GOP watch: Powell vs. Rush

Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:11 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Republicans

CNN: “As Colin Powell fires back against Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh in the latest skirmish in the battle over the future of the Republican Party, a new national poll indicates that Americans have a much more favorable opinion of Powell than Cheney or Limbaugh. The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey, released Monday, suggests that 70 percent have a favorable opinion of Powell, who was Secretary of State during President George W. Bush's first term, and who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Persian Gulf War.”

“Only 30 percent of those polled have a favorable view of Limbaugh, the popular conservative radio talk show host, with 53 percent saying they hold an unfavorable opinion. In poll numbers released Thursday, 37 percent say they have a favorable opinion of Dick Cheney.”

"Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) is heading to Iowa on June 1 to deliver a keynote political address, tour a biotechnology firm and participate in a meet-and-greet at a local ice cream parlor," Roll Call writes. "Feel free to draw your own conclusions."

"In discussing the future of the Republican Party on NBC’s 'Meet the Press' on Sunday, former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) sounded almost like a candidate for president building a platform for the 2012 election," Roll Call writes. "But Gingrich said he would not even decide on a 2012 White House bid until 2011."

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Comments

Wow, Rush Limbaugh's approval rating is higher than Nancy Pelosi's.

Whodathought (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:18 AM)

Ofcourse Powell is more popular with real Americans than Lush Limburger. Only the braindead automatons of the republic facist party would like Mount Lushmore.

So funny that Neuter Gingrich thinks he can run for president in 2012 when we Democrats remember what scum he truly is. We'll never let this two timing wife dumper forget his $300,00 ethics fine and we'll mock the evangelical christian lunatic fringe for supporting such a false family values man.

Ignore Mount Lushmore!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:21 AM)

Don't forget Steele, the real leader of the republican Party.

Michael Steele’s comments this week-end are just the republicans at their best. Obama did not get vetted because he was Black. He got a free ride because he was black. He rose to his position because he was black. Mr. Steele, many in the republican part think you were not vetted so well yourself, your anti-Rush, Pro-choice comments in GQ, now open racism. Many think you are the leader of the Republican Party only because you are black. Many feel that you can now not be dismissed because you are black. That is why you continue to get a free ride. You see “they” tried to cut off your spending ability. All the criticism you have for Obama could easily pertain to you.

Maybe now you’ll start with your anti-Hispanic rhetoric today. I know y’all are always searching the news cycle for something to hang you Supremacist comments on. With the SCOTUS pick out today, I guess you’ll switch from anti-Black to Anti-Hispanic.

Good Luck to you and the other racist.

John, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:22 AM)

I watched alot of politics this weekend. General Powell is a very intelligent, classy man. I do hope he runs for CIC in 2012.
You know, everyone bashes David Gregory on MTP, but after watching on Sunday, I was very impressed with the interviewing he did. Granted Newt needs the boot, Dick Durbin did a good job at facing off with the puke Newt.

cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:23 AM)

This is because Colin Powell is a war hero 2 tours in vietman rose from a private to the highest rank and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff for 2 presidents, i don't remember hearing about chenneys war record or Rush Limbaugh time as a man who serves his country. the way rush looks he country served his many meals!!!
i'm glad people are not listion to the crap these blow holes are talking.

Jeff D Evanston IL. (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:24 AM)

Powell running against the President would be one hell of a match up in 2012. I have not and will not watch MTP as long as DG is the moderator. Same goes for Morning Joke.

Chuck/Mark,
Why don't you use your insider influence and get new hosts for both programs? MSNBC is loaded with good talent. Please find some for both of these slots. And Thank You for the great job you do with this board. I enjoy it very much!

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:32 AM)

I don't believe Powell is more popular than Limbaugh. This survey comes from CNN, not exactly fair play.

Powell is a backstabber looking to obie for a job. That's what all of this is about.

Sorry Colin, but Cheney and Bush know you better than anyone. They knew you would flip-flop before YOU did. I'm sure you've been investigated, and deservedly so.

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:39 AM)

who cares what liberals think of Rush...take a poll of just Republicans and Rush would win hands down..Powell is a Democrat

Hank Sapphire nc 28774 (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:39 AM)

Why are they comparing apples to oranges? Powell is a politician. Rush is a talk show host.

So What (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:44 AM)

General Colin Powell is a true American, whether he is democratic or republican. He is a voice of sanity in babel that is the current Republican Party. Limbaugh can't hold a candle to this man's accomplishments and those that listen to Rush and consider him significant is the same base that gave us Bush 43. We see how badly that turned out.

Cindy, las vegas, nv, David Gregory is better some days than others, but most of the time he is absolutely painful to watch, so I don't. I agree that Dick Durbin gave Newt more than a few pained moments. Loved it!

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:49 AM)

There's a term, Powell Doctrine. Coined by the media as a response to Powell's list of questions to be asked before the employment of the US military is applied.

Additionally the term, 'Dick Cheney' is a popular vernacular when you shoot a friend in the face.

I think the coined language illustrates the finer qualities of both men.

Matthew, New York, New York (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:50 AM)

Remember, it was the Democrats who killed Bush's attempt to get a Latino on the Supreme Court. Hopefully the media will note this during the upcoming debates.

Vince Hugh, Atlanta, Ga (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:57 AM)

Putting General Powell and Flush in the same room would be a hoot. Classy against Trashy! One of the many things (I'm a democrat kind of gal) I like about General Powell is his honesty. He states "I voted for the person who I felt would do the best job". As I hope we all try to do. Their could of been a whole lot of other Repugs who did this, but don't have the nads to admit it!! Kudo's to General Powell.

cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:59 AM)

Colin Powell is a intelligent and respected man and the republican party he once supported is no more.
And, they attack anyone who suggests they need to
change to stop their road to extinction.
The party of no will become the party of no more.

katiec (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:01 AM)

>>>Wow, Rush Limbaugh's approval rating is higher than Nancy Pelosi's.
Whodathought (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:18 AM)

>>>I don't believe Powell is more popular than Limbaugh. This survey comes from CNN, not exactly fair play.
Bad Chihuahua (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:39 AM)

>>>who cares what liberals think of Rush...take a poll of just Republicans and Rush would win hands down..Powell is a Democrat
Hank Sapphire nc 28774 (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:39 AM)
==========
My my my. Look at all of the DITTOHEADS come to defend their lord and master Limpballs.

Hope everyone had a happy Memorial Day. We should always remember our soldiers fighting to defend our freedom. Not just for one day, but the entire year round.

I'm on vacation, so I may not get to this as often as usual. But I'm still keeping tabs.

http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:06 AM)

Put Powell in charge of Republican fundraising and watch the money dry up, just like it did with McCain before he chose Palin as VP. CNN poles don't win elections for Republicans, a motivated conservative base does. Money talks, Powell walks.

raybojabo il (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:08 AM)

Bad Chihuahua, Bush knows absolutely nothing, which is why he allowed Cheney & Rove to run the country for 8 yrs. These two used Colin Powell's credibility and stellar reputation to sell the public on a bogus war, then when they had used him up, they tossed him out. I would say with these set of circumstances, that General Powell is not the one backstabbing, but has been backstabbed.

Cheney and Limbaugh are not fit to shine Colin Powell's shoes. And don't worry, Cheney will be investigated soon and very soon.

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:08 AM)

This is a no brainer!!!limpbag the gas bag or a soldier hmmmmmmm let me see who I would trust? Does not matter which party one belongs to, what matters most is who you think would likely do a better job. Not a doubt, limpbag is an entertainer who spouts bigotry, racism, and hate! Yes I have had the unpleasant ride with someone listening to this freak. I thought I was listening to a KKK rally, this guy is really hell bent on spewing hate! There is no comparision between these two period!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:13 AM)

Why is this a contest between Powell and Limbaugh?

Rush is not in the same league and cannot even carry Powell's jock strap!

It was important for Powell to respond to the negative posturing by Limbaugh. My hope is that General Powell will not give that fat idiot any more air time.

I would appreciate it if FR would stop with Rush updates every other day. WE DO NOT CARE WHAT HE THINKS!! He is a comedian not to be taken seriously. He has not been elected to anything and has never served in the military. What makes him an expert in all things political? Not a damn thing.

Sheila, Pikesville, MD (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:20 AM)

Go Colin, go.
We need more like Colin Powell in the Republican party. Here is a man of integrity, something in short supply these days especially in the Republican party.

I prefer a 2 party system but with the Republicans behaving as they have these past several years we are now seeing basically the reverse of Karl Rove's Republican dominance for decades.

Limbaugh and Cheney, two draft dodgers have a lot of nerve dissing GENERAL Colin Powell. Maybe if they walked a mile in his shoes and saw what he saw their minds would be changed and hearts softened. Maybe, just maybe....Well,,,maybe.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:22 AM)

J Ellis

Shining Powell's shoes? If that sentence was reversed it would be considered a "racial" remark.
And so goes American liberal ethics.

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:23 AM)

Powell needs to pay attention...we have had a moderate republican party for a long time now, one McCain ran in the 2008 ellection, I didn't see Powells support for the moderate republican...he gave his support to the radical left, obully. Millions of conservatives stayed home, some voted McCain just to help defeat obully, not because he was a conservative. The republicans have been becoming more moderate for a lot of years, it showed in the 2008 election it does not work.
Powell had his moderate, but gave his support to obama , he must have voted for the far left liberal because he is black. Powell is traitor.

Jeana (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:29 AM)

I don't believe Powell is more popular than Limbaugh. This survey comes from CNN, not exactly fair play.
Bad Chihuahua

Man you just opened your mouth and showed how dumb you really are. Actually 17 million listeners only come to about 12 per cent so they exaggerated Rush's numbers.

Mo (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:35 AM)

I have to say that at least Powell served his country faithfully for many years. What has Limbaugh done for his country? Does lowering the bar for civil discussion a plus for the country? I don't think so. In terms of honorable behavior and being respectable, Limbaugh and Cheney have little to show and match Powell.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:37 AM)

CNN poles don't win elections for Republicans, a motivated conservative base does. Money talks
raybojabo il

Where was all that big base back in November Ray? You can't win with just the base man as much as you ditto heads would like to think you can.

Mo (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:40 AM)

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