> Why not just accept that Powell voted with his conscious, just as most voters do?

Because he voted specifically AGAINST the epitome of his stated principles, that the GOP should be a party that reaches across the aisle, etc. You know, a party that might pick as its candidate, oh, I dunno: John McCain?

It was certainly a poor choice if he had any concern for our national security, our allies, our enemies or our soldiers. Those principles, and his “conscience” were trumped by the feel-good fantasy of Hope and Change and empty promises of post-racial, bipartisan, transparent, fiscally responsible, and morally imperative rainbows and unicorns.

A man as smart as Powell was not suckered by the empty suit. He went along for the ride quite willingly, and his advice for conservatives he betrayed is unwelcome and insulting.