Colin Powell Lauds Bush, Rebukes GOP on Affirmative
Action Colin Powell Lauds Bush, Rebukes GOP on Affirmative
Action
By BARBARA FRANKEL
DiversityInc.com
Aug. 1, 2000
Although his views on affirmative action and abortion differ dramatically from those of Texas Gov. George W. Bush and the Republican Party platform, retired Gen. Colin Powell scored some points for the GOP Monday night. Retired Gen. Colin Powell reacts to the cheers of delagates as he takes the stage at the Republican Convention in Philadelphia on Monday. (AP Photo)
Addressing the prime-time Republican National Convention, Powell, the only African American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chief of Staffs and a man who universally has high ratings with African Americans and whites, praised Bush for being able to help close the racial divide.
"The issue of race still casts a shadow over our society," Powell said. "Despite the impressive progress we have made over the last 40 years to overcome this legacy of our troubled past, it is still with us. So with all the success we have enjoyed and with all the wealth we have created, we have much more work to do and a long way to go to bring the promise of America to every single American."
Powell addressed the GOP's lack of support for affirmative action, saying Republicans don't miss a chance to "roundly and loudly condemn" it. But unlike his speech to the GOP convention four years ago, he stayed away from abortion. He is pro-choice. Bush, and most of those voting for the party platforms, are pro-life.
The Republican Party is 83 percent white, but Powell insisted Republicans should "follow Gov. BushÕs lead and reach out to minority communities and particularly the African-American community Ð and not just during an election-year campaign." Republicans, he said, "must understand the cynicism that exists in the black community.
Overcoming the cynicism and mistrust that exist and raising up the mantle of Lincoln is about more than just winning votes." Powell had been rumored, this year and four years ago, as a possible vice presidential candidate. He also had been asked by some to make a White House run himself, which he has refused.
The Associated Press reported today that Powell said he'd entertain a job offer from Bush or Democratic Vice President Al Gore if either was president. Speaking on ABCÕs "Good Morning America," Powell discussed rumors that he would be considered for secretary of state under a Bush administration.
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