Please read this

[AWPrime]

McCain my first choice...

 

[Zep]

During Clinton's second term, there was a lot of interest in Powell as the Republican nominee in 2000, and few people doubt he could have had the nomination for the asking.

Thing is, he didn't ask; in fact, he stated flat-out that he would not run. The "inside baseball" on this is that he didn't have the great passion to do so, while his wife was absolutely dead-set against it.

There's two impressions on Powell here, not mutually exclusive.

First impression is that he really is a soldier-not-a-politician, and knows his own strengths and weaknesses well enough. I also note that he never uses his family like the others do. That's good - there's probably been a bit too much of "the other half" running things as though they were elected and not the actual encumbent.

Second impression is that he is really just biding his time, waiting for the right opening... I was in the US in 1996 and saw him turn down the running for either party at that time. However, he did get involved in 2000, and Secretary of State is not a position to be sneezed at for a first-timer. So he isn't entirely adverse to jobs at the sharp end, is he.

And I believe I've mentioned before that more than one person thinks his current backpedalling from Bush's cabinet and campaign are a sign he knows, or at least suspects, he's on a losing team (even if Bush gets back in, it won't be good to be on his side). And no-one likes losers in US politics - losing rubs off on others. So better to sit this next term out, divorce himself from the current debacle, and reappear in 2008 or even 2012 as a clear winner. If he does, Kerry won't stand a chance...

 

[Rob Lister]

And I believe I've mentioned before that more than one person thinks his current backpedalling from Bush's cabinet and campaign are a sign he knows, or at least suspects, he's on a losing team (even if Bush gets back in, it won't be good to be on his side). And no-one likes losers in US politics - losing rubs off on others. So better to sit this next term out, divorce himself from the current debacle, and reappear in 2008 or even 2012 as a clear winner. If he does, Kerry won't stand a chance...

How has Powell backpeddled from the Bush cabinet and campaign? How would he be on the losing side if Bush is reelected? The nation is divided, to be sure, but the division is, if you believe the polls, almost exactly in half.

 

[csense]

Oh, do try to get a sense of perspective. Charlie Brooker writes a humourous column in the TV pages of the Guardian. It's not intended to be a serious piece.

Ah yes, perspective....now that I find humorous

....and published an apology, which he did, in fact, write himself.

I see, more humor.
That would explain the third person POV


How silly of me to even make a fuss about it.