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I Will Not Run, Says Powell

Colin Powell for President? For weeks Americans had been eagerly asking that question. Last Wednesday the retired Army general and hero of the 1991 Gulf War answered with a firm and heartfelt "No, thanks."

"I have looked deep into my own soul," said Powell, 58. "To offer myself as a candidate for President requires a passion I do not yet have."

Powell's decision disappointed many people. But politicians who do have the desire to be President were relieved.

Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House of Representatives and an important Republican, said he is now more likely to consider running for President. Two of the people who gained the most from Powell's decision were Republican Senator Bob Dole of Kansas and President Bill Clinton, who is a Democrat. Both Clinton and Dole want to win in 1996.

A recent TIME magazine and cnn poll of 5,200 voters showed that without Powell in the race, many more Republican voters would choose Dole as their party's candidate. The poll also showed that if Powell ran against Clinton now, Powell would win hands down. But in a Dole-versus-Clinton election, the President would come out on top.

President Clinton got more good news from last Tuesday's elections. Unlike the 1994 elections, when Republicans won big all across the country, this year's results were mixed. But enough Democrats won to give the party hope for its candidate in next year's race for the White House.

Next: Eek! An Ear!