Posted on 08/10/2004 10:57:04 AM PDT by ejdrapes
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican centrist who is popular with moderate voters, intends to skip the GOP convention in New York that will nominate President Bush for a second term. "The secretary does not plan to attend," State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said Tuesday. He drew attention to Powell's remarks last week at a convention of minority journalists that he was obliged as secretary not to take part in "parochial debate." The Republicans gather for the four-day convention beginning Aug. 30. With Bush in a close race against Democratic nominee John Kerry Powell's stature with both Republicans and Democrats who favor a cautious approach to world problems could be an asset to the president. In fact, Powell has defended Bush's foreign policy in interviews and speeches, dismissing Kerry's assertions that the president is inclined to go it alone in dangerous overseas ventures and favors pre-emptive action. Kerry has placed special emphasis on consulting with allies and other foreign governments. He has faulted Bush on the war with Iraq, saying the president's approach alienated Arab and European governments. In response, Powell told Unity: Journalists of Color Convention last Thursday that Bush took his advice to "not act unilaterally" and made the case against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein at the United Nations in September 2002. Yet Powell also acknowledged, "The intelligence community apparently got it wrong on stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction. I do not expect huge stockpiles to be found." He said Bush officials knew that if "the United Nations ultimately did not act, and we didn't solve it diplomatically, we knew then that it might be necessary for us to solve it through the use of military force." Powell's differences with Bush and his senior advisers who are more conservative occasionally is an issue. He favors abortion rights and affirmative action. Powell Won't Attend Republican Convention
Maybe because he invited the UN to monitor the election--- hopefully that has made the GOP durn tootin' mad.
Maybe mad enough not to welcome people who are so eager to violate our sovereignty to please the global elites.
Ah, there is no end to their hateful lies.
Apparently the AP, is just doing its bit for the Kerry campaign.
Way back....Well, you Decide.
Bush to Rumsfeld, Powell: Stay Out of the Campaign
US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says President George W Bush has ordered him and Secretary of State Colin Powell to stay out of the US presidential campaign.
Appearing on the CBS Face the Nation program, Mr Rumsfeld said though he and Mr Powell may be drawn into discussions regarding US foreign policy and military issues before the November 2 face-off between Mr Bush and Democrat John Kerry, "We will be doing it in a manner that is not campaign-style at all".
"There won't be a role. The president has specifically asked Colin Powell and me not to be involved in the campaign," Mr Rumsfeld said.
"He thinks that it's best that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence tend to their responsibilities and not allow their departments to become enmeshed in the campaign."
Powell, Rumsfeld and Rice will be ready to keep the war effort running should the enemy succedd in what they desperately want to do.
Also the fact that not the entire Executive Branch is present in the same place/time: not even at the State Of The Union Addresses. Ther are at least two Cabinet members absent, to ensure the succession of the office.
Rumsfeld, as SecDEF, and Colon Bowell as SecSTATE, would be absent. Rice is Nat'l Security Advisor, and NOT Cabinet, so she could be present.
I see it as a security measure.
Looks who's not attending:
Sec of State
Sec of Defense
and National Security Advisor
Actually, not to be a tin foil hat type, but I think it's a little worrisome, as far as a possible terror threat for the convention.
Obviously, Bush and Cheney have to be there (at least for one night) so if you're expecting a terror incident, which cabinet members would you not want to be there...the three they've named.
Just my 2 cents.
Let's see, the last sitting President to run for re-election was Clinton in 1996. His SoS was Warren Christopher. Warren Christopher did not attend the 1996 DNC. What did AP report about it 8 Years ago?
Exactly. It would be beyond stupid to have the President, Vice-President & Secretary of State in NY City at the same time...especially during the convention with the whackos on the street.
The AP still thinks terrorism is a political joke perpetuated by the VRWC.
Agreed.
Good point.
Yes, I thought succession immediately. But the media "knows" the threat is all a political ploy, so what the heck, why not try to make a little political hay out of this?
Kerry didn't have his "presumptive" SoS Sandy Berger at his convention himself.
contrary to popular belief, i do not even think powell is a repub. if he is repub he is too moderate, no repub belives in affirmative action.
BINGO!
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