Colin Powell drops the other shoe
posted at 11:10 am on October 19, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama today on NBC’s Meet the Press. The endorsement had been rumored for months, as Powell has made no secret of his disaffection from the Republicans since his retirement as Secretary of State. It gives Barack Obama much needed support on questions of foreign policy and military affairs in a period of time when people may question whether to trust a man with no experience at either. But did Powell miss the window?
After months of hints and speculation, former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama this morning, a huge vote of confidence in the Illinois Democrat with just 16 days left before the November election.
“He has both style and substance,” Powell said of Obama on NBC’s “Meet the Press”. “I think he is a transformational figure.”
As we wrote on Friday, the Powell endorsement carries huge symbolic importance — not only is he a former high-ranking member of President Bush’s Cabinet but he also was the most visible face in making the case for the war against Iraq.
Powell’s endorsement complicates any attempt by John McCain and others within the Republican Party to cast Obama as naive on world affairs and unready to lead in a dangerous time. Obama now has a ready retort: “Well, Colin Powell seems to trust my judgment; that’s why he endorsed me.”
I’m not going to impugn Powell’s motives here. He served his country honorably in every task assigned to him, and he’s earned the right to participate in the political process. Unlike endorsers like Christopher Buckley, Douglas Kmiec, or Michael Smerconish, Powell has never publicly identified himself as a conservative activist. He’s mostly stayed within the military and foreign-policy realm and could easily have served as Secretary of State in a Clinton administration as much as in a Bush administration. This doesn’t represent any hypocritical apostasy, and it doesn’t come as much of a surprise, either.
However, I don’t think this will have the same impact it may have had in the summer, for two reasons. First, I think most people expected Powell to endorse Obama, and most of us expected it at the Democratic convention. Powell hasn’t hidden his disdain for his former colleagues well, especially while his closest aide Richard Armitage spent most of his time ripping them. Coming as it does now, it may impact some voters who still feel uncomfortable with Obama’s lack of experience. Otherwise, I don’t think anyone likely to be swayed by this endorsement didn’t already factor it into their thinking.
In August, Obama could have used this when he fumbled the Russo-Georgian conflict. Now, though, foreign policy has dropped to the second tier for most voters. They’re more interested in economic issues, and I think Joe the Plumber has more resonance than Colin Powell at this point in the election. Powell, who has no experience in economic issues and has never spoken out on them, simply doesn’t figure into those concerns.
Powell’s endorsement still gives Obama a boost and certainly some gravitas. Does it really change the ground in this election? I’m skeptical. McCain needs to hammer on these economic themes to make Powell’s endorsement less relevant over the last two weeks.
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So Colin Powell is endorsing Obama, and doesn’t think Palin is ready to be president, and thinks McCain is too negative. OK. Palin is more qualified than Obama, and McCain is about as much a gentleman as I’ve seen running in recent memory. I admired Powell for what he said once. Paraphrased … “Other people’s racism isn’t my problem … it’s THEIR problem”. You have older black men in the US who’ve suffered many indignities, and lost opportunities, and are just sick of being put down. I understand that. I’m afraid that’s finally gotten to Powell. If he believes a black prez would be “transformative” because it would show those who doubt it a black in the top spot for 4 years, why is he concerned about such people? When did other people’s bigotry become HIS problem? There will always be bigots. It’s fruitless to try to change others’ attitudes in this way. It’s a mental error. Don’t cater to the stupid. Appeal to our very best natures. Aim high and hit your target. Truly intelligent people don’t care about skin color. Don’t be stupid.
Paul-Cincy on October 19, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I’m sure it has nothing to do with race.
jgapinoy on October 19, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Powell must ignore Obama’s fumbling of the Georgia attack. What a stupid tool.
Right_of_Attila on October 19, 2008 at 11:13 AM
A Bush administration official, and prime convincer of the need to invade Iraq in 2003, endorses pretty much based on race, to endorse Obama. Big win for Obama. Now, if he can just get Bush himself to endorse, the circle is complete.
Vashta.Nerada on October 19, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Powell’s comments are as shameful as they are incorrect. First, although you can say taxes are necessary for schools, hospitals, and such, you can’t then make the conclusion that those taxes need to come from income, or that those taxes need to be at the Federal level, or that Barack’s tax policies are the correct ones. He may not like the idea that his guy was called a socialist, but when he advocates a progressive (regressive in reality) punitive tax plan that is built upon the idea of “spreading the wealth around” , then there are few words left in the English language to use other than Socialist. He may not like it, but it is legitimate. As far as the “Muslim” charge goes, that Powell sites as “proof” of the horrible negative level of the campaign, Powell will have a lot of trouble finding a single aspect of the McCain campaign that moved in that rumor’s direction. In fact McCain has scolded everyone who used Obama’s middle name. I hope there are some ideological conservatives in McCain’s camp who can knock Powell’s arguments out of the park, because they really are hanging curveballs. I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but this election cycle has shown me, more than ever before, that bipartisanship (as applied) is a farce, and that there are no such things as “independents” (as imagined by political pundits).
Weight of Glory on October 19, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Blood is thicker than water. Homey
redrock on October 19, 2008 at 11:14 AM
And this is a suprise to who?
budaside on October 19, 2008 at 11:14 AM
once again…. colin proves he’s a jerk.
reliapundit on October 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Eh, it was expected. Finally this over-hyped endorsement is over and we can move on.
Renwaa on October 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Going for the unqualified, lying, incompetent crypto-Marxist.
Thanks bro.
profitsbeard on October 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM
This isn’t a surprise. That McCain may be surprised is the story.
Angry Dumbo on October 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Here in the PHX area, McCain used to guest host frequently on the local talk-radio KFYI. He was always very gracious, polite, & patient with every loud liberal caller, as well as with everybody else.
jgapinoy on October 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Endorsements don’t matter. Regardless of who it is doing the endorsement, no one really cares. This will have near zero impact.
Kronos on October 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM
It’s not going to make that big of a bump. All it means is that Powell endorsed Obama–so what–it’s not like anyone didn’t see it coming. You’re right in that it would have been far more effective in August than now. I tend to agree with Glenn Reynolds in his analysis–it’s too late and it doesn’t really accomplish anything–he’s not exactly going to bring a tide of Powell supporters over with him.
Powell’s time has pretty much come and gone.
Matt Helm on October 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Ed, if you think race isn’t a major factor, I’m a bit disappointed in your analytical process.
a capella on October 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Who woulda thunk it? Powell is a Racist too – huh.
He is a Democrat in RINO clothing – what else would anyone expect?
Sporty1946 on October 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM
After Mrs. Powell, how many votes is this going to change? A man spends his entire career fighting socialists and now he’s going to vote for one? I’m sure it’s not based on race at all….. We are all ultimately measured by the courage of our convictions.
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 19, 2008 at 11:18 AM
*Looks through comments*
Nope, no racism here…. “Homey”, really Redrock?
Typhonsentra on October 19, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I agree with Powell that Obama is a transformational figure. The problem is what the transformation will entail. If you want a hint of what’s coming, ask Joe the Plumber.
Mr. D on October 19, 2008 at 11:18 AM
No, that’s not why, and everyone can see it.
Vashta.Nerada on October 19, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Unlike Congress. They have had it figured out since day one. Oh, wait……
So just exactly why does General Bowell consider himself a republican?
and other than his popularity, what the hell is so transformational about the guy?
Yeah, his transformational qualities certainly won’t lead us down the road of continuing what we have been doing…. like capitalism. But we will absolutely continue not holding anyone on the left responsible for their screw-ups.
Unfrigginbelievable.
JeffinOrlando on October 19, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Colin Powell looked like a frightened deer in is first brief interview shown on FOX after announcing his support for Obama.
He is a liar, he’s full of shit, and a racist, based on the fact he is apparently lying for Obama so he can vote for him based on the color of his skin, since everything he said was bullshit, that must be the reason. I’m sure his wife made him speak out, and she probably has more “Onions” than he does.
No one suggested “Obama would have terrorist tendencies”, it was a question of judgment. his brushing off of Ayers was worse than the way Geraldo Rivera brushed Ayers off by saying Obama’s relationship with Ayers is akin to ‘the relationship one has with ones paper boy’. It was ridiculous and he FINALLY showed his true colors after hiding his beliefs all these years making every one wonder! but not me, a true conservative is not afraid to say what they are!.
“Taxes for infrastructure” is fine, but he’s being disingenuous when he suggests that THAT is what Obama is going to increase taxes for.Also Mr. Powell, I believe, just said ‘taxes by definition is the redistribution of wealth’??. He apparently thinks we are stupid.
i never believed he was a republican or conservative, and those comments would never come out of a conservatives mouth.
No, i never really liked Colin Powell personally, there was something about his silence all these years that made me wonder when he was going to come out with this horse shit.
His time in the military, he appeared to be a good man, and im sure in that arena he was, but he’s out now, and in the public political arena.
I always thought he came off as a bit of a pansy after hearing all those stories about how his wife apparently controls him so much.
eplain on October 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I think that anyone who might have cared about this endorsement under other circumstances (that is, a different Dem candidate) are going to write this off as racial.
No doubt it’ll be all over the Washington Pravda and New York Izvestia for the next few days, but it’s dog-bites-man at best, and some might even see it as a negative.
JEM on October 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Let’s all remember this when we’re negotiating with AQ, cow-tow-ing to communists, and running from our enemies across the globe for the next 4 years if BO wins it. THANKS GENERAL!! Way to keep your country first!
warriorlawyer on October 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
An incredibly stupid thing to say.
jgapinoy on October 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Only if the undecideds think this over and say, “o.k. if Powell is for him, then I am too.”
Mush-minds, a double-edged sword.
ThePrez on October 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
So Powell endorses socialism? He must, he’s smart enough to recognize it when he sees it. Must be the Kool Aid.
Coronagold on October 19, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I disagree. IMO people will just say, “hey, one black guy endorsing another”. Powell was always considered a marginal Republican anyway.
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Powell served us honorably in Vietnam……I am not so certain about the next 20 years. Wasn’t that Powell giving that famous speech at the UN? Where has he been on the Iraq War for the last 6 years? I’ll tell…AWOL.
This guy as an expert at honing his image…..backing BO at the last minute is just another chapter in his opportunistic career.
The PRIMARY job of the CIC is to protect the country….how does Powell pick BO over Maverick to accomplish that mission? It’s all about race.
David in ATL on October 19, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I’ll say. Transformed from a capitalist to a socialist society.
Patrick S on October 19, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Judge not by the colour of a person’s skin, but by the content of their character.
I’m skeptical that is how Colin Powell played this endorsement.
But hey, maybe it’s the “hope and change” rhetoric that I’ve never believed..
mjk on October 19, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Hey, wow, what a shock this news is…
/sarc
eanax on October 19, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Keeping it real is my first thought.
I have trouble with such a “great Republican” saying he fears two more Supreme Court nominations by a Republican president.
You can’t be both General, you can’t be Republican and not want Supreme Court justices that lean that way!
Electrifying my arse.
FireBlogger on October 19, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I honestly don’t care. I’m sure the Obama camp thinks this is a coup though.
Spirit of 1776 on October 19, 2008 at 11:24 AM
With all the stars aligned behind him, the MSM cheering his every move, and the political deck stacked against the GOP if Obama wins it will be a squeaker. What does that really say about The One? He will be the fortunate beneficiary of circumstances.
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:25 AM
this is just sad. :(
trailortrash on October 19, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Too bad for Obama he didn’t get Joe the plumbers endorsement. It would have meant more. I have a bumper sticker that says “UP YOURS OBAMA”. Most of the time people honk and give the thumbs up. Drove by the hood at Lowe’s yesterday and actually felt afraid for my safety. Flipped off and followed..These brother’s stick together.
Nv_Rancher on October 19, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Let me give you the reasons Powell is voting and supporting Obama:
1. Powell is a liberal and he finally came out of the closet.
2. RACE. He said Obama presidency will be “transformational.”
3. Powell wants to get cred with the MSM and wants positive press again.
jencab on October 19, 2008 at 11:25 AM
I still like Powell. I agreed with the beginning of what he was saying, McCain was all over the place in his campaign, some of those other things trouble me as well. He did show a COMPLETELY blind eye to Obamas shortcoming, attacks, comments made by his party’s leadership and so on. Unbelievably unfair and unbalanced portrayal.
I see what he sees in Obama, the intellect and style and generational appeal, but it’s obviously blinded him which is the most frightening part of Obama’s cult of personality.
Dash on October 19, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Just another whining, convoluted thinking RINO, displaying no common sense.
Palin has banged on Obama’s lack of character and dubious relationships for good reason. If Obama were vetted by the FBI or CIA, I’d be willing to bet he couldn’t get a security clearance at any level. And half the population of this country wants this guy for President? Someone is nuts!
GFW on October 19, 2008 at 11:26 AM
LOL. As a career military man, I guess Powell is O.K. with promoting privates to generals without any intermediate steps. Strange. Transformative indeed. Nope, it’s not about race at all.
a capella on October 19, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I agree, I really don’t understand the “fear” anyone would have of SC justices that limited their rulings to what is actually in the Constitution. What I fear are justices that think the Constitution is a living document in which case it doesn’t really mean anything at all.
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Ever wonder why he is writing for an extremely popular and much visited site? Probably has to do with his analytical skills. Let us know when you are asked to write for a major site.
Bradky on October 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Col. Oliver North endorsed McCain, as did Col. Bud Day.
Match.
Bishop on October 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Pfff, means nothing — the man forcefully presented the case for the Iraq war, a war Obama opposed while in State politics. How does Powell, then, reconcile the two? Or Obama for that matter?
And think of it, now that Iraq is a success story (no MSM reporting so things have to be going well), it vindicates Powell’s endorsement of the war, much to the chagrin of a pacifist Sen. Obama.
Richard Romano on October 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I honestly don’t care. I’m sure the Obama camp thinks this is a coup though.
Spirit of 1776 on October 19, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I think to the average American, a black supporting a black is the predominant view; to the politically attuned, Powell showed his hand in his cowardly handling of the Libby/Plame affair.
Sum of the two? Whatever.
Patrick S on October 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
As a key reason, Powell said: “I would have difficult with two more conservative appointments to the Supreme Court” Guess he wants more of our rights taken away by a liberal activist court. Closet liberal-never liked him.
Bullhead on October 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Wow! Colin Powell, one of the architechs of Iraq II, by failing the first time around. But no one wants to talk about that. It would be a ‘distraction’.
GarandFan on October 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Team McCain, you need to make sure holes are punched in Powell’s endorsement… make sure you hit back on the Muslim thing for one…
If you want to minimize Powell’s impact then talk about judges and the 2nd amendment… tell them about Obama’s funding of law journals specifically to go against the 2nd amendment… tell them that judges that Obama will appoint will be able to use that tainted scholarship to take away gun right… tell them that obama will have the votes to take away guns…
ninjapirate on October 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Colin Powell. Black first. Country second.
AdrianS on October 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
They are shameful. And they are incorrect.
It’s completely unbelievable that anyone, especially Powell can look at Obama, see everything that we see and with a straight face, not under duress, endorse him. Powell would never endorse a white republican who was friends with an abortion bomber that says they wish they did more. He would never endorse a white republican who was a member of a racist church for 20 years, and only just left because he was forced to by the negative press. And Powell is a complete idiot for endorsing Obama who has in real life this reversed scenario.
Knowing how the world is, would he really feel comfortable with Obama as the commander in chief? Maybe Powell has been promised a position where he will be in charge of this, so all other aspects don’t concern him.
In any case, thanks, Powell, for your previous service. You are now no different to me that Scott McClellan. Because by your actions, you two are now just about the same.
wise_man on October 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
And, then there is that nagging security clearance issue. Guess Powell is cool with that.
a capella on October 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I guess Powell is O.K. with promoting privates to generals without any intermediate steps. Strange. Transformative indeed. Nope, it’s not about race at all.
It’s a battlefield commission, Obarfy proved himself in “combat” by running a Presidential campaign.
Uck…I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Bishop on October 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Yeah, I didn’t see that coming. :rolleyes:
Bill Kristol announced it in August.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/14/kristol-colin-powell-to-endorse-barack-obama/
Virginia Shanahan on October 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
And the creation of new rights that emanate from the penumbras
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
*yawn*
aikidoka on October 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Bleh. Colin Powell stopped being relevent a long time ago.
ctmom on October 19, 2008 at 11:30 AM
This is about flipping a big bird to the Bushies that used him as the face of the Iraq invasion more than his belief in ‘O’.
TinMan13 on October 19, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Agreed. However, with Powell, image is everything. He’s always worried about what others think — especially “around the world”.
And he thinks Obama “is a transformational figure” because of the imagery he will bring if elected president. This is what’s important to Powell — image/style over substance.
eanax on October 19, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I guarantee you he wouldn’t have endorsed Hillary over John McCain.
indythinker on October 19, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Powell can be the liberal he has always been. He only used the Republican Party to further his career. Watch for big appointment for Powell (race does not matter. BS) if Obama is elected like UN Ambassador.
Wade on October 19, 2008 at 11:31 AM
It’ll be amusing to see the left embrace Powell now after savaging him for years.
JammieWearingFool on October 19, 2008 at 11:31 AM
No big deal. Powell has been out of the news too long.
I don’t see why the endorsement of a former sec-state has so much influence anyway. Powell’s a smart guy, and he was a competent secretary of state and an average general, but no more than that.
I guess his endorsement is important because if his appearance. I don’t think Powell is going to sway a lot of “undecideds”.
To hear him make up such BS reasons for wanting to vote for Obama is a bit disappointing. Then again, you don’t get to climb the ranks of the general officers in peacetime by being a “straight-shooter”.
Of course it’s as frustrating as usual watching the MSM allow people to paint Obama as some kind of moderate.
The point is, Powell can endorse whomever he chooses (or is it whoever?), but why should I be convinced to give a damn?
reaganaut on October 19, 2008 at 11:31 AM
The John McCain who is hitting Obama is the same John McCain that we’ve watched over the past quarter century. The only difference is that instead of going after conservative figures and notables, he’s hitting a liberal Democrat.
In a campaign.
Shocking.
Suddenly the press and the liberal elites discover that he can throw some punches.
Because their guy is at the receiving end.
Amazing.
SteveMG on October 19, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I am, Ed.
For a military man to endorse a foe of a strong military, appeaser of terrorists and friend of traitors over a man who has served his country with honor, there can be one reason only:
Osama Obama is a black man, and so is Powell.
This country has been brought down by its over-compensation for racism. White guilt and black “solidarity” have just about destroyed any chance we have of maintaining the values that made the nation great.
On top of everything else, it is sad to see a man who had a solid place in history voluntarily align himself with Murtha and the other sell-outs in endorsing a small-time street thug who affirmative-actioned his way to the top.
MrScribbler on October 19, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I think Powell can vote for Obama for any reason he wants, including that they’re both black. In fact why shouldn’t he? Few black people won’t vote for Obama. But to spread the crap around about how he’s really just a disappointed Republican is more shit than I’m willing to swallow from the General. I don’t like people who vote for Obama. That means I don’t like Powell. I suspect it won’t be long before we hear that disagreements over Powell’s endorsement are merely racist in origin. Yawn.
JiangxiDad on October 19, 2008 at 11:32 AM
So if Osama Obama was white you’d still endorse him? Did you endorse Kerry or Gore?
ohiorebel on October 19, 2008 at 11:32 AM
And someone might have brought this up already, but if you took Obama’s resume, and presented this to Powell as a white man, then Powell would not endorse him.
This is all about race. Any attempts by Powell to suggest otherwise is simple insulting our intelligence. With real estate, it’s location, location, location. And with Powell it’s all about race, race and race.
wise_man on October 19, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Powell has a political tin ear. I agree with Ed that this endorsement would have been huge in August or at the Democratic Convention, or even to steal McCain’s thunder with the Palin nomination. Coming as it does a couple of weeks before the election is an anticlimax. The timing also brings up questions of race being the main factor. Too bad Powell didn’t have the courage of his political convictions (whatever they are) sooner. Instead, he now looks like an opportunist (not unlike the transformational figure he is endorsing). These latter-day converts to Obama are a curious lot. They look quite foolish.
EMD on October 19, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Me too.
JiangxiDad on October 19, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I’ve waiting for a comment like that for some time now in hopes to present this, something I’ve had stashed away for awhile.
Thanks for the lead-in mate.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on October 19, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Mr. Powell has the right to support whomever he chooses. However, once he provides a rationale for that support, we have the right to question it. Powell’s rationale comes straight from the D’s talking points. Most annoying is the statement that he is “troubled by Republican personal attacks on Obama.” That seals the deal for me; this is black-on-black love. Nothing wrong with that; just be man enough to call it what it is.
sunlookha on October 19, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I could live with an Obama presidency if Pelosi and Reid weren’t over in the corner salivating about expanding government and implementing the Sierra Club’s economy killing agenda.
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:34 AM
No! Black is thicker than reality.
pocomoco on October 19, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Some clever 527 needs to run an anti-Powell ad saying (in whispery, scary voice):
“Remember, Colin Powell lied to the UN!, and us!, about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. How can you trust his judgment on Obama.
Powell, a liar.
FOR Obama.
How surprising!”
profitsbeard on October 19, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I don’t mind the endorsement, but I do mind the blind concern over is being attacked. I guess McCain and Palin are tough enough to hand things on there own.
Obama is such a big baby. I think Powell is honest and a good man, but he does realise that this is a chance to re-invent himself.
tomas on October 19, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I used to have respect for Powell, but it started dwindling some years ago. Now it’s completely gone.
Anyone who can defend Obama’s relationships, criticize McCain for being overly negative and put down McCain for his response to the financial crisis and endorse Obama, who again voted ‘present’ is not worthy to live in this country, much less any degree of respect.
Damiano on October 19, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Obama has been floundering in the foreign policy arena, and this must be with Powell’s under-cover help, so I’m not expecting anything new to come of this.
Powell is turning out to be another Wesley Clark — a guy who has moved outside of his core competencies.
I find it interesting that Powell would malign (in a way he might call negative when the same words are directed at his candidate) Sarah Palin, who surely has far more executive experience than Barack Obama.
Powell will find that his new friends on the liberal circuit hold him responsible as a tool of Mr. Bush for the war in Iraq — after all, he had access to the same intelligence that the President did, and obviously either came to the same conclusions based on that intelligence or chose to parrot some of Mr. Bush’s “deliberate falsehoods”.
Sleep well, Mr. Powell, but watch your back; your new friends aren’t as forgiving as your old friends.
unclesmrgol on October 19, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Clearly Colin is slyly smearing the far right wing of the party that he disagrees with, the Wolfowicz faction.
But I am troubled by Powell’s complete whiff regarding where the muslim slurs originated…from democrats. Sure McCain is pummeling BO on Ayers and he should, it goes to the judgement question, along with Rezko, Wright and the rest. And the part about rhetorical skills made my skin crawl. My interpretation is BO can BS like no other before him, and it gives me great pause.
This is more about payback for Powell.
swami on October 19, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Ah, do I detect a bit of the Kos technique in quelling criticism? Stick it in your ear, bucko. I believe Ed was in favor of the shamnesty bill at first blush on CQ. He’s a good mod but he isn’t always right.
a capella on October 19, 2008 at 11:37 AM
It’s shocking. Is he naive. Has he been swept up by the Obama charisma. Is he a bigot. Has he been a liberal the whole time. Probably a bit of each. Throw them all together and we get one ugly, smelly soup of an endorsement.
Paul-Cincy on October 19, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I am always disgusted at the knots people will tie themselves in justifying support for Obama. I am no fan of McLame but when it comes to either or for president, McCain has it hands down.
Powell just lost all credibility IMO. Not because republicans are good or worthy but because the Dems are so unworthy. You can’t back them and be intellectually honest.
America1st on October 19, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Powell’s an accused war criminal. O’bama had been lacking such an endorsement.
Del Dolemonte on October 19, 2008 at 11:39 AM
It would be ironically funny to see a political cartoon/photo of Powell at the UN with a vial in his hand. Second frame shows a close up of the vial with the label: “Barack Obama’s qualifications & experience.” And the third photo of Obama again with the caption where he is attempting to convince everyone in the room that what he is holding in his hand is authentic.
wise_man on October 19, 2008 at 11:39 AM
White guilt is the reason Europe will be Eurabia in a few decades. The political correctness is truly madness. In Sweden they are making young boys wear dresses to school a few days a week to break gender stereotypes. Sweden will be the first Islamic Republic in Europe and the fear the indigenous population has over being accused of racism is why they cower in fear as their countries are overrun.
Europe is the canary in the coal mine. Will we ever be able to stop immigration or have an honest political disagreement if we live in fear of being labeled “racist”? We see how effective the race card has been this cycle, how even the fear of being called racist has limited McCain’s attacks.
PC, multi-culti liberalism is the new totalitarianism.
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM
If he was for the immigration bill as you alluded to then he was correct in his opinion on that as well.
Looks like you subscribe to the share the wealth ideal in the blogosphere. “I have a keyboard therefore I am your equal…and doggone it people like me”
Bradky on October 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Pfttttttttttttt…
The voters have gathered into camps already. Only the Eeyores are outside the gates and I doubt they will decide who to vote for until the day after the election. Powell’s endorsement won’t mean a thing to them.
Limerick on October 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I could live with an Obama presidency if Pelosi and Reid weren’t over in the corner salivating about expanding government and implementing the Sierra Club’s economy killing agenda.
Not me, Pelosi and Reid are just the party faces, there are plenty of dingalings behind them who would love to show how liberal they can be.
It’s an entire party of socialist jackasses.
Bishop on October 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM
That oughta tell you something. Powell is just another in a long line of politically correct traitors to his country whose squishy view of the world is leading the U.S. away from the values that made it great and putting it at increased risk.
JDPerren on October 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Despite predictions by Bill Kristol and others for months that Powell would inevitably endorse Obama, for some reason McCain thought he still had a shot. In August his campaign leaked Powell’s name as a potential McCain running mate. Since then, I have read that McCain withheld specific lines of attack on Obama in the hopes of getting Powell’s endorsement.
If McCain is surprised by this development, why so? Was Powell stringing him along? That would make this a double late hit. The MSM will club McCain with Powell’s endorsement as much as they can. The extent of the damage depends on Powell’s standing with true undecideds.
Add Powell to the Bush and Palin Derangement Syndrome crowd. To me, not a surprise at all.
Terrie on October 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I wonder how Clark is feeling now that Powell stole his thunder. If Obama wins, who do you think will be in his administration, Powell? The man who helped him win the whitehouse in Obama’s hour of need? Or that other guy.
wise_man on October 19, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I guess General Powell was OK with The Messiah voting against funding the troops and for wanting to surrender to AQ in Iraq. Great military intellect by The One, right General Powell? Egads.
Laddy on October 19, 2008 at 11:42 AM
In Sweden they are making young boys wear dresses to school a few days a week to break gender stereotypes.
Dude, you must link. Good God.
Bishop on October 19, 2008 at 11:42 AM
He did this to solidify his bona fides with wealthy African Americans and liberals. He did this to try and mitigate the damage (he thinks exists) after his 2003 UN speech.
He endorsed the person who used failure in Iraq as a cudgel to beat Hillary Clinton. He is not endorsing the person, who helped win the Iraq War by putting his ass on the line for the Surge Idea, who went on the record early and said we needed the Surge.
It’s really quite shameful actually.
AYNBLAND on October 19, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I wonder how many media reports will also report that Powell was recently a character witness for an allegedly corrupt GOP senator, Ted Stevens.
Sure can pick ‘em, Colin.
Wethal on October 19, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Powell has never been comfortable in the Republican Party and has always been a closet liberal . . . the bottom line is, “Black trumps Party”.
rplat on October 19, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Meant to imply that I could live with an Obama presidency IF it were checked by a GOP Congress.
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Is this the same person that was accused of being a puppet and being a house ni— stuck on a plantation?
Do they mean that Colin Powell?
Pam on October 19, 2008 at 11:43 AM
lol. Better wipe your nose.
a capella on October 19, 2008 at 11:44 AM
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