Fatally compromised himself by presenting a case against Iraq to the U.N. about which he privately told George Tenet, "This is bullshit." Look it up. He has gone on to say, "it will always be a part of my record. It was painful. It's painful now." After that massive mistake, Powell can't even get elected municipal water supervisor of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

I believe that Gen. Powell should be called upon to serve his nation one last time, in a time of great need. In a time when those that 'volunteer' for the job are not up to our expectations or needs, America needs to call out & call upon the best & brightest to serve. General Colin Powell, I do not know how to contact you personally, but I am calling out. If nominated, would you run ? If elected, would you serve ? one last time ?

It's a possibility; they do say people with moderate political outlooks, not too far left or too far right, make the best leaders. Whether he'll actually run, I don't know, but he could win.

I admire him as a Black man who is not controlled by the Republican Party,...but he is a Republican who served under a George W. Bush, a quite controversial US President among Black Democrats. Two scenarios exist if Power is 2008 Republican Candidate: (1) He wins because he draws a scant additional 1-2% of the Black voters who simply want to see a Black as President. (2) He loses because Black see him as a token Black serving in a prestigious position in a Black-thirsty Republican Party to garner Black support and because conservative Republicans will see him as a Democract in Moderate Republican sheeps' clothing.

Only things stopping him could be his wife and his pro-choice stance. I think he's happy now in retirement.

Another I would like to see, but I don't think it's going to happen. I really don't think he's interested. I could be wrong, and wouldn't be upset in the least if I am. He's a good leader.

To smart to run for President, its become a thankless task and I just don;t see this great leader putting up with all the B.S. that comes with the office. It is to bad really because I think he would make a great President.

Not really appropriate to make this Libertarian Centrist Moderate Republican to come up to the Chief-in-Comannd, and even the Vice-Presidential Candidacy or Vice-Presidency. He is truly used to be the superstar campaigner, not the leaders. If he comes up to the U.S. Presidential Candidacy or Presidency, he will make all the Republicans get beaten by the bunches of dangerous Liberals from different States. Today, most Liberals are tend to be the American traitors or the traitors for the American people.

The most honorable of the Republican posse and, along with McCain, the most independent thinker. I think he holds the strongest potential of any of the Republican candidates to draw Democrat votes.

I like Powell alright but he is not conservative enough for me. He is much more moderate than the rest of the current Cabinet and I would like to see a more conservative president in 2008. I also think that if he ends up running against Rice or McCain he is at a serious disadvantage because he is so moderate.

I have lived throughout the South and I believe racism is definitley alive and well here. I honestly doubt that Powell could even come close to getting a majority of the Southern vote. Just ask yourself. Why are there NO black Republicans in the Senate or House? Coincidence? I always go back to what Harry Truman said, When a Republican who tries to act like a Democrat runs against a real Democrat, the latter always wins. Powell wouldnt have a chance. Would be a better Democratic VP than anything.

To run up against Hillary Clinton will be an interesting battle. Depending on if Powell beats McCain, Frist, or Elrich I think a showdown would ensue. If that went that way, America would see a fantastic turning point in governing rule-- either a first black President or a first woman President. Which is better? Let each have their own judgement on that one. I say, Colin Powell would be a great choice for a Republican candidate. It would be interesting.

How can the conservative Republican Party choose a man who favors abortions and affirmative action? That won't happen. Also, Colin Powell has never seemed comfortable in front of a camera. He's just too stiff. Powell needs to smile a lot more.

He would be an excellent candidate. The only problem is his wife thinks he's gonna be assassinated or something if he runs and wins.

maybe he wont be ignored my congress if he runs for president, ill cast my vote for him

People only think he is cool because he was a general. Too bad he has 10+ years of terrible policy as his legacy.

Hmmmm...maybe. i think he has the south fooled that he might be white. or Colin was a soldier so they know he likes to kill, so maybe that'll sway them

I sure hope that he doesn't make it till November 08, because it will 100% a Dem election.

Has clearly stated he will not run for political office, and also consider that he will be 72 yrs. old by 2008.

Would be a commendable candidate, but I believe he has no desire to run. Very qualified though.

No chance in hell. In has neither the desire to run nor the means. He is politically dead, maybe he could have ran in 2000, but the Bush administation screwed him over. I would like to seem him as American's President, but, I don't think it will ever happen.

An easily electable candidate, but I don't think he wants the job. He's had a few opportunities in the past to run and hasn't taken advantage of them. Were he to run in 2008, despite the widespread respect Americans have for him, Republican primary voters would probably go for a more conservative candidate.

Had his chance in 2000. Guts in war, but no stomach for politics.

Colin Powell would be a solid candidate and President. However, I don't think he has the stomach for elective politics. What kept him out in 1996 and 2000 was primarily the divisive Republican primary, where he would have faced a strong challenge from more conservative opponents. Powell's credibility wasn't that damaged by the Iraq War, not as much as his detractors might claim. However he spent his entire tenure as Secretary of State basically shut out of the decision-making process. While he had some significant wins, most namely the China spy plane crisis back in April 2001, the general consensus is that the neo-conservatives within the Administration have the ear of the President, not Powell, who was more restrained to use military power. He still has a lot of popularity and could be elected easily. Powell was also the most popular member of the Bush administration, I hoped he could have been a more stabilizing influence there, but he was clearly outgunned.

I think he would be a great candidate, but I don't see him ever running. If he wanted to be President, I think he could have already done that, but he obviously chose not to. From his work in the Bush cabinet, I think he prefers to do his work silently, and out of the spotlight.

Strong, steadfast, intelligent, conservative, African-American, and broad national appeal. Colin Powell would be an excellent candidate and would garner support from traditionally non-Republican groups. He's said before we wouldn't run, but let's hope that in 4 years he would change his mind.

Why not?When your hands are tied,you don't make the decisions,you are just the mouth piece,he might be a good choice if the ropes are cut.

Even though he has lost a lot of credibility, I think he would be the most respected of the bunch, at least overseas. I cannot comment on how the American people might see him.

Im not black, but i have a feeling, that if we have a black president, things would clean up A LOT! He is behind bush, but i will forgive him of that and depending on who the other canadates are, would give him a chance

Not sure if he would even run, but I would vote for him.

Strong resume. Republicans would giggle at the irony of being the first national party to nominate a black candidate for the top job but he is much more likely to be nominated as Giuliani or Jeb Bush's VP.

Somewhat damaged goods, compared to what he was once perceived to be. Like a few others on this list, I doubt his toughness in the clinches of primary season.