As I was reading the NY Times online today (gasp! -- sorry msm haters), there was a blog entry (including the standard bloodspitting commenters from both sides of the aisle) regarding the interesting fact that Colin Powell has yet to make an endorsement, and is considering playing either side of the field.
It focused on the influence Powell has, particularly as a so-called "moderate" facing a primary season in which our guys are deadlocked (although Obama does have the Big Mo), the other guys appear to be getting closer to a deadlock, and we're approaching a general election that could, once again, be very close. Further, it discussed Powell's political stature, stemming from his experience as Sec. of State and Chair of the Joint Chiefs (or should it be Chieves?) of Staff. But it failed to mention something potentially huge:
The possibility that, in exchange for an endorsement (if it matters - and please discuss this in the comments, if you have any opinion on it), Powell may be given the VP nod.
Would I want Powell as VP? No, I'd want a more progressive running mate, and frankly, the Oscar-worthy performance he gave in front of the UN on behalf of the Bush administration still bothers me. Nevertheless, Americans seem to respect the man tremendously to this day, and he remains one of the few remnants of the debacle known as the Bush administration that still has some level of credibility with the public at large (not progressives, necessarily, but a lot of moderate, swing-type voters).
So what happens now? Obama most likely wouldn't pursue Powell as a running mate, as two African-American men on the ticket probably wouldn't look like the optimal political calculus (despite the fact that, for the entire history of this country, it's been two white guys --- but I won't take it there...that will be another diary). Hillary could go after him, to pull some moderate, but hawkish votes from McCain. Further, McCain may reach out, as a final "fuck you" to the far right, which seems to have an irrational hatred for him, and a calculated drive to peel away more independents and moderate dems.
So, it just leaves me with more questions. I'm not a pollster, and I know most of you aren't either, but how do you think the possibility of Powell's endorsement will affect the outcome of the primaries? And if he is picked as a running mate, who would go after him? And what effect would it have?
And does he really have any credibility left?