And yet. There are clear signs Powell wants a substantive role in the party. Intimates say the general is puzzled that Republican leaders haven’t called on him to do more high-profile events – although the GOP chiefs promise he’ll have plenty of prime time at the convention in August. For Republicans dreaming of Powell, the San Diego timing couldn’t be better. His best-selling autobiography comes out in paperback in July. And Dole, looking for a lift, needs a dazzling running mate. Robert Ellsworth, the man in charge of Dole’s vice presidential search, riled Republicans last week when he told friends that his own first choice was Sen. Sam Nunn. The Georgia Democrat quickly demurred, but even the suggestion indicates an appetite for a bold move this summer.
Wooing Powell is tricky. Both the general and his wife, Alma, remain opposed to running. Meanwhile, Dole can’t risk openly pursuing a dream ticket only to be turned down, and GOP conservatives might resist Powell. Still, Dole has asked to meet with the general after the senator leaves Capitol Hill this week. And even entertaining the notion of Dole-Powell may help shape the senator’s message for November. Powell is moderate on the cutting issues in the GOP – especially abortion and race. Recently, and perhaps not coincidentally, Dole has softened his position on both. The senator has proposed inclusive platform language on abortion, and he has been quiet about abolishing affirmative action.
Dole is one of the few public figures who still makes big decisions alone. Everyone believes he will pick his running mate the same way, whether it’s Powell, a Midwestern governor or someone else. But if Dole gambles on beseeching Powell, Ellsworth had better have a few backups. Not long ago, one GOP fan approached Powell and implored him to run for the good of the party. Powell was unmoved. ““I’ve been a Republican for nine months,’’ he said, ““why is it on my shoulders?’’ It’s up to Dole to find a convincing answer.
