He may have served in three separate Republican Administrations, but Colin Powell is supporting the Democratic candidate for President this year:
(CNN) — Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat’s “ability to inspire” and the “inclusive nature of his campaign.”
“He has both style and substance. I think he is a transformational figure,” Powell said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“Obama displayed a steadiness. Showed intellectual vigor. He has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well,” Powell said.
Powell, a retired U.S. general and a Republican, was once seen as a possible presidential candidate himself.
Powell said he questioned Sen. John McCain’s judgment in picking Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate because he doesn’t think she is ready to be president.
He also said he was disappointed with some of McCain’s campaign tactics, such as bringing up Obama’s ties to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.
Given some of Powell’s statements over the past year, particularly in the wake of the Jeremiah Wright controversy, this isn’t entirely surprising, however it’s not every day that you see the former Secretary of State to a sitting President of one party endorsing the candidate of the opposing party.
Powell’s impact on the race is likely to be marginal, but his endorsement is likely to help Obama with those voters who may be leaning in his direction but unsure of his readiness on foreign policy and national security issues. For those voters, the Powell endorsement could be a tipping point.
October 19th, 2008 at 10:13 am
And the voting in Texas begins tomorrow.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Powell’s endorsement of Obama does not verify Obama’s judgement, but rather brings Powell’s judgement into question. Powell says that Obama is ready to lead … WHY? … Regardless of Powell’s last minute endorsement, Obama is still the most liberal senator in congress … who accomplished nothing in his meager 3 years in office, except voting present 160 times, and campaigning for President, as well as associating with anti-American racists and domestic terrorists … giving good speeches … and, taking America down the road to socialism. I used to respect Colin Powell … but, now that’s history!!!
October 20th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Howard,
Taking Obama’s lack of experience into considering with John McCain’s lack of judgment as demonstrated by his selected of an unqualfied running mate, his idiotic response to the financial crisis, and his decision revisit the 1960s rather than talk about the issues, I’d say they pretty much balance each other out.
That’s why I’m not voting for either one.