Powell: I'm No Traitor to the GOP

Colin Powell defended his party allegiance today and shot down former vice president Dick Cheney's charge that he had defected from the GOP.

"I am still a Republican," the former Secretary of State said today.

Speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation" today, Powell defended himself against stinging criticism by Republicans such as Cheney and right-wing radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh who have suggested he defect from the party following his endorsement of President Barack Obama

"I think the Republican Party has to take a hard look at itself and decide what kind of party are we?" he said. "I have always felt that the Republican Party should be more inclusive that it generally has been over the years."

Cheney told "Face the Nation" earlier this month that Powell had left the party and said he would rather have Limbaugh in the party than the former secretary of state.

"I think my take on it was Colin had already left the party. I didnt know he was still a Republican," Cheney said.

Powell said Cheney was "misinformed" and blasted the GOP for its lack of debate and inclusiveness. He called Limbaugh's allegation earlier this month that he endorsed Obama because of race "unfortunate."

"He put it in a racial context and I thought that was very unfortunate," Powell said.

Limbaugh may be an entertainer but he is "more than that" because his power within the Republican party is great, Powell argued, saying Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele had to "lay prostrate on the floor apologizing" when he criticized the radio show host.

Powell also said he supported shuttering Guantanamo and spoke with the president about its closure but declined to offer details on the conversation. He criticized President Obama for asking Congress for $80 million.

"I felt Guantanamo should be closed for the past six years," said Powell, who added Obama "didn't handle it very well."

"I think it was premature to ask for the money," he said.


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