Political Punch

Colin Powell was George Bush’s most trusted advisor. He sold the war in Iraq to the American people and the U.N. Selling Barrack Obama should be a “slam dunk”.

Posted by: just thinking

I have no faith whatsoever in anything substantial about Obama other than his extraordinary ego.

... and I AM affected by his associations with Ayers and Rezko and especially his ineracation with ACORN.... all of which he first denies and then minimalizes.

McCain and Palin will get my vote this time around.
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Doesn't sound like you are thinking at ALL! Can you afford to have your health care taxed? Now if you don't know what that would be like why not ask your employer, how much does it cost them to insure you, and then try and buy the same coverage on the open insurance market.

Posted by: just thinking

I have no faith whatsoever in anything substantial about Obama other than his extraordinary ego.

... and I AM affected by his associations with Ayers and Rezko and especially his ineracation with ACORN.... all of which he first denies and then minimalizes.

McCain and Palin will get my vote this time around.
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Doesn't sound like to are thinking at ALL! Can you afford to have your health care taxed? Now if you don't know what that would be like why not ask your employer, how much does it cost them to insure you, and then try and buy the same coverage on the open insurance market.

Typicial of the republicians, instead of respecting a great americian's view or decision to vote for Obama, you try to tear him down just like all your other negative garbage. You can't stand for so many people on the band wagon and you are on the sinking ship of fools.

Perhaps Colin Powell should tell Obama to stop playing the race card.

Obama is the one who is "polarizing."

Colin Powell knows waht he is talking about, a great Hero. Mccain and Palin have brought shame to all decent Americans including republicans like me by their mean ness and myopia putting country second. Barack Obama/ Biden will get my vote.

Republican for Obama

This was a racist decision. You have a Republican Military Commander siding with the most Liberal Democrat since the ineffective bungler Jimmy Carter. Why? Blacks are racist but no one calls them on it for fear of political correctness backlash. It has nothing to do with being political correctness... if anything, the act of recognizing and calling Colin Powell a racist as well as others like Oprah who are ethnocentric should be considered politically correct because you're calling it for what it obviously is. It is a classical double standard.

Also, are we forgetting the worthlessness of Colin Powell's opinions? Remember, he was the guy who made the vehement case for going to war with Iraq based on bogus drawn up diagrams of mobile chemical weapons plants on trucks. If he is questioning McCain's judgement, then we need look farther than Colin's speech and lies at the UN that cost this country billions and sent our deficit into the toilet. It is Colin Powell's poor judgement that pushed us into war and again, he is being easily influenced until another poor judgement... he was hounded and harassed almost everyday by Obama as you can hear from the interview.

McCain or the Republican's need to keep playing that image of Collin pointing to the bogus diagram of the mobile units, that is what sticks with Americans as the biggest con that pushed Congress to vote for war.

Thank you, Colin Powell, for saying what many of us in the U.S. have been thinking since Palin joined McCain's ticket. You addressed Palin's narrow, mean, small, dangerous, xenophobic, bigoted, prejudicial, near-racist platform beautifully.

To Palin: I sincerely hope you do not make the mistake of trying to attack Colin Powell's character.

On second thought, maybe should make the attempt to attack Colin Powell and end this election sooner than later.

Go do that with my blessing.

The hipocrisy of the Obama lemmings is astonishing.
Hillary was "baaad" because she "voted for the war".
Powell's endorsement is "grrreat!" and will "play a role in Obama's administration" even though he was in the administration that executed the war, appeared in every TV network enthusiastically pimping for the war, even went to the UN to sell the war. Oh, but he was duped!

For months now I have been reading the political comments posted by readers online and I have noticed that the extreme conservative Republicans are especially hateful, and most of them fill their comments with Rush Limbaugh sound bites. Rush Limbaugh has had way too much "freedom of speech" during these last 8 years, encouraged and allowed to do so by the Republican administration. Limbaugh has poisoned a large bloc of Republican citizens, keeping them trapped in an attitude 25 years out of date. He stokes their fears and amplifies their worst characteristics, driving them to see an enemy in everything out of the conservative box. This prevents these people from accepting the changes and advances of 21st century America, isolating them and making it harder and harder for them to live productive and happy lives. It is my hope that the Obama administration will rein in the poison conservative talk show faction, which truly needs to be suppressed. Perhaps then, the good people who follow it and live by it can be healed of their unwarranted hate and bigotry.

To these people I say: there is no reason to be so hateful and fearful! Rush has it all wrong! This is a great country, full of good people, patriots all, and great possibilites for a happy and prosperous life. That neighbor whose views differ from yours is not a terrorist or a socialist or a communist, he's just the fellow American next door. Learn to feel love and hope and generousity. Stop fearing and hating. God bless America!

Hey Jake can we see a headline with the FOUR EX SECRETARIES OF STATE THAT ENDORSE McCAIN, OR IS IT NOT NEWSWORTHY BECAUSE THEY ARE WHITE?

Powell's career as fraudulent as ACORN.

HILLARY SUPPORTER FOR McCAIN!

I'm glad to see Barack continue to gain support among experienced qualified public servants, it reinforces my belief in his leadership.

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On a secondary note "Moderate" I don't think you understand Mr. Powell's statement. You said:

"He implied that part of the reason he chose not to endorse McCain was for this [because he is a Muslim] reason. But John McCain has NEVER EVER implied that Obama was a Muslim, and has even spoken out against anyone who does spread that rumor."

The polarization that Mr. Powell is speaking of is not whether or not Mr. McCain "implied Obama was a Muslim" it was the very idea that a Muslim or someone of Arabian descent should not be running for President. Whether he is or isn't wasn't Mr. Powell's concern, nor should it be ours. Rather Mr. Powell's concern was that ethnicity or religion were an issue at all.

Specifically he is speaking of an incident when an individual at one of Mr. McCain's speeches yelled out "Arab!" when Mr. McCain mentioned Mr. Obama's name. Mr. McCain (semi-admirably) decided he wouldn't have that kind of talk in his campaign and said "no, Mr. Obama is a good family man."

Put this in perspective. This person at the rally didn't shout out "Terrorist!" he shouted out Arab. An ethnicity, like an insult. And Mr. McCain replied "oh no, he's a good family man." So Mr. McCain is implying that the two are mutually exclusive, that you can't be "a good family man" and be an "Arab".

For example, if I called a person a drunk because that person is Irish, but someone corrected me not with "Irish aren't drunks, that's bigoted nonsense" but instead said "Oh no, he's not Irish." Mr. McCain took offense to the guy calling Mr. Obama "an arab", what Mr. McCain should have taken offense to is the shouting of a racial slur during his speech.

Now I'm sure Mr. McCain didn't mean to imply that people of a Middle Eastern Descent and "good family men" are mutually exclusive, but that's the way it came across. The fact that no one cringed at this (I'll be extra polite and simply call it a gaffe) is equally disturbing.

Things go drastically downhill when one takes a look at remarks made at events that have given Sarah Palin a chance to speak. Shouts of "terrorist" or "off with his head" were not even blinked at. That's not just irresponsible, it's appalling.

Democracy doesn't work if people aren't respectful of others ideas, if people don't concede that both sides want the country to prosper and are at the very worst misguided. Criticism is one thing, slander is another, and both are encouraged in a Democracy (that's the reality) but when people start tossing out racial slurs (like arab) or crazed delusions (like kill him or off with his head), lines must be drawn. To allow that kind of speech at an event you sponsor is to encourage not only bigotry, racism, and ignorance; but violence. Violence because of hate, because of ignorance, because of bigotry; is a threat far too real to ignore.

Obama needs all of the positive light and endorsements he can generate. Bravo for General Colin Powell!! Now I call that truly reaching across the aisle!

Obama has been besieged by all kind of attacks on his character. Now Obama supporters are being attacked by the GOP as they pull no punches and are using a court strategy in an attempt to disenfranchise voters in Ohio and Wisconsin.

In Ohio the Democratic Secretary of State, Brunner has been in court 8 times over her tenure fighting attacks on her state's voting operation against the Republicans. In the GOP's attempt to suppress voting by 200,000 newly regisered voter, Brunner took her plea to the US Supreme Court last week who ruled in her favor-- really in the voters favor.

But here we go again in Wisconsin...

At least in 2000 we went to court after the election.

http://www.madison.com/tct/news/310245

On Thursday, we wait for another court ruling.. 2nd court case I know of since last week's Supreme Court case re: Ohio's 200,000 new voter registrations.

Thursday we will listen for the verdict on a case in Wisconsin where the GOP is attempting to disenfranchise or suppress voter turn out for newly registered voters.

With the Wisconsin case, the GOP started this dirty attack right after their convention.

excerpt from the abovementioned article:

"THURSDAY'S MATCH-UP: The Democratic Nominee And Wisconsin's Attorney General Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, a McCain-Palin campaign co-chair, came back from the Republican National Convention in early September and filed a lawsuit that sought to force Wisconsin election officials to painstakingly cross-check every new voter registration."

When Obama wins there will be cause for GREAT celebration. He has been attacked relentlessly.

Here is a list of prominent Republicans and Conservatives that have endorsed Obama and their reasons why:
Jim Leach, Former Congressman from Iowa "For me, the national interest comes before party concerns, particularly internationally. We do need a new direction in American policy, and Obama has a sense of that."
Lincoln Chafee, Former United States Senator from Rhode Island "As I look at the candidates in order who to vote for, certainly my kind of conservatism was reflected with Senator Obama, and those points are that we're fiscally conservative, we care about revenues matching expenditures, we also care about the environment, I think it's a traditional conservative value to care about clean air and clean water."
Richard Riordan, Former Mayor of Los Angeles "I'm still a Republican, but I still will always vote for the person who I think will do the best job."
Lowell Weicker, Former Governor and Senator from Connecticut "At issue is not the partisan politics of two parties, rather the image we have of ourselves as Americans. Senator Obama brings wisdom, kindness, and common sense to what is both his and our quest for a better America."
Jim Whitaker, Fairbanks, Alaska Mayor "If we are as a nation concerned with energy, then our consideration should be a national energy policy that is not predicated on crude oil 50 years into the future. We need to get to it, and I think Barack Obama is very clear in that regard."
Linwood Holton, Former Governor of Virginia "Obama has a brain, and he isn't afraid to use it."
Government Officials:
Douglas Kmiec, Head of the Office of Legal Counsel under Reagan & Bush 41 "I was first attracted to government by Ronald Reagan, who lives in our national memory as a great leader and an inspiring communicator. Senator Obama has these gifts as well, but of course, more rhetorical flourish without substance would be worth little. Is there more to Senator Obama? I believe there is."
Jackson M. Andrews, Republican Counsel to the U.S. Senate "Barack Obama is a thoughtful visionary leader who as President will end the decline of American law, liberty, and fiscal responsibility that are the hallmarks of the extremist policies of the current Administration, now adopted by John McCain."
Susan Eisenhower, Granddaughter of President Eisenhower & President of the Eisenhower Group "Given Obama's support among young people, I believe that he will be most invested in defending the interests of these rising generations and, therefore, the long-term interests of this nation as a whole."
Francis Fukuyama, Advisor to President Reagan "...Obama probably has the greatest promise of delivering a different kind of politics."
Rita Hauser, Former White House intelligence advisor under George W. Bush "McCain will continue the wrong-headed foreign policy decisions of Bush, while Obama will take us in a new direction."
Larry Hunter, Former President Reagan Policy Advisor "I suspect Obama is more free-market friendly than he lets on. He taught at the University of Chicago, a hotbed of right-of-center thought. His economic advisers, notably Austan Goolsbee, recognize that ordinary citizens stand to gain more from open markets than from government meddling."
Bill Ruckelshaus, served in the Nixon and Reagan administrations "I'm not against McCain, I'm for Obama."
Lilibet Hagel, Wife of Republican Senator Chuck Hagel "This election is not about fighting phantom issues churned out by a top-notch slander machine. Most important, it is not about distracting the public-- you and me-- with whatever slurs someone thinks will stick."
Columnists and Academics:
Jeffrey Hart, National Review Senior Editor "It turns out that these political parties are not always either liberal or conservative, Democratic or Republican. The Democrat, under certain conditions, can be the conservative."
Andrew Bacevich, Professor of International Relations at Boston University "For conservatives, Obama represents a sliver of hope. McCain represents none at all. The choice turns out to be an easy one."
David Friedman, Economist and son of Milton and Rose Friedman "I hope Obama wins. President Bush has clearly been a disaster from the standpoint of libertarians and conservatives because he has presided over an astonishing rise in government spending."
Christopher Buckley, Son of National Review founder William F. Buckley & former NR columnist "Obama has in him-- I think, despite his sometimes airy-fairy 'We are the people we have been waiting for' silly rehtoric-- the potential to be a good, perhaps even great leader. He is, it seems clear enough, what the historical moment seems to be calling for."
Andrew Sullivan, Columnist for the Atlantic Monthly "Obama's legislative record, speeches, and the way he has run his campaign reveal, I think, a very even temperament, a very sound judgment, and an intelligent pragmatism. Prudence is a word that is not inappropriate to him."
Wick Alison, Former publisher of the National Review "I made the maximum donation to John McCain during the primaries, when there was still hope he might come to his senses. But I now see that Obama is almost the ideal candidate for this moment in American history."

The importance of General Powell's endorsement is the effect it will have on some of us who have investigated the rumors and found them false, who suspected that Senator McCain's choice of Gov. Palin was a serious lapse in judgment, but gave her time to prove us wrong, and who waited for the cheap shots and lies coming from the McCain campaign to give way to respectful discourse on the serious challenges facing this country. As a Republican, I made up my mind for good about a week ago. In the interim, I find myself in the good company of people like David Brooks, Chris Buckley, George Will, and now Colin Powell, and all of us for more or less the same reasons.

Belle Starr: I'm still waiting to hear why you are not voting for John McCain and Sarah Palin.

Powell himself answered in advance those who say he is only voting for Obama because he is black. He pointed out that if that were the case, he would have made the endorsement months ago. He took his time, because he really wanted to see how each candidate would run his campaign.

At this point, I think if the Jesus the Son of God Himself came down and endorsed Obama, McCain supporters would find some sort of suspect reasoning or questionable association.

Powell is an intelligent man that I have always admired. His measured, sensible reasons for supporting Obama make sense, and are similar to my own.

His doubts about McCain are also reasonable and sensible. Why can't McCain supporters just accept this at face value?

Wow what a rebuke of the evil that is the right wing by a man who saw it up close.

I admire Gen. Powell's military service and charitable work, but I will ignore his endorsement of Obama. It does not sway me, and I hope it does not sway very many moderates who may still be making up their minds.

One statement from Powell, frankly, bothered me a great deal. He said we must stop the polarization (I agree) but then said we should not be talking about AYers or "who is or isn't a Muslim." He implied that part of the reason he chose not to endorse McCain was for this reason. But John McCain has NEVER EVER implied that Obama was a Muslim, and has even spoken out against anyone who does spread that rumor. He has gone out of his way to keep racism out of the campaign, only to suffer from Obama's numerous statements, a month or so ago, warning that the McCain campaign would try to use racism against him-- remember "he'll tell you that I don't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills... and by the way, did I mention he's black." Now even though McCain has gone out of his way to discourage those silly Muslim rumors, even taking issue with a woman who suggested at a town hall that Obama was "an Arab," Powell sniffs that McCain's campaign was talking about "who is and isn't a Muslim." That's unfair, and I am actually surprised that Powell said that.

I would have voted for Colin Powell as either a Democrat or a Republican in a heartbeat!

However, his choice does not affect mine,

I have no faith whatsoever in anything substantial about Obama other than his extraordinary ego.

... and I AM affected by his associations with Ayers and Rezko and especially his ineracation with ACORN.... all of which he first denies and then minimalizes.

McCain and Palin will get my vote this time around.

What is wrong with some of you people. Ayers now work for the Board of Education and is a Professor with the Univ. of Illinois. He helps many charities in the Chicago Area.

Response to MM who says McCain is using racial tactics in his campaign?
Are you blind and deaf? Obama pulled the race card months ago and everytime McCain says something Obama doesn't want to answer with honesty, then McCain gets the racist blast.
And for all who feel the higher taxes for corporations and 'the rich', hope I get to see you all in the welfare and unemployment lines. When corporations and the rich take their work elsewhere, say goodbye to your jobs.
I think many supporting Obama are little Oliver Twists...please may I have more?

Statesman like assessment, stamp of approval cant get any higher up.
He envision an America that makes positive changes, inclusive, reaching out to friends and foes, restore leadership in the world, Roe vs Wade uphold, better education and a fairer society. Instead of compassionate conservatism that failed, time for real change and not same old with a different name tag, and some slogans of maverick and an VP that is claerly not ready to be president.

Impressive intellectual interview and statement of Powell, cant find any fflaws except the statement we have alleviate poverty through development since it also prevents acts of violence;
this cause and effect is wrong since many terrorists are / were middle class and definitely not poor. Rest of assessment of campaign and GOP tactics are spot on.Only hardcore rightwing still may feel some atachment, center conservatives are the ones that will notice,they are the ones left out.

Powell articulated quite well what we all know: John McCain is erratic, indecisive, shows poor judgment, and flat-out does not have the temperment to be President.

Why are powell and obama anti-women?

I have read a bit of this and Powell contends that we are all anti-muslem racists. First of all most of America loves this muslim kid who gave his life for us. We are not against muslims.

We are against people who hate America and want to kill us. Powell goes on to say that we should forget about the weather underground who till this day continue to hate America.

Powell covered up the massacre at My Lai in Vietnam. Those poor people were kill by true monsters - who Powell defended. The soldiers who killed those Vietnamese people (women and children) were turned in by Americans who detested that sort of monstrous racial behavior. Americans are not racists as much as Powell would like to paint us.

The story of the Muslim American soldier brought tears to my eyes.

I'm glad someone finally had the courage to call out the racism against Muslims in this election.

According to Alex Cockburn, over at counterpunch (subscription only, unfortunately), one of McCain's campaign chairs actually harbored Ayers while he was on the run from the FBI. I wonder how this is going to play out?

Funny how Brokaw never brought up the surge and all of the al Queda terrorists who have been killed in Iraq since the surge began, and how all of these terrorists who are intent on killing Americans would still be alive if Obama had gotten his way and we retreated out of Iraq in Spring of 2008.

But we couldn't have that could we? Because then that would have shown that Obama has really poor judgment and is pathetically weak on national security. And Powell would look like an even bigger idiot than he already is (remember his UN speech?)

"I know who failed history.... I bet you don't know how extremist your views are."
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Who fails RECENT history is whoever thinks raffling off the Democratic nomination to the highest corporate bidder was a good way to go.

Maybe being a social democrat IS "extremist", these deluded days. But the mob-friendly Obama machine doesn't look like the Promised Land to me.

What American would call for a voter strike. "I don't like this person so I will not let my voice be heard."
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Well, that's probably not the voters strike for which some determined patriot may call.

Then again, revolutions usually begin in the spring.

Powell is "a man who I admire as much as any man in the world, any person in the world" and the "most credible, most respected" man in America. Quote by Barack Obama? NOooo, John McCain. Bet McCain is sorry he lost this endorsement.

"It is only race that can be holding people back."
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Sure: that, or The One's bad politics, Stalinist campaign, and media-manufactured personality cult.

Belle Starr

mob problems? Not even McCain has said Obama has ties with the mob..... No Research, just smears.

"Not a lot of black people like Jackson and his funneling money to mistress during his Operation Push tenure. Many black people think Jackson is way to self-absorb and less honest. At least Rev. Sharpton is loud for a reason, to push for attention to issues."
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You think so? Well, I think if Jackson called for a voters strike or whatever, based on Obama's mob problems, misrepresentations during the primaries, "bailout" vote, or whatever, that he could turn this pig in a poke into tasty bacon in about 48 hours.

Never thought Powell's endorsement will be big as it is turning out to be. Was thinking it may be the discussion for today but it will definitely be the discussion for the whole week. It looks like the last steam has been sucked from the Mccain's candidacy. So the Republicans hold Powell in high regards like this and yet he was treated unfairly. Nobody is talking about Joe the Plumber, nobody is talking about Sarah Palin. Ehhnnnnnnnnnn. The Republican party shot itself on the foot. Can you say President Palin? How does it sound. General Powell is spot-on. She is not ready. Nobody was bold enough to say it until he did. A Republican General. Now i understand but really politics aside, after watching the three debates, and polls taken, who do you think was better? Obama- 54%, Mccain- 30% but yet some polls are showing only a 3% gap difference. It is only race that can be holding people back.

McCain is trying to create a political racism in this country. Attempting to link Democrats, and liberalism to socialism, and terrorism. Guess what Hitler did the same thing with Jews to win his election during there economic turmoil. Lets not have history repeat itself.

Obama/Biden 08

Belle Starr

Not a lot of black people like Jackson and his funneling money to mistress during his Operation Push tenure. Many black people think Jackson is way to self-absorb and less honest. At least Rev. Sharpton is loud for a reason, to push for attention to issues.

I don't think this is a Christian nation, emphatically, I think it's un-American to think that any religion owns us.

America's religion is the Constitution.

Unity is in the constitution of the United States. What McCain camp is running is un-American.

Division to win an election is the same way Hitler got in office.

"Last week Jackson let the cat out of the bag with the Zionist comment. Wait and see the disasters that will come as soon as the election is over. Up until now it's all been covered up."
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Yes, how the Abominoids can simultaneously be AIPAC hacks and pals with the Palestinians is one of the teeny-weeny contradictions which could hit the fan at any moment, leaving little shreds all over the happy-talk and bunting.

For all those folks who get headaches watching the Republican Party stumble and embarrass itself by embracing division and racism there's no need to worry.....Obama is the aspirin for your pain. (lol)

Wait, Colin Powell is the guy that lead us into both Iraq wars and his endorsement is one to be treasured???

If Powell would have endorsed McCain just imagine the Powell=Iraq war vitriol would hear from the Press and the Democrats

I am going to be sending a request to President Obama very soon calling for the DNA testing of everyone who voted for McCain/Palin. We need to know who or what is in their ancestory so that we can determine if they are good citizens of the United States of America.

Obamacrat for McCain

So if Obama endorsed himself, Independents will see that as racial and not vote for him. I guess Republicans think Independents are stupid racist. Real Obamacrats, and Obamacans know that every american is a decent person.

Did you hear what Obama said today. "There isn't a real America and a fake America. We are all proud of our country."
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Ooo! Better put THAT down in the Little Brown-shirt Book, before it escapes into the mists of history. (Youngsters could throw "Little Red Book" into a search engine.)

Wonder who The One meant by "We"? Politicians and the really-really-rich, presumably. The un-rich know better than to be "proud" of the bureaucratic sado-state.

McCain voted against the GI Bill because it gave to much to the vets. What was he thinking. There is nothing to much we can do for people who fight for our country and comeback alive.

McCain has morphed in to a Bushalike.

oh boy, this isn't good for Sen. Obama. Independents will see this endorsement as racial and be turned off by Sen. Obama's candidacy. Gen. Powell's legacy will be tarnished beyond Iraq-gate, because 1) the timing and the talking-points manner in which he did it are incredibly politically opportunistic and 2) Gen. Powell would not have gotten to where he is today if it weren't for Sen. McCain and his party's support and appointments. Americans don't like Americans that bite the hand that lifted them, even if they think that hand has turned bad. This endorsement will only reverse the momentum of those who were just warming up to find Sen. Obama acceptable.

OIF Vet: Any idea of what John McCain's real record is with vets? Not his rhetoric - his votes and real support? He has "D" rating with Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan - Obama and Biden have B ratings - as do most members of congress. You have to work really hard to get a "D" rating - I think only 5 other Senators have that low of a record. He has voted against funding troops over and over and over. He has voted against the GI Bill. First he said he would never vote for torture - then he voted with Bush on torture. Of all the congressmen in Washington - John McCain is one of the worst in terms of supporting the troops, protecting the troops, rewarding the troops and caring for injuries once they have returned. If you always vote Republican no matter what - that's a reason to vote McCain. If you're voting as a vet, it would be hard to find someone worse. Look at his record - don't send a nasty post to me. Look at his record.

"Belle Star: Why not vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin?"
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But I'm a Democrat, so I voted for Nader/Gonzalez.

RL in Illinois

Did you hear what Obama said today. "There isn't a real America and a fake America. We are all proud of our country."

As Mike Murphy, former McCain advisor and full-time supporter, has noted elsewhere, this is a devastating turn for the McCain campaign, and will probably have greater impact than endorsements usually do, in part because Powell took a scalpel to McCain and Schimdt, starting with the Senior Senator's reaction to the economic crisis, ending with the opinion that Barrack Obama is the better man for these times, and touching several hot buttons along the way, including Sarah Palin's selection (bad idea), and Bill Ayers as a campaign issue (dishonest smear).

The impact will be not only in the news coverage of the endorsement, but in the way it will frame coverage for the next few days. In other words, every McCain mouthpiece, as well as the candidate himself, will be confronted with Powell's stinging condemnation, and often.

Which will be both fun and much deserved.

Belle Starr

"Law schmaw" this should be Bush's slogan. Guantanamo, torture, wire tapping, lying, politicizing government, unilateralism, privatizing the military, no-bid contracts.

"BY LAW THEY DO!!!"
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Law, schmaw. Not much "law" left, beyond imprisoning random poor people for various survival crimes.

The infinitely-adjustable Obama is the perfect figurehead for controlling what was left of the Democratic masses: he looks "black" enough to shut down any revolutionary aspirations among young blacks, AND acts "white" enough to snow white liberals in the media.

The corporations -- artificial entities for which egalitarian pretensions such as equality before the law do. not. exist. -- ALREADY, with the "bailout", took over the government.

Awww Rl in IL realizes how crushing this endorsement is.

The right wing reign of terror will end starting Nov 5th.

Conservatives still like Powell. Democrats like Powell. This will help Obama. Powell is the true bi-partisan Republican, he works with both Republican and Democratic leaders, and his knowledge is kept with high regard. That is why he had to resign from an administration that values spin over facts.

As for active duty Generals,Admirals and service personnel as I understand it they are not allowed to endorse a candidate as this would put undue pressure and influence on lower ranking personnel. So Gen. Petraeus would not have endorsed anyone.

Belle Star: Why not vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin?

JOHN MCCAIN ALREADY HAD TO APOLOGIES FOR WRONGLY SUGESTING THAT MCCAIN WAS SUPPORTING HIM:

30 May 2008 ... "We’re not suggesting General Petraeus has endorsed anyone in this race. ..... It isn't implying that Petraeus endorses McCain." MCCAIN CAMO TO ABC!

Powell isnt the only republican troubled by the direction of the McCain campaign and the republican party at the moment. Eisenhowers granddaughter is for Obama, William F Buckley's son Christoper, etc. Many republicans are joining the Obama camp, white and black.

Look at the criticism of Palin from Noonan, WIll, Brooks, Krauthammer, Matt Dowd, David Frum, etc, etc, etc.

Intelligent conservatives are running away from McCain-Palin.

What Colin Powell really said was I'm endorsing him to get back at Bush and because he's black. Anyone here that says Obama is not still connected to Ayers, Wright, Khalidi, and their philosophies have not done their research. If Powell can say with a straight face that he likes what he has seen from Obama-not just change, but a million changes, blaming the financial crisis on McCain, and making promises he can't keep, then he's not as smart as he thinks he is. Obama talks and has no clue. Furthermore, to come out at this late a date and jump on the bandwagon to me is a lack of courage. Obama's gonna have a real hard time paying back his endorsements and that doesn't even include the likes of people like Jesse Jackson who's already said what he'd like to do to him. Last week Jackson let the cat out of the bag with the Zionist comment. Wait and see the disasters that will come as soon as the election is over. Up until now it's all been covered up.

MM

i THINK THE SAME!!

I’ll take unofficial endorsements from General Peter Pace, General David Petraeus, and the impressive list of Generals, Admirals, and other great military and diplomatic leaders who made Iraq a success ... over some 11th hour endorsement by Colin Powell. No doubt he held is nose with that endorsement.

Hey General, where were you months ago when the polls were so uncertain? Oh yeah, we get it General.

-OIF Vet For McCain-

Posted by: OIFVetForMcCain | Oct 19, 2008 2:04:20 PM

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So losing over 4000 brave troops by invading Iraq which had no WMDs and no involvement with 9/11 and wasting trillions in the process was/is a success?

Intelligent conformation and stamp of approval of a well respected examinator, story of american fallen soldier who happened to be muslim said it all- after devisiveness and nonsense on the air which have nothing to do about solutions to the problems, but that is sadly the case with GOP this campaign, no real deal or policy - in a way McCain when he goes for next weeks on same road will be remembered for these nonsense attacks and sadly he cant change that for his pick of VP.

For Not so Common Sense:

I have posted several times that white people are always welcomed and always have been welcomed at the former church of Rev. Wright.

Please let me know where did the he is a racist thing come from. IF which I am sure you didn't listen to the entire sermon you would be stretching to call him a racist.

I have attended that church for almost 4 years and there has never ever been a time where the entire sanctuary was filled with only Black people. Even after all this mess started White members still came to the church and are still there regardless of what you say.

So please everyone get over the whole racist church thing because it is completely false. Rev Wright served this country and his community for over 35 years. Even after that he still faced the same discrimination that we have seen in this election towards Obama. That was the message he was making that we as America although we are great do messed up things to other countries and even to our own citizens and then we are baffled when people do mean things to us.

As Powell mentioned the young Muslim man that served this country and died for it. Unfortunately some hateful people many attending the McCain/Palin rallies is stillsee him as a terrorist.

At Trinity United Church of Christ Muslims, Christians, Whites, and Blacks are all treated and greeted with love, until you or any other person attends the church and says otherwise you are just spewing falsehoods and lies which is not helping the McCain campaign.

"Good to see that after his years with Bush, Powell can still think."
-----
Well, he can still fight his way into the media limelight, anyway.

There's been no indication in years that Powell actually "thinks", beyond being sure the jacket buttons in front and the haircut looks good. A THINKING "soldier" wouldn't have helped the neo-cons hijack the US armed forces.

Belle Starr

BY LAW THEY DO!!!

I don't think Powell knew that they didn't have WMDs. I think they lied to him and when he found out he resigned. Rumsfeld knew, Cheney knew, Bush probaly knew.

Big fat public embarrassment for McCain- Palin that a distinguished, Republican hero and statesman Colin Powell will vote for Obama and not for his own party's mediocre and weak candidate John McCain. Pitiful day for the Republicans today.

Good to see that after his years with Bush, Powell can still think.

Alice
"From the man who lied to the UN..nice."

John McCain lied when told the American people:

That Iraq had WMD's

That the war would be quick and easy!

That Afganistian can wait!

Need I go on Alice?????

Barack Obama said it is the wrong war and we will be blogged down fighting this war for years !

OIFVet forMcCain- You may need to read up a bit on General Petraeus support for a candidate. Just because McCain has exploited him in his favor does not mean Petraeus is in favor of a particular candidate. General Petraeus lecture at Heritage may speak otherwise.

Just a small bit from the Washington Independent:

Petraeus also came out unambiguously in his talk at Heritage for opening communications with America’s adversaries, a position McCain is attacking Obama for endorsing. Citing his Iraq experience, Petraeus said, “You have to talk to enemies.” He added that it was necessary to have a particular goal for discussion and to perform advance work to understand the motivations of his interlocutors.

All that was the subject of one of the most contentious tussles between McCain and Obama in the first presidential debate, with Obama contending that his intent to negotiate with foreign adversaries without “precondition” did not mean that he would neglect diplomatic “preparation.”
McCain, apparently perceiving an opportunity for attack, Tuesday again used Obama’s comments to attack his judgment. “Sen. Obama, without precondition, wants to sit down and negotiate with them, without preconditions,” McCain said, referring to Iran.

Yet Petraeus emphasized throughout his lecture that reaching out to insurgent groups — some “with our blood on their hands,” he said — was necessary to the ultimate goal of turning them against irreconcilable enemies like Al Qaeda in Iraq.

"barny frank?! pushing the banks to "spreadthe american dream" to people who cant afford it? LEFT WING, IDEALISTIC NUT JOB."
-----
Herding poor and near-poor people into ruinously-bad mortgages for otherwise-unmoveable houses, and pretending that's the American Dream, is not actually an "idealistic" or "left" thing to do -- it is a corporate-whore thing to do.

There are more reasonable and visionary ways to provide housing and income to the immense uh surplus labor pool.

Republicans advocate a plutocracy not a democracy. Take from the middle class and give to the rich. As long as Republicans support corporate welfare, I can't support Republican policies. And I'm not for giving my tax dollars to the rich. Ask the CEO of Haliburton how his fortunes have changed over the past 8 years. I bet he's supporting McCain.

Posted by: FormerRepublican | Oct 19, 2008 2:00:17 PM

----------------------------------------

Agreed, and one the best arguments I've seen to not vote for republicans.

I have seen so many nasty comments made by bloggers. Why?? To many of you -

JOHN MCCAIN SAID YESTERDAY AMERICAN AVERAGE WORKERS ARE JUST WELFARE CITIZENS!!! HE FEELS AVERAGE WORKERS ARE THE WELFARE GROUP OF AMERICA!!!

While our country was being "outsourced" for the past 8 years, we all sat idly by. The rich get richer - off the backs of the middle class - the poor get poorer because the "trickle down" effect does not work. Purely and simply, John McCain will continue the outsourcing of America. How do you feel about the rich living in this great country of ours, where freedom and excesses abound, while jobs are being shipped overseas and the middle class gets smaller and smaller by the minute???? Soon, all that will be left will be the rich and the poor. I want change. I want the candidate that represents change with the most compelling argument. I don't care if the candidate is a man, woman, black, white, Christian, Muslim, heterosexual, homosexual, Republican or Democrat. Who will help us get this country back on track? If Obama can't make headway during his four years in office...and someone else comes along with a better idea...it's a whole new ball game. Come on people, step up! Stop worrying about partisan politics and make a move to help your country, for God's sake! P.S. Quit giving a rat's back end about who endorses who. It's your decision when you cast your vote in November.

From the man who lied to the UN..nice. Also, why is Colin endorsing BO who stood in the living Room of Bill Ayers and announced his campaign run?
Bill Ayers is BO's friend. Bill Ayers bombed the Pentagon and the Capitol.
Nice, Colin....nice.

Collin Powell wants us to get over the weather underground who killed a police man and tried to burn to death a judge and his family. Thankfully we did not get over the ######## who killed Medgar Evers.

Collin Powell tried to cover up the massacre at My Lai in Vietnam. We should never let murders think they can walk freely among us.

Posted by: plumbers | Oct 19, 2008 1:51:45 PM

----------------------------------------

So you want us to forget about how many of our brave troops were killed because Bush and the republicans invaded Iraq which had no WMD's or involvement of 911. Do I also need to run the laundry list of brazen corruption by Bush/Cheney on the domestic front?

"A child of Muslim faith should have just as much chance to become President of United States as another child."
-----
Children can't become president until they're 35. :^)

Thanks to the mostly-bogus t-t-terror talk (in which Obama has been an enthusiastic participant), the US is more likely to elect a declared Satanist president, than a Muslim who ADMITS to being a Muslim.

Powell has overlooked many things about Obama that are questionable. I find this endorsement irresponsible and not in the best interest of the American people. Powell has completely lost my respect.

mike...

ok, well again, i respect you
're point of view even though we differ. i will say its not just the economy that im nervous about obama (his changes could work financially, i just dont trust an idealistic leader for "socialistic" reasons) its all the other issues as well. but, on that note i have to roll. my packers are getting ready to destroy the colts and i have to make some nachos... lol great debating with you and all of the others on here who have been respectful. GOD BLESS, AND BE NICE!!!!!

TIm

it's called making judgments on all the facts...

Powell gave both candidates a chance to show how they would act in a crisis

Mccain failed...miserably.

...and he explained that the Palin choice...destroyed any judgment argument mccain could have even tried for.

I have no respect for his endorsement or Colin Powell.

Both Kerry and Clinton got more than 90% of the black vote. Blacks vote democratic party overwhelmingly. Obama is only getting a few percentage points more than them of the black vote. To say that blacks support obama only because of his skin color, demeans them.

Tim,

ok, so you're saying that the bush tax cuts are to blame i assume?

NO Im not but giving TAX CUTS at a time of war is wrong there is a reason no government has ever done that before!

Borrowing money from China to pay for the war in Iraq and tax cuts hasnt helped us!

The fact we have lost so many jobs has hurt us also...

Giving tax cuts that mean your borrowing to pay for them is wrong..

Paying for them by puting taxes of the rich and corporations back to where they were before in the Clinton years will help!

More money in the hands of the middle class grows the economy it always has!

i do have to agree with that. i still respect powell, i think he's a good guy, but do you not think who he wanted to vote for 6 months ago?! by comming out 3 weeks before the election and saying this, he is playing politics and i cant respect that.

What an endorsement for Barack Obama!! I am a white college educated medical professional that is a registered Republican. Republican former Secretary of State under G Bush Colin Powell is such a well respected and wise gentleman!! He always has been. Colin Powell has correctly evaluated both Presidential Candidates. I have thought highly of Powell for years.

I saw the whole video interview. He did not tarnish his reputation for fairness, as he spoke with words of truth, equality, fairness, and wisdom.

He has been close friends with John McCain for 25 years. Respects John McCain. But he did find evidence of John McCain displaying erratic reactions to America's present financial crisis.

He eloquently with careful selection of wording criticized the Republican Party's pursuit in this campaign recently to divide this great.

He spoke of Republicans referring to Obama as a muslim. What is wrong with being a muslin in America???

His example is of the soldier who fought so bravely and died for our country - a soldier of muslim faith. Is this Muslim American born citizen soldier who gave his life for our country not worthy of his purple heart, other medals, to be buried in military cemetery because he is not like most of us??? Is he not worthy because he has a different faith than us?? Is he not worthy because he has different skin color than most of us??? Is he not worthy because we are just too prejudiced, filled with hate, and we are scared of people who are different??

A child of Muslim faith should have just as much chance to become President of United States as another child. Americans need to respect other people and the faith they chose. Shown Race, gender, faith, age discrimination displayed by a person today reveals more about the integrity, honesty, fairness of the person showing/doing the discrimination.

Republicans demonizing American Muslims and causing a backlash against innocent people of muslim faith during this election has been rampant. Many of these muslims are good, honest, law abiding citizens with the well known American dream. Wanting to live a good life, have freedom, and getting ahead, being financially sound.

Colin Powell too realizes what and who Barack Obama is. Obama has proven over and over just how great he really is. Obama is well thought of aboard. He has met every challenge with wisdom and succeeded. He can change his stances when needed listening to others.

Americans are a great!!
We truly do have big hearts!! We must not let a certain political party divide us during this difficult time. If we come together and work together we can accomplish many great things.

This registered Republican is voting for Barack Obama!!

I’ll take unofficial endorsements from General Peter Pace, General David Petraeus, and the impressive list of Generals, Admirals, and other great military and diplomatic leaders who made Iraq a success ... over some 11th hour endorsement by Colin Powell. No doubt he held is nose with that endorsement.

Hey General, where were you months ago when the polls were so uncertain? Oh yeah, we get it General.

-OIF Vet For McCain-

former republican...

i completely agree!!!! but in such a crucial time, do you think "teaching the republicans a lesson" through the vote is the answer? i cant stand the fact that under bush, the government has grown, but do we give total control to the democrats. the democrats of yesterday would be great, but modern day democrats??!! they are both equally dangerous. im moving to sweden.

I respect the decision Colin Powell has made. Each of us has the right to our opinions and the freedom of speech. We can fundamentally agree or disagree on any issue. Who cares who Colin Powell supports? Because he supports Obama, does this mean I will follow him?

Don’t be followers; be independent thinkers! Do your research and make your own decision. I am insulted when the Hollywood talking heads try to sway my vote. Remember, campaign promises are just great ideas generated to sway a vote one way or another. Look at each candidate’s voting history and their follow-through with fulfilling their promises.

Hopefully the American people will go beyond the rhetoric and rally cries for their political candidate this election season; I say put-up or shut-up and exercise your right to vote. I have already cast my absentee ballot as I do every election season. It's frustrating to hear people talk a good talk throughout a campaign, but fail to go to the polls and when their desired candidate doesn't get elected they think they have the right to complain. Do you hear me “youth of America?”

Like religion, don't tell me what to believe or how to vote. Bottom line: Get out and vote!!

Who really thinks government has shrunk over the last 8 years. Republicans lost the smaller government argument years ago. Name the last Republican who actually shrunk govt? Henry Paulson, under a Republican admninistration, has decided to nationalize our financial system. Republicans advocate a plutocracy not a democracy. Take from the middle class and give to the rich. As long as Republicans support corporate welfare, I can't support Republican policies. And I'm not for giving my tax dollars to the rich. Ask the CEO of Haliburton how his fortunes have changed over the past 8 years. I bet he's supporting McCain.

Mary, The same man who has come up with the political scheme that Obama is a socialist is Tucker Eskew, the same man who smeared McCain in SC in 2000. He sent out brochures saying that McCain fathered a black baby out of wedlock. He sent out brochures saying that McCain was not fit for the Presidency because he was mentally unstable because of his time in Hanoi. Do you believe those too?

belle...

sorry, i just dont agree with you. look at pelosis' "san fransisco" past. a complete left wing nut job. i cant excuse her from anything. and barny frank?! pushing the banks to "spreadthe american dream" to people who cant afford it? LEFT WING, IDEALISTIC NUT JOB.

As expected, the republican zealots are hypocrites and poor losers.

Much big words about freedom of speech, the 'We are scared' BS, but as soon as a republican is critical he or she is slammed, smeared and chastised.

mccain/palin...

answering a question with a question serves no purpose.

The McCain campaign's banner should say "Palin First". Palin = 0. She's a Dummy. She can't speak to the press, doesn't read the papers and McCain doesn't consult her before making decisions. She's only good for reading teleprompters and looking at Russia from her house.

clabs...

i wasnt claiming that mccains plan was correct either. i think it is "more of the same", but doing a 180 ,and giving control to an idealist, i dont believe is the right answer in the long term either. i think through true activism, there would be a shot at getting mccain to move toward the center. based on obamas strong idealism on "spreading the wealth", i dont think it would be possible.

ok, just to clarify, i need to hear from the obama supporters in here, the answer to a simple quesion: why is the middle class hurting?

Posted by: tim | Oct 19, 2008 1:30:56 PM

---------------------------------------

Simple question to you. Which Bush and republican economic policies done to benefit the middle class?

Everybody is so confused this morning. Far right Libs, don't know whether to scorn or cheer Powell's endorsement because of his role in the Iraq war, and now far right conservatives, that have previously praised Powell for his public service, have accused him of being a traitor, and racist turn coat. Interesting times indeed.

Even more interesting is the new theory that he is trying to position himself for a job, as if his lengthy and impressive resume needed another tick. I don't care what ideology you subscribe to--the man has served in some of the most prestigious positions in an administration, and doesn't need a plumb role from anyone. He is perfectly happy with his efforts in education reform and is 71!!!! Who knew.

The really sad thing is that if the Repubs could have convinced Powell's wife to get him to run this year,--you know, backing an actual moderate Republican-- Barack would certainly be headed for defeat. Without question.

Please help me to understand why republicans well republicans who think palin is ready to be president are soo dumb forgive me but it is true that is why erupe is so far advanced in their infrastructure compared to america. The government can not work on no taxes...

Bush has tried that tax cut bu;; for the last eight years.

If it hasn't helped in the last eight why will it in the next four.

A republican is a republican is a republican some like palin just more brainless than others.. or in mccains' example his brain cells are dying from old age.. look it up it happens....

mike...

ok, so you're saying that the bush tax cuts are to blame i assume?

NO Im not but giving TAX CUTS at a time of war is wrong there is a reason no government has ever done that before!

Borrowing money from China to pay for the war in Iraq and tax cuts hasnt helped us!

The fact we have lost so many jobs has hurt us also...

Giving tax cuts that mean your borrowing to pay for them is wrong..

Paying for them by puting taxes of the rich and corporations back to where they were before in the Clinton years will help!

More money in the hands of the middle class grows the economy it always has!

tim
"ok, so you're saying that the bush tax cuts are to blame i assume? and that helping "90 percent" of the citizens with taxes is the answer?"

Compared to Obama's plan, McCain's economy program is fiscally totally irresponsible.
We need a fiscal conservative program and a liberal social program. McCain supply-side theory is just giving away money to the rich, hoping that they pass it to middle class and the poor.
Didn't worked in the past, won't work now.

im not here to support bush. i simply replied to a claim that "all bush had in his first election was personality". im not here to support him, just stated the facts.

Birds of a feather flock together!

ahhhh bush had some executive experience to look at, not just personality...

Posted by: tim | Oct 19, 2008 1:23:32 PM
----------------------------------------

Sure, and Bush also has a MBA but that hasn't stopped him from failing and ruining every thing he has managed as a executive including America as POTUS.

dave...

i cant help myself: what has nancy pelosi done that makes you think she is a good leader??

"I don't see how one Ex Secetary of State trumps four Ex Secretaries of State ENDORSING McCAIN, unless Powell is hoping for a post."
-----
Powell's "hoping for a post"? A stake through the heart seems more appropriate, but maybe he'll wind up Minister of Disinformation.

my only logical response to that very broad, innaccurate claim would be: if you think that one party or the other is to blame for the countries mess, you are simply uneducated and i feel sorry for you. open your eyes without partisan interests!!!! looking at history, it is plain as day to see both parties have made huuuuge mistakes. admitting this HAS to be the first step in making responsible decisions.

"pelosi, reid, schumer, frank and all of the other left wing idiots need to be held acountable for their actions. (or in some cases inactions) and frankly, possibly jailed for their roles in the housing crisis."
-----
Those you name are crooked, to be sure, but they're NOT "left wing" -- and only Frank and Pelosi, probably, are ACTUALLY "idiots".

EVERY member of Congress who voted for the "bailout" should be in jail -- after the so-called election, if House members who voted for the bailout ARE returned to Congress, we can kiss "democracy" goodbye and try ... whatever.

Obama, Reid, and Pelosi!

Three leaders you can trust to do what is best for America!

The Question arises....If he attended Wrights CHURCH for over 20 years....How could or why does he disagree with his teaching now ?

Add Acorn, his book quotes, and several of his other associations ....and you end-up questioning his judgment.

westcoast...

heres the deal. i dont have numbers on this, only speculation. blacks, generally, always overwhelmingly vote democratic. (which is strange seeing that thats the party that have held them down for decades). and there is NO DOUBT that a majority of blacks are going to the polls in order to vote for the "black guy". thats not racist, its fact. now, how many are going there only to vote for the "black" guy, i dont know. but i can guarantee you, its alot. we will never know the answer, but when racism has been, and continues to be an issue, you would have to be an idiot to think that this isnt happening.

Posted by: tim | Oct 19, 2008 1:13:42 PM

----------------------------------------

Blacks have voted mostly Democratic since FDR. So why is it a issue now given how Republicans have ruined our great nation? I think it's quite logical to resoundly rejection the republican party that has shown it cannot govern America.

General Petraeus endorsed McCain
**************************************

An outright Lie. He has never endorsed McCain

This would be funny were it not so sad.

The posters on here disparaging Colin Powell, a retired General from the US Army who has earned numerous medals and ribbons of valor and distinction; served as Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, National Security Advisor under Republican Presidents; has been awarded 2 Presidential Medals of Freedom, President's Citizens Award, Congressional Gold Medal, Distinguished Service Medals, Ronald Reagan Freedom Award and much more........

Those on here disparaging Powell were just pitching a fit yesterday about their perception of unfair treatment of an unknown, questionable, plumber, their candidate thrust into the public eye.

I don't see how one Ex Secetary of State trumps four Ex Secretaries of State ENDORSING McCAIN, unless Powell is hoping for a post.
HILLARY SUPPORTER FOR McCAIN.

what do u mean mike?!

IS this the same tim ???

angel...

lol you are not realizing that the housing crisis was because of liberals in congress. have you done any research of your own or just get your info from blogs??

Officer Vike

General Petraeus HAS NOT endorsed McCain!!!

mike...

ok, so you're saying that the bush tax cuts are to blame i assume? and that helping "90 percent" of the citizens with taxes is the answer?

Gen Colin Powell gave a very thoughtful, intelligent and comprehensive analysis on how he reached his decision to vote for Sen Obama. I pray that all Americans will be as thoughful in making their choice in this very important election.

i d rather trust obama, reid, pelsi and powell than bush, mccain, cheney, libby, rove. please that's an easy one

belle...

you are exactly right. as a conservative, i am saying even if its another democrat, i dont care at this point!!! pelosi, reid, schumer, frank and all of the other left wing idiots need to be held acountable for their actions. (or in some cases inactions) and frankly, possibly jailed for their roles in the housing crisis.

Tim I answer you before:

Tim,

"why do you think the middle class is "broke"?"

Unemployment is the highest in years...

Dept Labor:

In the last Eight years:

America wage gap widens.

Bulk of workers are treading water.

While median income rose year-over-year in 2007, it was still smaller than way back in 1999 by $408 or nearly 1 percent. Eight years and no gain is not good news.

Looking deeper, the data show that the gains are almost all at the top. . . . of the gains of the top fifth, an astonishing 42 percent went to the 1 in 400 taxpayers."

We all know that rich people enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Why don't poor people enjoy the benefits of theirs? Because rich people are Ebenezer Scrooges. Share the wealth. Make hard working Joe Six Pack happy.

tim

Like I said thats what i hate about politics!

ok, just to clarify, i need to hear from the obama supporters in here, the answer to a simple quesion: why is the middle class hurting?

What Colin Powell did is to articulate, clearly and succinctly, the dissatisfaction that many independents and Republicans feel about the McCain-Palin ticket.

When I heard him speak, I was vividly reminded of my parents and many of my friends, independents and moderate Republicans, who have expressed these same sentiments. Every one of them is voting for Obama.

Every one of these people would have voted for the John McCain of 2000. Unfortunately, that man is not running for president this time. The John McCain who is running will not win -- for the reasons that Colin Powell so clearly explained.

"honestly, do you think pelosi has been a good leader??"
-----
The mob princess was awfully good at turning over the Treasury to the corporations, after taking impeachment "off the table".

If there's a shred of electoral justice in the debacle to come, Pelosi's double-crossed constituents will replace her with Cindy Sheehan.

Ummm, who is SURPRISED that Powell endorsed Obama? He's a General, but so is Petraeus, and he's a McCain man. So what's the biggie?

Jake, shame on you. Powell is not such a big deal. I knew he wasn't a big deal when he ditched during a time of war.

Real Generals don't do that.

That Powell says the pressure of the McCain camp wanting answers regarding Obama's connection with terriorist like Ayres only strenghtens my suspiction that followers of Obama are just that. Followers! Sheep lead to slaughter!I see people excited as they were back in the 60s when JFK was seeking the highest office. Big difference because JFK asked people what they could do for their country, not what their country could do for them. JFK also served our country as a naval officer. Any reason Obama didn't feel patriotic enough to serve the country rather then a small community?
Shame on the sheep in this country and shame on Colin Powell.

"Welfare to people who don't pay taxes": Not true. Property taxes and sales taxes are part of lower-income people's tax burdens, particularly at the state and local level, and thus those people DO pay taxes. Also, there are payroll taxes.
"Socialism": Not true. While income redistribution is a tenet of socialism, the redistribution will boost capitalism by causing people to spend more (and/or investment by encouraging people to save more).
"Black guy voting for black guy": Ok, so Powell happens to be black. That's NOT why he endorsed Obama! He endorsed Obama because McCain was incompetent!

mike...

just because it has always been done, dosent make it right!!! we need to vote them out and send a message!!! thats my point. even if it meant different democrats in there (hopefully not so left). we the people are the only ones who can send messages to the parties to let them know we're pissed. we cant wait till its too late to do this based on the fact that "thats the way it has always been".

Zed,
Your age-based attacks are the equivalent of the racism charges you are making against those that have a differing opinion to yours. At least you have the courage to do it openly, although your hypocrisy is no less in spite of your courage. Obama attempts to disparage McCain's age using sly devices and the American people see through this. Obama's actions are not courageous but deceitful.

I suspect that the only reason that Powell endorsed Obama is to take the heat away from Obama's "share the wealth" plan being exposed and having a huge affect on not only big businesses but small businesses who are the backbone of this country! Why would Powell wait two weeks before the election to endorse? Powell is the one who told America that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and war was necessary..."change the subject" is what this is all about...

YOU ARE THE REASON YOUR PARTY WILL LOSE !!!
-----
My party was the pre-hijacked Democrats. I don't have a party, and I'm voting for Nader.

tim

Thats what they have always done near elections look back to 2004 or 2000 or 1996 thats what i hate about politics!

I support Obama...

ahhhh bush had some executive experience to look at, not just personality...

I know his reasons and it saddens me . I thought Mr.Powell was above this kinda of rhetoric. Just a shame..Join the mainstream or soon to be the mainstream. Go for that plus 30%.

mike...

ITS ABOUT BEING LEADERS MAN!!!! its about at least making an attempt... lol they have done nothing. and the ideas they have come up with, have had NO CHANCE at all of passing, intentionally, to make it look like the republicans have "rejected everything they proposed". dirty politics at its finest. honestly, do you think pelosi has been a good leader?? be honest...

I admire Gen.Powell's courage in coming out in support of Sen.Obama when to do so would most certainloy anger his party and his friend Sen.McCain. Obviously, Gen.Powell does put his country first!!
Its disheartening to see the type of unethical campaign the Republicans are waging against Sen.Obama..its less then patriotic to tear down the man who may well be the next President of the United States. Only small minds tear down a man's character...

tim

Yes I am but they dont have the numbers to do much they only have 49-49 in the senate and thats with the two independent Liberman being one of them..

grey matter...

well im actually glad to finally hear one of his supporters admit his personality IS a huge part... lol and, look i get it. somethimes you HAVE to go on their personalities. it DOES play a part in your decision making. obama seems like a great guy. believe me, i WANT to like him... lol and as a person, i do. i think he is a fresh face, with tons of personality, great attitude, great speaker, young, modern, and a guy i would like to just hang out with and shoot some hoops. but i think that too many people are making their decisions based only on these reasons.

Posted by: tim | Oct 19, 2008 12:44:16 PM

--------------------------------------

A if Bush had anything other than personality to offer in his first campaign.

BTW..
I expect the republicans will chastise Powell, but then again.. the republicans is not the party of fiscal conservative government anymore.
Hope in 2012 the moderates take back the party again so there is a real alternative to choose from.

McCain and Bush abandoned long time members of the party like me, white, 63 years old, college educated, family oriented, a Vietnam combat Vet, and with no corporate pension or healthcare. Obama understands the middle class but more importantly he understands the US needs to be economically strong in order to remain the militarily strong. Colin Powell said it well when he characterized Obama as intelligent, willing to listen to others, a good decision maker and work across the isle to achieve results.

mike...

and arent you disgusted beyond belief that they are doing absolutely nothing for political peuposes!!!! congress is just as important as the presidency, and you're not outraged at what pelosi and the left win nuts have been doing (or not doing) in this crucial time??!! taking vacations, turning out the lights and waiting till after the election to start working on these issues? its despicable, and we ALL need to take not of who has done what in this congress and vote accordingly.

@evangelical voter,

We need to clone you zillions of times over. You have given me hope. God Bless You.

zed

I'm glad to see there is still sanity in politics these days.
It was an endorsement that is very intelligent motivated. Not polarizing at all.

Let's hope we see Powell back in the next Obama administration, together with Buffet, Luger and Bloomberg we have the smartest cabinet ever.

westcoast...

heres the deal. i dont have numbers on this, only speculation. blacks, generally, always overwhelmingly vote democratic. (which is strange seeing that thats the party that have held them down for decades). and there is NO DOUBT that a majority of blacks are going to the polls in order to vote for the "black guy". thats not racist, its fact. now, how many are going there only to vote for the "black" guy, i dont know. but i can guarantee you, its alot. we will never know the answer, but when racism has been, and continues to be an issue, you would have to be an idiot to think that this isnt happening.

Do you trust a ruling triad of Obama, Reid, and Pelosi?

tim

I can help you on it...

Democrats dont have control of Congress Yes they have the number to control the house ... They cant do much so they chose to do nothing really and B they kinda sucked! If they had the numbers to force bushs hand i think we'd have a different perception of them!

Powell's reasons for supporting Obama are easily refuted.

1. No one runs the economy. Further if Powell knew much about economics (as well as US history) he would understand that Obama's policies are not based on economic fundamentals. This suggests that even Obama does not understand economic theory. Or he does and he wants to build on the Bush policies and sink our economic into deeper recession.

2. Obama has little history in reaching across the aisle. His MO is to get people to agree with his views. He doesn't really care to listen to the other side (hmm, sounds like our current President?). That is un-American.

3. Our country is already polarized. Anyone who thinks that an Obama win or a McCain win will end it, is a fool. The only way that polarization will "end" is to use Bush/Rove tactics and suppress free speech. That is un-American.

Everything else is purely Powell's opinion. He is entitled to it. Now THAT'S American.

I frankly disagree with those that say that 99 per cent of blacks are going to vote for Obama because of skin color. I don't know where you get those statistics other than your imagination. People of all colors are equally intelligent and as a result Obama will be evaluated for his policies first and foremost. Apparently he is not being ruled out based on those policies, therefore his skin color is irrelevant. I do want to be clear that I do not support the man, because I reject his policies.

dom...

not just an "economic wmd" but to every issue we have!!!! supreme court justices LEGISLATING from the bench, gun control laws like we have never seen before, entitlement programs (which we cant afford right now) increased, you name it, billions of dollars going toward "global warming" efforts, you name it and it will change. for the worse.

I'm a white woman, an evangelical, and I, full of faith and hope, am voting enthusiastically for OBAMA. I think there's always going to be a bit of truth in the constant stereotyping about our parties and who is supporting whom. However, I sit here in front of my computer screen praising God for independent thinkers on all sides who have the humility and keen vision to vote outside their comfortable worldview boxes when they see people all over the world--not just here in America--are hurting and scared. Forget yourselves...your pride, your hurts, your own needs just for one moment, every one of you reading this. For one moment, forget everything you think you know. You probably can't do it! That's what makes people who CAN so amazing. (Which isn't me, btw. I had a left-wing upbringing. The only thing I've accomplished in terms of independent thinking is to love my fellow evangelicals and to not demonize them anymore.)

anybody notice the approval rating of congerss lately? obama suppoters wanna help me out with this one?

Powell sure did wait a long time to make up his mind, waited long enough to see which way the crowd was leaning via polls, then ran out in front of it to lead it on to Jimmy Carter's second term.

Ostensibly Powell wanted to wait until the end of the third presidential debate before going public with his endorsement. That rewarded Obama's ducking of McCain's proposal for a long series of town hall debates.

Here's a thought that will just bounce off Obama supporters but swing and independents like myself find as a good reason to vote McCain/Palin:

A democrat controlled House, Senate, and Presidency would be the ultimate economic WMD.

Republicans of America, get with the program and support Obama already. This is the party of inclusion, and we'd be happy to include you all as well. :)

Posted by: MyReligionIsBetterThanYours | Oct 19, 2008 12:09:28 PM
*****************************************
Right. As long as Republicans are willing to totally agree with Democrats about everything? Its not reaching across the aisle to insist that others agree with you 100%

Dissent is part of American politics.

Why do so many Dems have such a problem with those who do not share their views?

Calling people who do not support Obama RACIST is the way to win

Posted by: Call It | Oct 19, 2008 12:05:42 PM

----------------------------------------

Sure, like calling people that support Obama racist is the way to go?

To me, it has been amazing to see the response FROM THE RIGHT, against this platform of hateful division.

I kept wondering if I was a closet Democrat, but now I feel like I am just a reasonable, sound, thoughtful, compassionate, open-minded, moderate that rejects the politics of hatred and division.

God bless America. EVERYONE in America! (and abroad). God (especially) bless our soldiers (and the other troops too), who have fought and died in this illegitimate war- they have families and loved ones too- This is a vote for them to come home safely, and continue to enjoy the freedom they have fought so hard to insure.

Bailey, a life consumed by hatred is no life at all.

"Privatize prosperity, socialize corporate screw-ups. That's the republican way."
-----
It's not only the "republican" way, it's the Obama way: The CHANGEling voted FOR the corporate "bailout" that makes this so-called election a meaningless exercise -- while running a personality-cult campaign full of doubletalk and secrecy.

Meanwhile, the Abominoids probably have set "race" back about fifty years AND have completely sabotaged what was left of the "left".

We are in for it. To avoid PERSONAL responsibility for what's about to happen, vote for Ralph Nader or Cynthia McKinney.

McCain thinks his voters are stupid:

Case and point on "socialism".

In McCain's prepared remarks for the last few days and the talking points distributed by his campaign have McCain's advisers attacking Obama's refundable tax credits as "welfare," "socialism," and a "govenrment giveaway," even though--as countless observers have noted:

McCain's own health care plan also includes a refundable tax credit.

belle starr...

now im not saying this in support of mccain, but dont jump on that bandwagon yet!!! while these may be the reasons there comming out in droves right now, this is STILL going to be a tight race. mark my words. it will not be a landslide, and by saying comments like this, it will only infuriate the left even more if mccain pulls it off. could you imagine, at this point when the media hs already called it for obama, if HE DOSENT WIN??!! absoulute chaos.

Black endorsing a black.

Is this news

Posted by: wmam | Oct 19, 2008 11:50:14 AM

---------------------------------------

Former General and Republican President Dwight Eisenhower's grand daughter endorsed Obama also. Under your premise she should have endorsed McCain/Palin because they are a white republican male, female ticket. So how do you explain her endorsment of Obama?

I guess Neo-Conservatives are now going to claim that Powell is a terrorist-loving America hater.

Come on Neo-Cons; just say it out loud so we can all have a laugh.

right back at ya mike....

"this example of how it's never too late to finally show (nonmilitary) courage."
-----
The Chicago machine has bought first the "Democratic" nomination, and now the election. It takes no "courage" of ANY kind to endorse a done deal.

RG...

i think you meant "final nail in the coffin for america"....

PS thank you Tim for a real debate before! (Tips hat)

Final nail in the coffin for McCain! In spite of Powell's endorsement if moderate Republicans and Independents vote for McCain, it is shameful. Obama is the right man for these troubled times. McCain is history. Obama is future.

I love the "socialism" talk. If someone helps citizens like you and me it's socialism but if you bail out huge corporations after they've screwed up, it's good governing? Privatize prosperity, socialize corporate screw-ups. That's the republican way.

Ja

Why do you support John McCain's redistribution of our wealth to corporations and the rich ?

Why should a person making $2.87 million get a $269,364 tax cut.

and

A person making $18,981 get only $18

???????????

Barack gives the person making $18,981 a tax cut of $576

The Rich person making $2.87 million has to pay $70188 more.

John McCains plan ads 3-3.6 trillion dollars to the national debt.

Barack Obama's is payed for by the Rich paying that little extra. One less gold backscratcher for a Mr Burns what about that worries you ?

Jobs Jobs Jobs

Thats not true Wallmart having more money having there part of McCains $200 billion dollar give away isnt going to make them hire more people...

If the middle class is broke they wont be buying anything!!

Giving relief to the middle class cashing them up will help create jobs and once they have that money they will spend it which will help Wall Mart.

but also i must say, the republicans too, gave us a total lame duck to support. just no right answer for me.

grey matter...

well im actually glad to finally hear one of his supporters admit his personality IS a huge part... lol and, look i get it. somethimes you HAVE to go on their personalities. it DOES play a part in your decision making. obama seems like a great guy. believe me, i WANT to like him... lol and as a person, i do. i think he is a fresh face, with tons of personality, great attitude, great speaker, young, modern, and a guy i would like to just hang out with and shoot some hoops. but i think that too many people are making their decisions based only on these reasons.

WHO CARES? Endorsements really don't matter (look back to Kennedy, Kerry and Richardson endorsing B.O. and Hillary won their states).
Powell being black actually discredits any endorsement as majority of whites will think "just a black voting black"...we get it.
McCain has FOUR Ex-Secretaries of State backing him anyway!!!
HILLARY SUPPORTER FOR McCAIN!

Mike NC,

I half agree. I think that the experience argument went out the window weeks ago due to several events, not just now.

I think at this point people are voting not on who is more experienced, but on whose political views they agree with more.

If you're fond of Socialism, by all means vote Obama. If you're fond of smaller government and less spending, vote McCain.

Although a registered republican, Powell has always been a social liberal and pro-abortion. So it doesn't suprise me that he is supporting Obama due partly to the Palin pick (Palin is strongly anti-abortion).

dark horse...

dont make this into more than it is... lol do you think for a second, powell would have done this if he had intentions of furthuring his political career?! not a chance. this was not courage as much as it was speaking his mind, which politicians rarely do.

Newt Gingrich reacted this morning to Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama explaining "what that just did in one sound bite...is that it eliminated the experience argument."

I lost all respect for Colin Powell--supporting a socialist.

Posted by: Mary | Oct 19, 2008 12:21:31 PM

----------------------------------------

Mary, you support Bush and his clones McCain and Palin, republicans have ruined our great nation so why should anybody respect your opinion?

tim,

Obama's personality is a huge role. He has tried to avoid attacking McCain's character and focussed on issues. He's talked about unity, and he doesn't question McCain's patriotism. He could have fired back with Keating 5 during the debate, but did not.

We have to understand that many of Obama's supporters are first-time voters, and many of them are cell-phone only or will be missed out in likely voter samples. People are also raising questions about the weighting of voters. It was unrealistic for the race to be a blow out immediately, because people did have doubts about Obama's experience and leadership.

it's fun to sense the sweat in the palms of the republicans at this moment. Your ignorance warrants the suffering your feeling at this moment. Rehearse these words, "President Obama". You're gonna need them.

Paige -

"Numerous - There are countless moderate Republicans wringing their hands over this election. Not wanting to vote for McCain, but unsure if they can vote for Obama. Powell is respected among this group and has given them information that will impact their vote."

Exactly! Another prominent Republican - this one actually putting "Country First" by choosing Obama.

Obama/Biden 08!

I am thrilled that Colin Powell had the courage to endorse Obama. Many pundits thought he would stop short of an actual endorsement, adding to Powell's reputation for putting his tail between his legs rather than buck his party and generate controversy, as in his "despicable" testimony at the UN on WMD.

What a great role model for those of us who have also been cowardly in some of our choices but who can now be inspired by this example of how it's never too late to finally show (nonmilitary) courage.

grey matter...

just a side note... when have you EVER seen a democrat or someone on the left side with a republican of any kind?! it dosent happen very often.

Grey Matter,

But my point stands. Powell has proven himself in the past to be manipulated - quite easily - by others when it comes to politics. Sure, he might later have admitted his mistakes, just as he might later admit endorsing Obama was a mistake if Obama wins and really runs the country further into the ground.

The point here is the Powell's credibility when it comes to political matters is very much in doubt. A previous post of mine outlined why I found Powell's justifications for endorsing Obama to be peculiar and weak, thus making it seem likely his motivation for supporting Obama was more personal.

For Republicans to now decide to throw mud on Powell is really disgraceful and that is the same thing Powell was saying this morning. A person that served Ronald Reagan and the two Bush is now a recipient of hate comments because he refused to support another bad judgment. It is really APPALLING.

grey matter...

heres th thing. with the "mess" that the republicans have made out of this country (as you all put it), this should have never been a close race to begin with!!!! now im not jumping on the bandwagon yet, but the media is doing their best to "seal the deal" for obama and im not ready to say its by any means over, but mccain is failing miserably in his campaign. im not even going to go into reasons, but why hasnt this been a landslide the whole way is the question??!! this has nothing to do with finding it "inspiring that obama has attracted conservatives" or that "you think he can lead this country in the right direction". while those are good thoughts, thats all obama supporters have. and its because of OBAMAS PERSOANLITY. thats all this is about. thats the only reason he is wherehe is today. and its been a close race the entire way because why? because americans knwo they want change, but have never felt anything of substance from obama, only a pretty face and charm. well, if he wins, its going to be like going all in with a pair of deuces. you have a chance, but not thegreatest starting hand. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A LANDSLIDE THE ENTIRE WAY. americans know when something just dosent feel right.

Well, there are way more Democrats.

And who's winning the independents right now? (:

"I guess this means the Left gets to conveniently forget how they drug this man through the mud for "lying us into war" not that he's backed their Messiah, the Teleprompter Jesus."
-----
"The Left" will be off Obama by spring, by which time enough people will have starved and frozen in the cities to make everybody forget all about Katrina.

WERE Bill Ayers and other corporate loudmouths from the sixties from "the left"? Or were they really from the ... other side?

Maybe POWELL knows. Maybe that's why he's so okay with Ayers/Obama.

ja,

I cannot deny that. As much as I think Powell should have fought against Bush harder, to me, I think it was good that he at least acknowledged his mistakes and has openly stated his regret at his actions. That he stood up to say this and denounce what his Commander-in-Chief had done says something more then Bush and Co. who refuse to admit the Iraq war was misguided or apologize.

I wouldn't be surprised. Blacks for blacks! Come on don't call me a racist, it's the TRUTH. What is it again? 99% blacks voting for Obama? That's not mine, its' according to the polls.

I am brown-skinned and I am voting for McCain.

This must really sting the McCain camp?

Paige,

Actually, McCain has over 90% of the Republican vote. Obama has less than 90% of the Democratic vote. Draw your own conclusions.

Grey Matter,

Actually, Powell is easily manipulated. If you don't remember, he is the one who Bush forced into pushing for the war on Iraq. That alone shows the fact he lacks the political courage to stand up to others.

Would one single person change his vote because of anything Powell might say?
__________________________________________________

Numerous - There are countless moderate Republicans wringing their hands over this election. Not wanting to vote for McCain, but unsure if they can vote for Obama. Powell is respected among this group and has given them information that will impact their vote.

Belle Starr,

It would be nice if you could shut up with your vitriol for a while and try to debate on issues. You are greatly disrespecting Gen. Powell to assume he is only endorsing Obama because of his color, or that all blacks felt they had to endorse Obama. This man was a four-star general and a soldier, do you think he would be manipulated by such things?

You should be asking yourselves why Powell isn't endorsing McCain. Your candidate oscillitates wildly on the economy, keeps insisting that the war on terror's focus is Iraq when bin Laden is not even there.

I expect as usual you won't even reply, and you'll go on more character attacks. This is precisely why you all are turning away so many independents when you use such language. I can't stop you from saying what you want, but rest assured it won't win McCain anymore supporters or lose Obama any.

lets face it: OBAMA IS ONLY WHERE HE IS BECAUSE HE IS A GOOD POLITICIAN AND LIKEABLE. thats the bottom line. powell did not say once about "experience" being a reason he is supporting him. he never mentioned his voting record, or his stance on the issues. only shallow, generic terms of his personal qualities. the only time he mentioned experience, was when he said sarah palin dosent have it to be the president. how ironic.

I lost all respect for Colin Powell--supporting a socialist.

tim,

Maybe you should take another look at Obama's policies. They're not conservative, but I think what's important is Obama knows how to move the country in the right direction. I find it inspiring that Obama has been able to attract many conservatives into supporting him, especially importatn when this is a time for unity, yet I see few Democrats endorsing McCain, and their comments have been divisive.

When McCain's campaign says that the upper part of Virginia is not "real Virginia" because it was now Democratically-leaning and not as "Southern" in nature, I find it insulting to the greatest level of Americans living there.

liberati...

i dont mean to pick on you only, but does it make you sleep better at night to come in here and just rant about how "the republican party have brought this country down"??!!

Those of you claiming Powell is endorsing Obama because he is black need a history lesson.

If race were the reason, Powell would have supported Jesse Jackson in 1988 instead of George Bush. An administration he served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. The same holds true for 1984 when Powell served under Reagan as the National Security Advisor.

If you are so certain Powell is endorsing based on race, why did he not endorse these past African-American presidential candidates?

Shirley Chisholm, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Alan Keyes, Carol Moseley Braun, and Lenora Fulani

The fact is this is not about race, you know it and efforts to taint it that way just reflect poorly on you and your candidate.

Yep, just goes to show you that even the guy who helped get us into Iraq can recognize his sins and decide to support the candidate that can help fix some of the wrongs he and the party he represented got us into.

Powell's endorsement doesn't change anything. The tidal wave continues to roll with or without Powell.

bojb08...

obama has absolutely no history of reaching across the aisle!!!!! dont make this into something totally unrelated.. he has never reached across the aisle in his very short career... jeez.

Powell's endorsement is a torpedo amidships for McCain's sinking campaign.

Expect to see conservatives abandoning McCain in DROVES this week.

THE ORACLE HAS SPOKEN.

concerned...

yeah, interesting point. watch them turn powell into a "hero" for standing up against his party. its already happening. how soon they forget dragging him through the mud.

As a member of a military family with 2 family members who have served (and are still serving) in Iraq, I can tell you that the hateful comments about General Powell will not sit well with veterans or active members of the military. General Powell is held in the highest regard -- when you insult General Powell, you are insulting many soldiers and military families.

What this all says is that Obama is the man to unite this country and work across party lines...Mnay prominant conservatives and republicans coming out for Obama...I do not see Madaline Albright coming, or any Democrat of her stature, coming out for McCain

i have always respected collin powell, but this one just baffles me.

I guess this means the Left gets to conveniently forget how they drug this man through the mud for "lying us into war" not that he's backed their Messiah, the Teleprompter Jesus.

Black man endorses Black man.
What a shocker!
It's obvious to anyone paying attention that 99% of Blacks in this country are voting for Obama, based solely on his skin color.

McCain was certainly trying to make it a matter of black man supporting black man by his comment, "I'm not surprised." Low blow.

Powell is helping change the course of this country. Yes, we have slipped too far...way too far to the right.
Thank you, Colin Powell.

I am for the keating 5 scandal, i am for divorces, having affairs with a lobbyist(if only i could get stiff),i am for having cancer in office, i am for having a good looking secretary oops vice president for office.

i am against spain which is in south america and is a terrorist country(Isnt it??). I am for bush cause i am dumber than him and i think he is a genius so i voted for him 90% of the time...

Republicans of America, get with the program and support Obama already. This is the party of inclusion, and we'd be happy to include you all as well. :)

Common sense is the answer but a black man endorsing Obama that attended the Rev Wright WHITE HATE CHURCH is not news.

Excellent choice Mr. Powell! Made my day!

Now all we need is for Bush's daughter to endorse Obama. She hinted at it on a Larry King interview several months ago. Don't know where she stands now.

Obama/Biden 08!

Come on McCain supporters,

Powell was a former four star general and commander of our forces. He is a Republican. And he trusts Obama. Which possibly means McCain and Palin may be lying about this whole terrorist crap they have been telling you.

I am for one party running this country even if they are involved in the biggest voter fraud scheme ever in the history of the WORLD.

Obama = ACORN-GATE

"We have got to stop polarizing," Powell said.

Then Jake, the resident rabble-rouser, tosses another Molotov cocktail into the crowd.

Calling people who do not support Obama RACIST is the way to win

I see i have an impersanator. Republican party has never been an inclusive party and never has any base with any community other than whites.

The sad thing is that even the people who vote for republicans arent really helped by the party. The party only cares about the rich and the oil companies.

A vote for barack obama is a vote for a person with an IQ over 100. Now the republicans cant gaurantee that!!

By the way I am black and will vote for Obama :>

Powell is afraid that WAR CHARGES are going to be brought against him

If there are folks out there who haven't yet made up their mind, I hope they read this blog. If they haven't made up their mind, that means they aren't racist or at least will consider voting for Obama.

If they haven't yet made up their mind, then they are seeing the racists on this blog who use derogatory statements to describe Obama.... and NOW Powell.

Keep talking here, McCain's bigot base. You're driving more voters to Obama by the minute! lol

Didn't Powell attend the same church as Obama the WHITE HATE church

So is this news that a black General would endorse Obama. The same black people who are now calling the CLINTON's Racist

ryaple - That's 100% hogwash. The man clearly and intelligently explained the reasons for his decison. Just because you're not capable of making an unbiased, informed, bipartisan and rational decision doesn't mean that a retired 4-star general of the U.S. military is also incapable of doing so.

Thank you General Powell. Obama supporters are of all colors, republican, democrat and independent. It is all inclusive. As I read more and more blogs...it is very obvious that McCain is running a very divisive, monochromatic, mono-ideologic campaign. The way this is evident is becaise of the words coming from his supporters mouths. Be nice, join the party, we'll let you in.

Obama endorsed by a WAR CRIMINAL

I agree with Powell. I have to vote Obama this time.

"Powell is an admired and respected man whose thoughtful insight ... "
-----
Good grief -- after Powell's UN play on the Iraq invasion, serving the Cheney-Bush cabal by lying in uniform, WHO admires/respects him, other than the milita-groupies of the mainstream media??

Obama and Powell are Black.

Is this NEWS

More Money More Money More Money is what Obama and his fraudulent voters say

All he is saying is dont vote for the mentally deficient. There is nothing racist about it.

This has 100 percent to do with Obama being black and the General being BLACK

actually I am a college educated, realist who knows that mccain is a crack pot who sold his soul for the presidency.
By the way I am a white catholic too, so put your head back up your butt, it will all be over soon.

Hey Liberati,

I'm pretty sure Colin Powell's ability to assess who is better fit for President carries a little more weight then your ability.

I think if you watch the video, he makes the clear distinction as to why Obama is better suited for POTUS then McCain.

Hint: It has nothing to do with Obama being black.

This is a huge endorsement. Powell has always been a good soldier for the GOP establishment. He will put off those in the Court of Bush. But he was duped into making the Iraq War sales pitch to the U.N. by the Bush/Cheney/Rove posse. Powell is a man of great integrity who truly puts the Country First. His endorsement and the reasons why he made it are powerful and speaks for itself.

actually bush, rumsfeld, cheney and hmm who said next stop bagdad on a aircraft carrier, right after we started attacking afganistan??
oh yeah mccain.

I think it's great that he called McCain out for picking Palin. Haha. He knows she's an idiot and the rest of the country does too.

Gen. Powell is one of the very few people from the Bush 43 administration to have any integrity left, and his endorsement only reinforces his standing. Bravo, Gen. Powell!

God Bless Colin Powell, this is man of great stature and thought. He is what is great about this nation, and although not a Democrat, he makes me feel we are going to be ok if Obama wins,

One thing that does scare me is all these racists that claim to be God's children. I hope that they went to church today and actually listened to his word, and show his love to one another.

I am shocked by the comments that suggest that the former Chairman of the Joint Chief under Bush I and Secretary of State under Bush II would vote for Obama purely because they share the same skin color. Did any of you see the interview and hear his long preface to why he is endorsing Obama? Does this mean that any white person who endorses McCain are necessarily racist? No? Well, you can't have it both ways. It is your reactions that are racist, not Powell's endorsement.

General Powell created the disaster we had in the beginning of the IRAQ war. Then retired to leave his IRAQ war mess to somebody else.

So when is a black endorsing Obama news anyway

hahaha, these comments would not be the same if he had just endorsed mccain.
McCain would have sold what's rest of his soul, and sold Palin's soul for Powell as his vp.

Black endorsing a black.

Is this news

This must sting the McCain camp.

Shame on Colin Powell for endorsing a Chicago thug with ties to Ayers, Pfleger, and Rev Wright--American haters.

Obama can't bring himself to really give our troops credit, blames them for bombing villages, and votes against additional body armor.

But that doesn't matter to Powell.
All that matters is that a half-black guy becomes president.

Shame on Powell for selling out America and the troops by supporting such a radical creep from Chicago.

At least Powell won't be accused of being an Uncle Tom--even though BHO is the biggest one of all.

It is also sad to see that some people don't realize Sarah Palin has not even given America a real chance to decide whether she's qualified or not.

She has not made a single live appearance in which she's had to give sustained answers to serious questions from the American people or from reporters.

Even in her taped interviews with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric, she did little but repeat memorized talking points (she might have even had notes in her Katie Couric interview). Almost every time she had to improvise, she embarrassed herself, the McCain campaign, and America.

Sarah Palin, with her refusal to answer questions, has undermined her and John McCain's crediblity as leaders.

Colin Powell is one of the greatest Americans ever to proudly serve this nation. He's a man of honor, valor, courage and respect. I respect him and respect his judgment. If he says Obama is the man for the job, I wholeheartedly believe him without prejudice or afterthought.

Powell endorsing Obama..

That is really going to convince me to vote for a radical with terrorist friends who wants to give welfare to those who don't pay taxes.
________________________________________________
Sam- You are a victim of the McCain lie, smear and sleaze campaign.

Powell said he was "disappointed" in McCain for tacking issues he found "no central" to the nation's challenges, specifically McCain's focus on Obama's association with education professor William Ayers, a former member of the violent radical group the Weather Underground.

Pelosi, Reid, Obama - yikes. Rev. Wright, Farrakhan, Liberation Theology - God help us. Ayers, the main stream media, ACORN - please no more beatings and bombings.

now the democratic party becomes the party of war mongers

Powell is an admired and respected man whose thoughtful insight will influence the many disenfranchised Republicans across our country.

I don't think Powell's endorsement really helps the Obama campaign, but it doesn't hurt it. It's more the rejection of McCain that hurts his campaign.

Powell is a Republican who remains a Republican. I won't be surprised, if before long, Powell is vilified as Un-American by the Republican party and the McCain campaign. It seems that's the tactic the party uses when someone disagrees with them.

Thank you Mr.Powell, for thinking about our country and not the Party. We see you and respect you. It takes a great man to step forward against his Party, for the good. You made the correct desicion, thank you.

How is Colin Powell a racist for voting for Barack Obama? You're stupid.

Most people I know, including myself, are supporting Barack Obama for the same reasons stated by Colin Powell.

It is sad to see people like Michelle Malkin responding to this endorsement with a photo of Colin Powell dancing with African-American musicians.

(Ironically, on Malkin's site, there's a photo just below that one showing Palin doing her "raise the roof" dance from SNL last night...It's like she's dancing along with the Powell endorsement).

Powell endorsing Obama..

That is really going to convince me to vote for a radical with terrorist friends who wants to give welfare to those who don't pay taxes.

It just makes me question Powell's judgement and character.

So Powell, who has spent his career, risking his life, and fighting against terrorists, supports the candidate who has had a close association with terrorists.

This is sad, but also, sadly, not surprising. Everyone knows that Powell, a GOP, supports Obama for one and only one reason, because he is black. He has said in the past that this fact invokes some sort of "symbolism".

By doing this, Powell invokes the worst kind of racism, and has put race before country. He criticizes Palin's experience, but does not once say anything to reassure us of Obama's experience, which is NONE.

Racism is an abomination that must be rid of modern society. With this racist endorsement, along with the 95% black voter support of Obama, Powell has merely given permission for white voters to vote "white" for the mere sake of "symbolism". It has set us back a hundred years.

It is disgusting. Powell knows McCain's career, he knows what McCain has done for this country, and he turns around in the ultimate betrayal to vote based on race?

Shame on you, General Powell. Shame, shame, shame, you have brought to our military, to our country. You have endorsed an inexperienced candidate who will bring shame and danger to the United States. How could you? How could you betray us like that?

The guy who hoodwinked Americans into the Iraq war comes out for Obama, boy I thought Powell had good judgment... until he turned his back on his conscience and came out for the war(s); He hasn't been the same since then not unlike McCain.

Hopefully Powell's endorsement will cause some moderate Republicans to look at who they are about to vote for.

For the good of the country, to put country first, moderate Repuiblicans need to take back their party.

What a shocker! Colin joins the 97%.

How racist. A black guy not voting for McCain just because he is white!

I'm shocked by this endorsement.

Glad to see Colin Powell out reasoning in front of the troops.

I've always admired Colin Powell and this reinforces my decision to vote for Barack Obama.