What a difference 12 years make

Listening to Republicans debate about whether to support John McCain (lifetime 82% rating from the American Conservative Union) reminded me about the RNC Convention in 1996. In that particular convention, the GOP seemed eager to show the world that they had changed and were "a big tent" party. In particular, they trotted popular General Colin Powell and moderate New York Congresswoman Susan Molinari as a way of delivering the message. Looking at how the party has changed now, I would argue that the Colin Powell of 1996 would've had zero chance of winning the GOP nomination. Powell is pro-choice, supports affirmative action, and is for some gun control. He also has said recently that he tried to convince President not to invade Iraq. Now if someone like John McCain is having a hard time winning over the Conservative base despite his pro-life and neo-conservative views, what does that say about Powell who seems leftist in comparison? What a difference 12 years make.