From wire reports
WASHINGTON
Colin Powell, a Republican and retired general who was President Bush’s first secretary of state, broke with the party Sunday and endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president. Powell called Obama a “transformational figure” and criticized the tone of John McCain’s campaign.
The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said either senator is qualified to be commander in chief. After studying both, Powell said he concluded that Obama is better suited than McCain, the standard-bearer of Powell’s own party, to handle the nation’s economic problems and help improve its world standing.
“It isn’t easy for me to disappoint Sen. McCain in the way that I have this morning, and I regret that,” Powell said on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” where he announced the endorsement and delivered a serious blow to the aspirations of McCain, his longtime friend .
But, Powell added: “I think we need a transformational figure. I think we need a president who is a generational change and that’s why I’m supporting Barack Obama, not out of any lack of respect or admiration for Sen. John McCain.”
Obama, meanwhile, announced Sunday that he raised more than $150 million in September, obliterating previous fundraising records and giving him an enormous tactical advantage over McCain in the final weeks of the presidential campaign.
With tens of millions more to spend than McCain, Obama has gone on the offensive in dozens of states, including several, such as North Carolina, Virginia and Missouri, once considered long shots. He is running three television ads to every one aired by McCain, and he has built a massive operation to reach voters on Election Day.
The campaign has raised so much money that it is considering passing some along to Democratic Party committees to try to help grow their majorities in Congress, according to a campaign source.
The endorsement by Powell amounted to a stunning rejection of McCain, a 26-year veteran of Congress and a former Vietnam prisoner of war who has campaigned as the experienced, tested candidate who knows how to keep the country safe.
Powell expressed disappointment in the negative tone of McCain’s campaign, his choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate and their decision to focus in the closing weeks of the contest on Obama’s ties to 1960s-era radical William Ayers, saying “it goes too far.”
A co-founder of the Weather Underground, which claimed responsibility for nonfatal bombings in the United States during the Vietnam War era, Ayers is now a college professor who lives in Obama’s Chicago neighborhood. He and Obama also served together on civic boards in Chicago.
“This Bill Ayers situation that’s been going on for weeks became something of a central point of the campaign,” Powell said. “But Mr. McCain says that he’s a washed-out terrorist. Well, then, why do we keep talking about him?”
Powell said McCain’s choice of Palin raised questions about judgment.
“She’s a very distinguished woman, and she’s to be admired,” he said. “But at the same time, now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don’t believe she’s ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president,” he said. “And so that raised some question in my mind as to the judgment that Sen. McCain made.”
McCain said Sunday that he admired and respected Powell, but noted he had support from four other former secretaries of state, all veterans of Republican administrations: Henry Kissinger, James A. Baker III, Lawrence Eagleburger and Alexander Haig.
Powell also said he was troubled that some Republicans – he excluded McCain – continue to say or allow others to say that Obama is a Muslim, when he is a Christian. Such rhetoric is polarizing, he said.
“He’s always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer’s no, that’s not America,” Powell said. “Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim American kid believing that he or she could be president?”
Powell said he remains a Republican, even though he sees the party moving too far to the right.
He supports abortion rights and affirmative action, and said McCain and Palin, both opponents of abortion, could put two more conservative justices on the Supreme Court.
Powell said the nation’s economic crisis provided a “final exam” of sorts for both candidates, and suggested McCain had failed the test.
“I found that he was a little unsure as to how to deal with the economic problems that we were having,” Powell said.
In contrast, Powell said Obama “displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge and an approach to looking at problems. … I think that he has a definitive way of doing business that would serve us well.”
This story was compiled from reports by The Associated Press and The Washington Post.
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Mary.That's 1 Reason
I always double check "news" sources, especially ones with obvious political leanings. Many people think Sydney Poitier is a naturalized citizen. He was born in the USA, grew up on Cat Island, Bahamas, reared by his Bahamian parents. Bruce Lee was also American born, in San Francisco though he did live in Hong Kong until returning to the states, to attend college. 1 of my uncles was born in Trinidad. He was American by birth because his USA citizen parents were visiting their parents in Trinidad when he was born. My uncle, Poitier, Lee & others, are often assumed to be naturalized because of their accents. Have a good 1.
I don't think people were cying "con man" when Powell
endorsed Bush AND SPOKE AT THE CONVENTION. For what it's worth, Powell is joined by more republicans every day.
con men
"Con men are usually very charming as well."
McCain is certainly holding up his end.
The Berlin Wall
Reagan wasn't a Veteran, but I still voted for him. WWII Veteran JFK, Reagan and WWII Veteran Bush Senior were transformational leaders. Their words were more powerful in fighting the propaganda war than our most powerful weapon.
None of them made "jokes" like "bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran". Words mean more then Sen. McCain seems to think, especially in the age of the global economy and a world that is closely watching this election word for word. Sen. McCain is following the same path as Bush Jr. who refused to listen to own his dad and General Powell, and instead gave ammunition to our enemies every time he opened his mouth.
It's time to go after Bin Laden, and as Powell would say, cut off the head of the snake. That's what our leaders promised me 7 years ago.
What Difference Does it Make Where Colin Powell Was Born?
He was the darling of the Republicans until Sunday. By the way has anyone else noticed that Republicans only support the troops who think the same way that they do? Hypocrites! "We support our troops" is just a meaningless slogan if those troops vote Democratic or don't go to the same Republican churches.
How long did it take them to throw Powell under the bus?
"There's something very
"There's something very positively different about Obama, his composure, deference, reverence, humility, demeaner, confidence, and outlook that I have not seen sense Reagan."
They are both showmen. Both have no economic policy. Regardless of your love for Reagan no one can deny the first Bush did not create a reccesion as much as walked into it.
I appreciate your letter. It highlights the problem w/ democracy. Many people will vote for whoever gives them a warm fuzzy feeling and not for the person best for the job. Con men are usually very charming as well.
Not everything to everyone
I also used to agree that Obama would say anything to please anyone. Now, though, having paid closer attention to facts and having ignored the "know-it-all pundits", I realize that that is not the case. For once, this country is hearing a candidate say that "everyone can win something along the way."
Then, at the same time, I have been able to compare and contrast McCain's message to Obama's. To my regret and refreshment, I find Obama to promoting unity and hope as opposed to McCain sowing seeds of division, disagreement, and deceit.
There's something very positively different about Obama, his composure, deference, reverence, humility, demeaner, confidence, and outlook that I have not seen sense Reagan. Our next generations can benefit from the character alone ... then again, maybe I'm seeing an exaggeration because of the contrast to McCain.... Either way, McCain's not cutting it this time.
Who'd have quessed
Colin Powell for Obama.... total shock... NOT.. It's everywhere.
November 5, 2008
I can't wait until this is all over.
Twomiler
You're right about Colin Powell's birthplace. I can't believe it, because I spent so many years thinking he was a naturalized citizen. It is a while ago and my memory is not as sharp as it once was, but I recall even seeing newspaper articles about him saying he didn't know the typical African-American experience because blacks are in the majority in Jamaica. So I must not have been the only one who assumed his Jamaican heritage meant he was born there. Or . . . am I perhaps remembering another politician who was born and raised in Jamaica??? Cheers, MGM
Ding ding
Folks, we have a winner! I have seen some incredibly bad logic employed in spin on these boards but a poster below cannot be bested. She attempted to say that not all of the Manson family were bad and therfore if one of the members endorsed Obama it would be ok.
This is the type of mind needed to hide from the truth that Obama offers. Think about it. look at the facts. They are there for you to discover.
AM-Your going to have a real ahard time explaining the televised speeches that Powell gave the U.N. in his attempt to secure backing BEFORE the war. Powell is Iraq no matter how you spin it.
alexb for McCain
Just goes to show you.
Powell a Democrat?
Powell did not make it a single term under Clinton leaving after two years. Lincoln Republicans do not have a party in this country. The Democrats did not want us, now the Republican party wants us out.
We need a new Republican party, and that returns to its roots and appreciation for highly qualified Republicans like Hagel, Lugar, and Powell in times of crisis around the world like today. A party that welcomes anyone instead of pushing those who have been loyal for decades away. For now, I will support a Lincoln administration under Senator Obama. Like General Powell, I will never become a Democrat.
Simply Amazed
I am simply amazed at what some people will do to strike back at an administration that embarrassed and mocked them, and it doesn't hurt either when your going to get a job out of it! What he said served Obama well. Everyone has a right to their feelings and are going to do what they want to, but how can you vote for Obama, someone that tells every interested party what they want to hear. Do you really believe that he can be everything to everyone? Certainly he can portray his self in that way, but experience tells you that you can only serve one entity well. That should be the country. He talks to seniors he tells them what they want to hear, speaks to the middle class tells them what they want to hear, speaks to the very young voters and tells them what they want to hear, speaks to minorities and tells them what they want to hear. Get real, he can not and will not be able to follow through on all that he has promised every one. He needs to do what is best for the country and not what is best for individuals. If the country is well run and healthy all of the individuals in it will have every opportunity to succeed and do well!
reno
The House has been controlled by the Democrats for the past 2 years. What did the republicans do in the 6 years prior?
14 days to go
Who is Sarah Palin?
As Powell said, the Republican party is shrinking squeezing out those who have been loyal to the party for decades like myself. The era that the party can take the military vote for granted is over.
I'll be voting Democrat too for the first time ever this Nov 4.
What the country needs
Looking solely at the provable, quantifiable FACTS, the two candidates really can't get much done for their grand schemes. The executive is really nothing but the hand of the legislature, to enforce and carry out their laws. The president's most important role, therefore is diplomacy, war, and, most importantly, leadership. The last thing we need is more war, and the State Department has diplomacy covered, so the important thing is, which one can unify the country through this crisis.
Obama seems to be the better choice because he is eloquent and charismatic. He can reach out to younger Americans, the ones who are in college to become tomorrow's lawyers and businessmen, the ones who will fight and die when called upon, and who are unafraid to make a difference.
twomiler2
Submitted by twomiler2 on Sun, 10/19/2008 at 7:33 pm.
"Seems some posters believe themselves smarter than Obama, Biden, both Clintons, Warren Buffet, Colin Powell, etc. Must be filthy rich, a Rhodes Scholar, possessing law degrees,(earned with honors), an MBA, & excel in business, military strategy, etc. How else could anyone honestly claim all Obama supporters as emotion driven ignoramuses & all McCain supporters warmongers?"
Well twomiler2, I believe it's true. I always thought Colin Powell was a closet democrat anyway. I never said I was "smarter" than Obama, Powell, or McCain. I have to admit, that Obama has done a pretty snowball job for his party with his socialist policies. Obama and Joe Biden say it's patriotic to tow the line for someone else. Spreading the wealth...etc.. McCain has already stated we'll be in Iraq until the second coming and has already talked about going to war with Iran. The repubs should have brought back Bob Dole and his bottle of viagra. It will be politics as usual whichever one gets in. The one thing I believe is that I will be poorer with Mr. McCain and bankrupt if Mr. Obama.
Hey Gertz
Hey Gertz- you blame 3 people in your post. Bush, Cheney, and Rove. They had a lot of help from the House. Did you forget that the Government is also composed of the House and the Senate. The House is controlled by the Democrats. Maybe some blame needs to be placed on the Congress. Most Democrats conveniently leave that part out.
Sparky doth protest too much, methinks
“While you deny the true party who is racist, you then say if the "shoe fits." This is your issue. Do not declare your opposition racist.”
Wow. While my original post to this tread was never directed at any specific person, I did have a few in mind. Oddly enough, Sparky was not one of them. Yet it seems I’ve unintentionally struck a raw nerve here.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-psychological-projection.htm
gop dug their own hole
The lack luster interest of the GOP started in 2000 with George Bush becoming president and then made worse in 2004 with him being re-selected. Let's face facts. George Bush has been the damnation of this country, along with Dick Cheney, and the likes of Karl Rove, and we have seen our country all but hit bottom. We are in an economic mess with a deficit beyond understanding. We borrow million's every day just to keep our country afloat, and the war of lies continues to kill our troops as well as Iraqi and other country's troops. Enough is enough, and the only people you can blame is your own GOP. Reality is very hard for some of you, and you can jump up and down all you want to, continue your lies about Obama, but Barack Obama will be the next president.
And our country will be better off for it.
Ira
it is known that Bush told Rummy 72 days after 9/11 to draw up plans to attack Iraq. Powell was not told until much later (2003). Heck, Saudi Arabian leaders knew before Powell did. That is keeping one in the dark, especially when that person is your secretary of state. By all accounts, Rice was kept in the dark as well.
Terrorist, Reagan, McCain, Nixon
The Annenbergs chose Obama & Professor Ayers to be on an education board together. Walter Annenberg was a close friend to Ronald Reagan & was an Ambassador in the Nixon Administration. Mrs Annenberg just recently endorsed John McCain. Using the illogical, convoluted reasoning of some naysayers of Obama posters, Reagan & Nixon are dead terrorists & McCain is a living 1.
Wow.
He's a terrorist, a muslim, AND a member of the Manson Family?
the manson family
"Is it fair to conclude that Obama, therefore, would see no problem serving on a board with members of the Manson family?"
Not all of the Manson family members, if there are any, were/are like Charles Manson, but I guess you haven't figured that out yet.
You know, the closer we get to election day, the more desperate people get in their comments.
More from 'Sparky'
"Previously, Powell’s name was often mentioned as the most likely person to be America’s first black president."
I never understood why the media made this proclamation. They seem to be blinded by the idea of minotity candidates. They do the same thing w/ Rice but neither has shown why they would be a good president. Heck, Powell helped sell the war to the American people. He can say it was a mistake later as he has, but he is no differnet than Bush himself. I am still befuddled why his endorsement is perceived to have value.
Dharma: I simply defined projection. While you deny the true party who is racist, you then say if the "shoe fits." This is your issue. Do not declare your opposition racist.
Ira's Rant
“…you personally have declared people who do not support Obama to be racist. The problem w/ your example is that if the party states they are indeed angry(or whatever) then it is no longer being projected but perceived.”
Not only did I never call anyone a racist, but you have misconstrued what you call my “example“. So let me spell it out for you. I’m merely suggesting that there are racially prejudiced people out there who are in denial about it in themselves, but quick to project their prejudices onto others. If the shoe fits, etc. Clear enough for you now, Sparky? As for your other criticisms, I’ll let other readers decide if your convoluted logic makes any sense or not.
"ONLY EIGHT YEARS OLD"
Colin Powell is a great man - endorsing a slick politician.
Obama's defense to his association and service on, among other things, community boards with a domestic terrorist is that Obama was only eight years old when the man committed his crimes.
Obama was only eight year old when the Manson family committed their crimes.
Is it fair to conclude that Obama, therefore, would see no problem serving on a board with members of the Manson family?
Flip-Flop
And here I thought that was just a name for a pair of sandals.
Actually, Colin Powell
was born in Harlem, in Manhattan NY, NY. His parents were born in Jamaica. However, John McCain was born in Panama, while his father was stationed in the Canal Zone. Because of the 14th Amendment, he was automatically a citizen at birth.