Colin Powell dead at 84

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

He was an interesting and somewhat paradoxical character. Lionising him is a bit odd as he was fundamentally a functionary rather than a primary political actor

Powell's experience in military matters made him a very popular figure with both American political parties. Many Democrats admired his moderate stance on military matters, while many Republicans saw him as a great asset associated with the successes of past Republican administrations. Put forth as a potential Democratic vice presidential nominee in the 1992 U.S. presidential election[52] or even potentially replacing Vice President Dan Quayle as the Republican vice presidential nominee,[53]

Reminds me of the courting of Eisenhower, lol.

Speaking of which, is Powell the most recent American General to have had such iconic status and damn-near universal respect? Seems like that would be impossible these days, and that was hard enough after Vietnam. In that respect Powell is a real outlier.

Does Petraeus count lol.