months back as well. Too bad he didn't resign instead of sell the war, he'd be the perfect complement. Many Republicans who haven't supported Ron think that he will be weak on natl defense, and someone like Powell could counter that.

[JosephTheLibertarian]

Didn't Powell purposely deceive the country? Did Colin "Cancer" Powell not lead us astray?

[TooConservative]

Why not Powell for VP? Because he isn't remotely interested.

[constituent]

...

[rockwell]

Because Powell is either a liar or his judgement is so bad as to call his honesty into question.

Everyone is entitled to make mistakes and the best case scenario for Powell was that he made a boatload of them. Someone that errant in their judgement, that willing to accept as fact falsehood has no business leading anything beyond a parade.

I knew General Powell back in the 1980's while he was still in the Army and he was a very nice man, very courteous and decent, but he was not the brightest light in the string and from the conversations that I overheard and that I occasionally was included in, his grasp of US history was pretty spotty. I don't think he is a bad man, but I do not think he is even remotely capable of handling the office of President of the United States- and VP is the on deck position.

Pass.

[John of Des Moines]

Having Powell as vice president would be bad for Dr. Paul's health.
Powell equals C.F.R.

[RPTXState]

Our chances of finding ANYONE with Ron Paul levels of integrity is 0%. Thats why we're all being drawn to him, because his devotion and integrity is unmatched.

Seems to be a three-way race among us between Napolitano, Sanford, and Williams for the VP spot, but:

A. Will the RNC heads force Ron to take their ideal VP (as they forced Bush on Reagan)?
B. Will any of these guys want the job?
C. Anyone "outside" we haven't noticed?

[Ncturnal]

Well atleast you guys are talking about someone other than that Socialist scum-bag Dennis Kuninich.

And for Powell, I don't know. I still like Gov. Staford from SC. and "Uncle" Pat Buchanan.

I've heard some good things about Gov Stanford.

[troyd1]

How about the congressman from new jersey that endorsed Ron Paul?

[rockwell]

Our chances of finding ANYONE with Ron Paul levels of integrity is 0%. Thats why we're all being drawn to him, because his devotion and integrity is unmatched.

Seems to be a three-way race among us between Napolitano, Sanford, and Williams for the VP spot, but:

A. Will the RNC heads force Ron to take their ideal VP (as they forced Bush on Reagan)?
B. Will any of these guys want the job?
C. Anyone "outside" we haven't noticed?

Who was the NJ Congressman that gave the opening speech at the Philly Rally? He struck me as solid VP material. He has three sons, all of them serving active duty, he's a vet and a graduate of West Point and he had his head screwed on striaght about what Paul was all about. I don't give a damn about political experience, I want integrity and loyalty to America and a man who is willing to make sacrifices instead of demand entitlements. I'm sure Ron Paul will make one hell of a pick, no matter who it is.

[JosephTheLibertarian]

I think Michael Badnarik should be VP. This will catapult him into "top tier" after two terms of Ron Paul.

[Just Come Home]

I think Michael Badnarik should be VP. This will catapult him into "top tier" after two terms of Ron Paul.



Michael Badnarik would absolutely sink the Ron Paul campaign. FAST!

[Just Come Home]

Also, for my part, I would have to abstain if Colin Powell were on the ticket. I was a huge fan of Powell before he decieived me. I will never cast a ballot that will put this coward back in power... not even if he were campaigning with Dr. Paul.

[JosephTheLibertarian]

Michael Badnarik would absolutely sink the Ron Paul campaign. FAST!

why? He's a smooth talker

[Just Come Home]

why? He's a smooth talker


If you say so. I always thought he came across as arrogant and condescending... not to mention fringe.

The guy is in over his head on the presidential politics stage. We need an executive type who we can groom for the future.

[Just Come Home]

Besides, isn't Badnarkik from Texas? Two Texans on the same ticket isn't going to appeal to the mass electorate.

[davidhperry]

Who was the NJ Congressman that gave the opening speech at the Philly Rally? He struck me as solid VP material. He has three sons, all of them serving active duty, he's a vet and a graduate of West Point and he had his head screwed on striaght about what Paul was all about. I don't give a damn about political experience, I want integrity and loyalty to America and a man who is willing to make sacrifices instead of demand entitlements. I'm sure Ron Paul will make one hell of a pick, no matter who it is.

He was actually a state representative. I'm not sure from where.

[JMann]

Powell would never run with Paul and I doubt Paul would ask him.

[Anti Federalist]

Andrew Napalotino

[werdd]

Napaopolitano or Buchanan IMO

[ValidusCustodiae]

Jesse Ventura =) Libertarian and has served as Minnesota's governor =)

[Highstreet]

Colin Powell, in my mind, was forced to talk about WMD, and he was ousted by this Admin for trying to be fair after the disasters,
the only military Veteran really, and I think an honorable guy who got caught up in sleeze and maybe was black mailed somehow,...who knows.
but you need an Insider to get things to change, 2 outsiders would not work.

Powell is a true Diplomat and may want to ameliorate the wounds in our foreign affairs,
I think that ticket would be a great one in a perfect world of course

I think it's a great ticket!!

[aroberso]

But thats where we differ, to me he is a decent guy..
I think Powell is a throwback to the Reagan like Republicans, who has honor
and got caught up in the sleeze/slime of this Administration

I concur. I was thinking this same thing myself. I wonder who Mr. Powell supports for President anyway?

I have always felt that Mr. Powell possessed a high degree of integrity, and I think that's why he didn't last in the Bush Administration.

He made mistakes that contributed to our going to war, and those are big mistakes, but I think he could give us a lot of credibility if he were to support the campaign.

[JosephTheLibertarian]

If you say so. I always thought he came across as arrogant and condescending... not to mention fringe.

The guy is in over his head on the presidential politics stage. We need an executive type who we can groom for the future.

hmm fringe? He has good ideas.

[max]

are you kidding me?


His dog and pony show at the UN triggered this disaster..

what a gutless coward he is! Insteda of using his "prestige" and resigning to protest policy...he caved in to the murdererrs...


how can u even think such a thing??

[JosephTheLibertarian]

are you kidding me?


His dog and pony show at the UN triggered this disaster..

what a gutless coward he is! Insteda of using his "prestige" and resigning to protest policy...he caved in to the murdererrs...


how can u even think such a thing??

I'm talking about Michael Badnarik.

[Perry]

Colin Powell, in my mind, was forced to talk about WMD, and he was ousted by this Admin for trying to be fair after the disasters,
the only military Veteran really, and I think an honorable guy who got caught up in sleeze and maybe was black mailed somehow,...who knows.
but you need an Insider to get things to change, 2 outsiders would not work.

Powell is a true Diplomat and may want to ameliorate the wounds in our foreign affairs,
I think that ticket would be a great one in a perfect world of course

I think this could be possible however Paul would need to have a sit down with Powell first and discuss his mistakes.

[RevolutionSD]

Powell is just another CFR insider who sold his country down a river to the Iraq war. He is not anti-war and instead just thinks we didn't do it right. He has never really come out against Bush so why would this guy have anything to do with Ron Paul???

[Godbag]

I dont know most of the names being thrown around for VP, cept for powells.. who i do think is a decent bloke, but forever tarnished for that unforgettable speech to the UN(you could tell he did not believe any of what he was saying so at least he has a soul...).. i consider VP to be more of a title then any kind of productive position(though Cheney kind of changed that lol), i think Jon Stewart would be a great VP for many reasons though im not sure he agree's with Ron on many issues... would definetly bring more supporters though, and he is a hell of lot smarter than bush so dont bring up the fact that he is "just a TV comedian" etc etc... I think a better move would be to approach Richard Clark and ask him to return to the position of counter terrorism chief, that would silence anyone who accuses Ron of being soft on the subject of terrorism, national defence etc

[jondisx]

you guys should watch jon stewart on crossfire or whatever it was called back when tucker was a douche

[JosephTheLibertarian]

How about George Phillies?

[DjLoTi]

How about..... we let Ron Paul decide his VP

[American]

He's a consummate insider. No thank you.

He was just in the news recently and he isnt aligning with the Neo Cons.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3472936,00.html

I think Colin Powell would be a great VP, we need someone with Military experience.

[stevedasbach]

Colin Powell, in my mind, was forced to talk about WMD, and he was ousted by this Admin for trying to be fair after the disasters,
the only military Veteran really, and I think an honorable guy who got caught up in sleeze and maybe was black mailed somehow,...who knows.
but you need an Insider to get things to change, 2 outsiders would not work.

Powell is a true Diplomat and may want to ameliorate the wounds in our foreign affairs,
I think that ticket would be a great one in a perfect world of course

Paul's VP needs to share his views on the Constitution, foreign policy, spending, civil liberties, etc. Powell doesn't.

[Just Come Home]

hmm fringe? He has good ideas.



I voted for Badnarkik... I know his ideas. But there is a huge difference between voting for him as a virtual protest vote (though I am a small l libertarian), and choosing a VP to add balance to the ticket. Ron Paul needs a very strategically picked VP. Badnarik isn't it.

[terlinguatx]

...

[Goldwater Conservative]

Damaged goods, unfortunately.

I say Judge Andrew Napolitano, but I also think Chuck Hagel is worth considering.

[jpa]

Powell would guarentee the election. Too bad he probably won't join Ron Paul's ticket.

I hate to say this, but the criteria for VP should be 1) Who can get RP elected best 2) Idealogical fit.
Williams or Buchanan would sink the campaign :( even tho I like both of them much more than Powell or Sanford.

[Brian4Liberty]

Come on people! Colin Powell isn't perfect. He was torn between being a "good" soldier (i.e. LOYAL), and turning publicly on the neo-conservatives who had won the Administration. He chose loyalty. Yes, he would have been better off just resigning before the UN speech fiasco, but he chose otherwise. He was under severe pressure to be "patriotic". How about the vast majority of Congress that voted for the invasion of Iraq? How about some wrath for them?

He has been pretty honest about it since he left (like every other General who has saved their criticism for after they leave).

Not only that, the neo-conservatives have used him as a scapegoat! You are falling in their trap if you are misdirected towards Colin Powell.

On an economic note, I would like to see John Bogle serve in a Ron Paul administration in some form. He is one sharp old guy...and honest.

p.s. I'm not saying CP should be a VP candidate, but it would be good to find a more "mainstream" running mate...

[RPFTW!]

NO!

[axiomata]

If it is needed for the ticket to win, in a heartbeat.

[blamx8]

Someone may have said this already but taking on an individual who has been buddy-buddy with the powers that be is a good way to ensure that RP has a "heart attack" before he gets very far into a first term.

[terlinguatx]

...

[cindy25]

1) brings nothng to the ticket, as blacks will vote for Hillary anyway
2) Colin is pro-affirmative action
3) Colin is pro-national service

honesty and decency is not enough; has to be someone who will bring in votes, and shares our principles.

[DRV45N05]

I used to greatly admire Colin Powell, but his complicity in the Iraq War cost him a lot, in my book. Plus, he has too many positions that the base of the party vehemently disagree with. He's pro-choice, pro-Affirmative Action, and on and on. Ron WILL need to give the base a reason to turn out for him, as the base needs to turn out no matter who Ron goes up against.

I'm 95% certain that Sanford would be his choice. He would be a great pick, too: he's smart as hell, presents well, has a great reputation for integrity, and he is well-liked and respected by the base. In fact, if Ron does as well in the early primaries as I think he will, I see Mark stepping out and endorsing him.

[The Plan]

Colin Powell and his advisors had reservations about the speech he was about to give to the UN but instead of standing up like a man and speaking out he fell in line with his boss. To me that shows political cowardess and that would make him unworthy as a running mate for Ron Paul. he didn't even have the political balls to stand up for his own military doctrine and watched Bush virtually wipe his ass with it and said nothing. The man is a coward and deserves to be on the outside forever.

I would like to see Buchanan be the running mate just watch him tear into the other guy in debate, it would be brutal.