Why Almost Everybody Loves Colin Powell

Randolph, Laura B., Ebony

Mention the name Colin Powell to just about anyone in Washington these days and you are sure to evoke one powerful emotional response. Jealousy.

Let's face it, in the cutthroat world of power and politics, Powell's got the right stuff. And everyone--the press, the politicians, the public--knows it when they see it. A hero's charisma. Strong good looks. A keen intellect. And most important, a personal story that is every man's, woman's and child's vision of the American Dream. An image-maker's dream. The competition's nightmare.

And if the Republicans and Democrats are lying awake at night worrying about Colin Powell, it's because don't know where he's coming from, let alone where he's going. Where he's going is important. Because he just might be taking the rest of the nation with him. Where he's coming from is critical because it just might determine whether he gets the chance to lead the country.

What does he stand for? What does he believe? Which major political party will he support? Will he join either? Will he remain independent at probably the best time in the last 50 years for an independent candidacy? Powell is only now beginning to give some clues. A career military man, a highly decorated combat veteran and a natural-born fighter, Colin Powell knows you don't Kin by telegraphing your punches.

So for now he's content to let others float the "Powell for president" political trial balloons. For now, the man known in Washington as "General Electric" is more than happy to immerse himself in the rhythms of civilian life: "playing granddad" to his son's two little boys ("My latest assignment is to teach the oldest how to ride a two-wheeler."), traveling the country delivering inspirational speeches (they go for as much as $60,000 apiece) and promoting his long-awaited autobiography, My American Journey (for which he is said to have …

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Publication information: Article title: Why Almost Everybody Loves Colin Powell. Contributors: Randolph, Laura B. - Author. Magazine title: Ebony. Volume: 51. Issue: 1 Publication date: November 1995. Page number: 100+. © 1999 Johnson Publishing Co. COPYRIGHT 1995 Gale Group.

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