The Missing Man

Why, they ask? Maybe because he's too smart for the job?

WHY ISN'T HE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT? I happened to catch on one of my local NPR stations this afternoon a talk that Colin Powell gave at the Aspen Institute a few days ago, focusing on the Iraq war. Maybe it's just me, but to my ears Powell is the only one out there who talks sense about the war-thy it matters, what mistakes we've made, how to move forward from here, without unnecessary hand-wringing and finger-pointing. Plus, I don't think any of the candidates out there can come close to him when he talks about why the idea, and ideals, of America are important and even inspiring. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd vote for him in a NY minute, and I suspect there are lots and lots of folks out there who feel the same way.

The problem is, Powell, like Ron Paul, is probably too honest to become president. You have to do a lot of bootlicking these days, and after his experiences with the Bush Administration I don't think he wants that. Stay where you are, sir. You're probably better off.