Capital Scene

Washington, D.C.

COLIN Powell’s appeal to liberals is easy enough to fathom. The general favors abortion rights, gun control, and affirmative action; he criticizes welfare reform and the Christian Right. Liberal Republicans, in particular, are looking for a leader. They gave lip service to Reagan-ism as long as it was simply a meal ticket, but now they see the yahoos in the House freshman and sophomore classes threatening to make it national policy. Segments of the party establishment are starting to see Powell as a better bet than Bob Dole to turn the party’s right flank.

About the Author

Ramesh Ponnuru

Ramesh Ponnuru is the editor of National Review, a columnist for the Washington Post, and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

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Presidential Election

House of Representatives

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William Kristol

Newt Gingrich

Washington, D.C.

COLIN Powell’s appeal to liberals is easy enough to fathom. The general favors abortion rights, gun control, and affirmative action; he criticizes welfare reform and the Christian Right. Liberal Republicans, in particular, are looking for a leader. They gave lip service to Reagan-ism as long as it was simply a meal ticket, but now they see the yahoos in the House freshman and sophomore classes threatening to make it national policy. Segments of the party establishment are starting to see Powell as a better bet than Bob Dole to turn the party’s right flank.