Dole Taps Powell For Opening Night Speech

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 19) -- He may not want to run for office this year or hit the campaign trail, but retired Gen. Colin Powell has agreed to give a high-profile, opening night speech at the Republican National Convention next month.

The selection of Powell represents still another attempt by the Dole campaign to strike a centrist, big tent theme in San Diego, as their candidate reaches out to swing voters.

Earlier this week, Dole tapped Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.), a moderate, as the convention's keynote speaker.

Dole, campaigning in Detroit today, said he wasn't ready to talk about the convention speakers yet. But other Republicans say the lineup is an attempt strike a mainstream theme, in contrast to a 1992 Houston convention that had a hard-edged "us-vs.them" tone.

The convention opens Aug. 12, and along with Powell, the first night will feature a homage to past presidents George Bush, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. A possible candidate to introduce Powell is Nancy Reagan.

Dole Taps Powell For Opening Night Speech

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