I used to have a lot of respect for that man.
I have even more for him.
He basically did this to smack the modern day republican party across the face. Republicans have pandered to the hard-right base (the religious right being the main part) and it has totally ruined the party.
Republicans used to be for smaller government. Not anymore. We've seen the largest expansion of government under this republican administration.
Republicans used to be about fiscal responsibility. Not anymore. Our national debt is currently higher than it's ever been.
Republicans used to be about freedom. McCain authored one hell of a bill stifiling free speech in the name of campaign reform.
Republicans used to be about freedom. Now they are more about authoritarianism, unless it can win them more votes. (Abortions, while repugnant, are none of the governments business, as is what homos do in their own bedrooms, or if they want to get married. Victimless crimes like drug use as well. None of the governments business. Each allows the Government to grow larger, exerting more control over your life. A good exception being guns; as there's a large enough voting block that feels strongly enough about this to keep them free, for now. Modern republicans will at least pay this right lip service.+
The modern right has ruined the republican party, much like Clinton ruined the democratic party in the 90's only less so.
Modern liberals have gotten back to their roots, because they learned they do not do well when they stray from them. They are about helping the poor, middle crash, and disenfranchised. They are about making the government work for the people, instead of staying out of the people's business.
I think when Republicans get back to the business of gettng OUT of our business, they will once again do very well in our political landscape.
I guess I feel differently about these things as most people here. I'd rather vote for a real liberal than a fake conservative; and I think that's what Powell was trying to say.
As soon as the Republican party kicks the Religious Right to the curb where it belongs, they are a lost party.
Then again, strangely enough, I seem to be voting republican for everyone else this election, except for President.
EDIT: DANGIT Shootinstudent, I hate it when I agree with you.