From USA Today, about the moderate Republican's comments: "Colin Powell did more than defend Defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel on Sunday morning TV. The former secretary of State also strongly condemned his Republican Party, calling it out for a 'dark vein of intolerance.'"
The article continues: "'I think the Republican Party right now is having an identity problem and I'm still a Republican,' Powell said on NBC's Meet the Press, as he lamented a 'significant shift to the right' that has resulted in losing presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012. There's been lots of hand-wringing about the GOP since Mitt Romney lost the 2012 presidential election, and Powell's comments are similar to those made by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and ex-Florida governor Jeb Bush."
More about Mr. Powell's comments: "Powell, the first African American to be the nation's top diplomat, went on to explain that his intolerance comment was directed at those in the GOP who 'still sort of look down on minorities.' He also said the Republican Party has to define what it stands for. 'If it's just going to represent the far right wing of the political spectrum, I think the party is in difficulty,' said Powell, who said he voted for a GOP presidential candidate seven times in a row before voting for President Obama twice. 'I'm a moderate, but I'm still a Republican.'"
Colin Powell Blasts GOP's "Dark Vein Of Intolerance"
