Colin Powell Endorses Obama !!!

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 9:21am

MSNBC just announced that Colin Powell is endorsing Barack Obama this morning on Meet the Press.

Word is that although he doesn't plan to campaign on Obama's behalf, he will be voting for him.

Updated On: 10/19/08 at 09:21 AM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 9:48am

"I think that Sen. Obama brings a fresh set of eyes, a fresh set of ideas to the table.... I think we need a generational change, and I think Sen. Obama has captured the feelings of the young people of America, and is reaching out in a more diverse, inclusive way across our society."

"Sen. Obama has demonstrated the kind of calm, patient, intellectual, steady approach to problem-solving that I think we need in this country."

Response from RNC spokesman Danny Diaz: "Endorsements are great, but at the end of the day that's not what decisions are based on."

[killertofu333]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 9:52am

I watched it this morning. He said that McCain's campaign troubled him because of the negativity suggesting that Obama's a terrorist and a Muslim, and now the new attack is that he's a socialist. Good for Powell endorsing Obama, I just thought he'd of done that a lot sooner.

[romantico]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 9:54am

How soon before they claim Powell is also a terrorist?

[killertofu333]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 9:56am

^^^^

Five minutes sounds about right. Just watch Fox "News" they're bound to say something stupid.

Updated On: 10/19/08 at 09:56 AM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:13am

McCain responds to the endorsement on Fox News:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtZJkP-UE3g

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:31am

I think this is the perfect time for the endorsement! It comes right as it really counts, when McCain's numbers are already slipping and people are starting to make their final decision.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:32am

It's gonna be tricky to trash Colin Powell, but I'm sure a way will be found. Though no one will actually say it at a rally, I'm guessing that hints of racial alliance might be leaked.

[TulitaPepsi]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:36am

It's not tricky for me to trash him.

For starters, He's an unidicted war criminal and homophobe.
His lies pushed America to war - and I don't buy the 'he was just following orders' crap.

Obama doesn't need this ever-pandering Uncle Tom.

Updated On: 10/19/08 at 10:36 AM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:40am

It's a politically powerful endorsement. Especially for any of those Reagan Democrats who may have doubted Obama's foreign policy.

[TulitaPepsi]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:43am

Colin Powell is hardly an exemplar of prudent foreign policy.

Updated On: 10/19/08 at 10:43 AM

[madbrian]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:43am

Wow, Powell gave a very thoughtful and compelling endorsement. Actually, it's strong indictment of the current status of the Republican party.

[TulitaPepsi]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:45am

He's just looking to switch plantations.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:53am

Ok. I get your feelings on him, but let's cool it with the slave chat.

This endorsement doesn't benefit Obama with the people who believe he was part of the lies and corruption of Bush and Co. It benefits Obama with the people who don't share those views and regard Powell as a hero and a leader from the Gulf War. It's politically fantastic.

[jasonf]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:54am

I am VERY happy with this - it shows why I liked Colin Powell so much. He speaks his mind, even if it is going to get people angry at him.

I would not be surprised if he ends up in Obama's Cabinet

[madbrian]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 11:06am

Among the reasons that this endorsement is important is that it will dominate a news cycle. All the news websites have this as their top story, and it's being discussed on the morning news shows.

[TulitaPepsi]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 11:16am

Just what Obama needs in his cabinet: A two-faced Bush toady and war apologist.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 11:29am

And here's the endorsement on Meet the Press:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlHmIcb9wGI

"I come to the conclusion that because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities -- and you have to take that into account -- as well as his substance -- he has both style and substance, he has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president."

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 11:31am

This is good news.

Between Hagel and Powell, Obama has gotten endorsements of the "Adults" in the Republican party.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 11:31am

Several commentators have pointed out that possibly even more significant than the endorsement itself, the NEWS of the endorsement will dominate the election coverage for several days, which McCain/Palin can ill afford at this late date.

[artscallion]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 11:51am

I bet that's been the Obama closing strategy since the beginning, PJ. To hold back a handful of BIG endorsements, similar to those we've seen in the last week (Powell, Chicago Tribune, etc.) They'll mete each one out just as the one before it begins to fade, totally dominating the news cycles until time runs out in two weeks. Add to that the anticipation and after-chatter for his half hour Special, and McCain won't be able to get a word in edgewise, never mind the total domination he needs to be able to turn things around in time.

Updated On: 10/19/08 at 11:51 AM

[TulitaPepsi]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 12:06pm

I understand why this would work to Obamas favor.

But I'm not going to give Colin Powell a pass because he's done something that is likely to benefit Obama.

I'd be interested to see how the Democrats react to this. Or will they get all nicey-nice and try to wash away the blood on Powell's hands?

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 12:14pm

Watching Colin Powell's endorsement reminds you what politics SHOULD and COULD be like in the United States.

What he says about Muslim Americans being every bit as American as anyone else is beautiful--and no one other than Colin Powell is saying it.

Say what you want about the man's mistakes, he understands the world better than absolutely anyone in the Republican party--and better than almost anyone else in the Democratic party.

[TulitaPepsi]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 12:21pm

Pity he has no spine.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 12:43pm

Agreed, PJ. It was a poignant and excellent endorsement that stood in stark, refreshing relief against the McCain smear-n-fear campaign.