"Powell was not above seeking White House help when he needed personal political support, to get a bill passed, to protect his committee's jurisdiction and power, and the White House was willing to reciprocate with the volatile congressman under many circumstances" (Hamilton 404). Although the senators" attacks caused tension for Powell in Congress, it actually aided his political career over time. His primary constituents, mainly black voters from Harlem, saw the Senators" attacks on Powell as being racist in nature which led them to see Powell as a victim of discrimination himself. His boisterous and outspoken personality made him a favorite of black militant leaders such as Malcolm X. "Powell was drawing press criticism for his questionable behavior as well as his political flirtation with Malcolm X and the black Muslims. The most direct consequence for him would be Congress's refusal to appropriate the full amount he requested to run his committee" (Hamilton 416). Unfortunately, Powell was unable to establish good relationships with the political leadership in New York City. Mayor La Guardia and the black political leadership in New York City during the Civil Rights Era were totally ineffective and counterproductive to the idea of black power according to Congressman Powell. Despite the tensions Powell faced in government at the national and local level, his true power lied in his coalition in the electorate. Powell was able to carry the minority vote in Harlem by running a campaign for city council that infused protest and election politics. You couldn't tell if he was black or white by looking at him, he had a mixed ancestry, and he used this to his advantage by telling each ethic group that he was that particular ethnicity. Powell was also the preacher of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem and the people in his congregation were loyal supporters of his political career and aided him immensely in his campaign for Congress.
