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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I don’t think McCain was is so much surprised as disappointed and not wanting to believe that Powell would actually go through with it. I think, more than anything else, this campaign is shattering McCain’s worldview–he’s seeing people whom he viewed as friends and colleagues betraying him and putting their self-interest and political gain above the country in a way that has to disappoint him. I do think he views Powell’s endorsement as a betrayal, but I don’t think it’s going to make that big a difference amongst the undecideds. Eight–even five–years ago it might have, but now–not really. What it will do is it will affirm in people’s minds that this election is all about race–whether it is or isn’t. That will be the most serious and unintended consequence of his endorsement.
Matt Helm on October 19, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Powell is probably writing a tell-all (The
devilBush made me do it [go to UN about WMD] book, but holding back until Bush leaves office to make it appear that Powell has some shred of decency.Then Powell will get invited to all the right DC/NYC/LA parties, inlcuding Harry Belafonte’s, now that Powell is no longer a “house n***** for Bush.
Wethal on October 19, 2008 at 11:46 AM
If he did then McCain and his campaign are dumber than I thought… I could tell where this was going at least last month… Powell has been telegraphing his intentions and if McCain actually wanted his endorsement then he should have noticeably changed his policies or message…
ninjapirate on October 19, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Drudge says he does not plan to campaign after MTP. So is this simply a lesson in narcissism?
Can’t say I’m surprised, but it’ll be funny to watch the left pivot on Powell.
As the guy who “lied” to the UN to get the Iraq War started and then despised by the left; to someone who is their hero again.
Cute.
lorien1973 on October 19, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I fail to see why the Powell endorsement gives Obama “gravitas” in the foreign policy department. It’s still O making the decisions and he still doesn’t have the experience. Powell would have more impact if he had just kept his big mouth shut. Not accepting any contigencies on this one–he’s a turn coat plain and simple and a racist.
jeanie on October 19, 2008 at 11:46 AM
c ya around stuart the lemming
Bradky on October 19, 2008 at 11:46 AM
@ Bishop
Here you go – Sweden and cultural Marxism – boys in dresses.
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I’m more interested in who Boog Powell is endorsing???
ohiorebel on October 19, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Could Colin Powell be a plant actually against Barack Obama?
After all, the information about Iraqi WMD and reasons for the war were all false. If we extrapolate, Powell’s endorsement of Barack Hussein Obama, and all of those things he said about Obama, are also just as false. Hmmm.
Nice going. Let’s all vote for John McCain for President. I’m an Independent and have now decided that John McCain would be the best man, loyal and patriotic, to be our Commander-in-Chief.
AdrianS on October 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Leftist money and racial politics have sealed this election. This country is hopelessly divided and will soon become a Marxist/socialist state. It will never again be united and things will never be the same.
rplat on October 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I think so as well. And despite ninjapirate’s claim, just because some people were hinting at it, it does not make it official until it comes out.
wise_man on October 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Who would have guessed?
…Colin Powell, the first African-American Secretary of State, said this afternoon that electing an African-American US president would be “electrifying” for the world, but he said he still remains undecided between McCain and Obama…
Monday, September 15, 2008 7:17: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/15/1403219.aspx
sinsing on October 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Apparently, in a fit of blackness Powell has forgotten who got him to the prominence he now enjoys as, today, he nukes his bridges behind him.
Apparently, also, gratitude is not one of Powell’s long suites.
pocomoco on October 19, 2008 at 11:49 AM
So white democrats who change their mind and vote for McCain are racists? Get real – Powell is not a racist.
Bradky on October 19, 2008 at 11:51 AM
sinsing on October 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Jeez, so it really is about race for Powell, what an asshat, selling out his nation like this.
Bishop on October 19, 2008 at 11:51 AM
“Powell’s endorsement still gives Obama a boost and certainly some gravitas.”
What? Powell’s endorsement somehow gave Obama good foreign policy judgement and experience? WOW–that’s one powerful piece of work–more accomplishment in one MTP appearance than in all those years as SecState!
johnny alpha on October 19, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Only half will go this route. The other half will exercise the Oklahoma option and tell the Federal government to go to Hell. We will NOT go quietly into the good night.
DerKrieger on October 19, 2008 at 11:52 AM
What shocked me was his suggestion that two more conservatives on the bench would be a bad thing. I had to rewind and make sure I heard him correctly. I’ve always looked up to Powell, but with this endorsement and that suggestion he has lost a lot of respect with me.
Complete7 on October 19, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Obama keep making elementary errors in foreign policy:
– will summit with foreign leaders without preconditions
– will unilaterally refuse any US bases in Iraq
– will unilaterally renegotiate trade deals with friendly nations
– will unilaterally bomb Pakistan, our ally
– will defer to UN on Georgia, while Russia has veto on UN Security Council
– will unilaterally stop research on nuclear bomb development
– Accuses without evidence US troops in Afghanistan of war crimes
This is just a taste of his foreign policy. He will be horrible, worse than Carter. Barack, “I don’t want to hurt anyone, hurting people is wrong, let’s all be friends” Obama. He’s bad beyond words. And this is Colin Powell’s guy? Huh?
Paul-Cincy on October 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM
So powell wants obama. what well he get. obama’s type of control. 75 percent in obama’s world in detroit of high school freshmen do not graduate. only 1 in four kids in detroit get a high school education. why is that? not enough money? not enough teachers? you tell me.
i really think that obama wants to make the United States just like detroit.
TomLawler on October 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I can’t say I’m surprised, but I am disappointed. Powell, like 0bama himself, is not descended from slaves held in the US. Powell’s parents immigrated from Jamaica (so his ancestors were probably slaves there instead). Jamaican immigrants tend to be very hard working, to the point where our home-grown blacks mock them (the “Hey, Mon!” recurring sketch on In Living Color is an example).
But 0bama chose to identify with Gorée rather than Ellis. I guess Powell has done so too.
The Monster on October 19, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Powell went from being a candidate himself in 1996 to a rather unliked figure in both parties. Of course now is the time when Democrats rediscover their love of him.
RobCon on October 19, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Not real sure what to think here, unless it’s to henceforth question any utterance of support pertaining to the military.
Maybe I’ll just say Bravo, Colin, BF.
irongrampa on October 19, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Boy, what a surprise….another RINO republican stabs his party in the back in favor of the socialist party. But at least race had absolutely nothing to do with Powell’s decision.
/sarc off
John Doe on October 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Why should Powell’s endorsement give the Obamessiah any gravitas? It certainly didn’t make libtards respect George W. Bush one iota, so why shouldn’t we return the favor?
Speedwagon82 on October 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I think on Sunday morning most people are more concerned with the college football rankings and the day’s pro games.
rbj on October 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
The media will play this till the sun don’t shine….Powell’s vindication will be heard, but the “bus” has already been moved.
Rovin on October 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Could be abortion. Powell is pro-choice.
Wethal on October 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM
i really think that obama wants to make the United States just like
detroitaverage, strife-torn European city.Bishop on October 19, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Hmmm… well let’s just take a look at his reasons, shall we?
“I don’t believe [Palin] is ready to be president of the United States…”.
Point 1: She’s not running for President. Point 2: She has more experience and a thicker resume than Barak Obama.
By contrast, Obama’s running mate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, “is ready to be president on day one.”
Joe Biden? You’re kidding me, right? Can anyone in their right mind imagine a ‘President Joe Biden’? Stand up, Joe… oh… God love ya, let’s all stand up for Joe… Puh-lease. Joe Biden; who has been in the Senate since Ford was in office and has been on the wrong side of issues for the three decades he’s been suckling from the public teat?
“Powell also said he was “troubled” by Republican personal attacks on Obama, especially false intimations that Obama was Muslim…”
Show me where McCain has called Obama a Muslim. Yeah… I thought so. And to follow Mr. Powell’s rather twisted logic, then we would have give the same weight to any ‘allegation’ thrown out by any Obama supporter as if it had been endorsed by the Obama campaign. So I guess Mr. Powell has some serious questions about which womb Trig Palen came out of, not to mention some concerns about tanning beds not purchased with public funds.
“…and Republicans’ recent focus on Obama’s alleged connections to William Ayers, the founder of the radical ’60 Weather Underground.”
Alleged? Alleged? Let’s see… started campaign in Ayers’ living room, served with him on foundation boards, wrote a glowing review of Ayers’ book, shared office space with the guy for three years… yeah… ‘alleged’.
So, from my perspective, he’s endorsing Obama because he:
a. Doesn’t like Sarah Palin but thinks Joe Biden is just spiffy.
b. Doesn’t like the ‘attacks’ on Obama, but is apparently just fine with personal attacks on John McCain, Sarah Palin, or anyone who dares to question Barak Obama.
c. Doesn’t like that the American public should be aware that a presidential candidate who has no real experience or accomplishments but is instead running on the ‘soundness of his judgement’, seems to think it’s just hunky dory to hang out with an admitted, unrepentant domestic terrorist who ultimately differs from Timothy McVeigh only in the fact that he was less successful in his stated goals than McVeigh.
Is that about it in a nutshell? Just like any other citizen of this great Republic, Powell has every right to participate in the political process as he sees fit. He can endorse anyone he wants to, but it is disappointing to see that he reached his professed preference with such twisted and laughable logic. Sad to think that this was someone I actually respected once. That having been said, his public endorsement of either candidate really would have limited impact on the election at this late date.
Drunken Angry Clown on October 19, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Nah. It is what he might get, but not what he wants. If the Demotrain pulls into the station it won’t be long before a township fails, then a city and county, and soon after a state. 2010 might be a VERY interesting year.
Keep fighting. We can derail that train if we do.
Limerick on October 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Thanks for the link. I just picked myself off the floor to write this.
“Coming to a school near you”, if Bambi has anything to say about it.
Over
1GooDDaDDy on October 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Colin is still trying to make up for his guilt for marrying a white woman.
Like Scotty McClellon he’ll find he is still a loser.
Let’s roll.
ex-Democrat on October 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I thought Powell’s statements were positive for both candidates. He is a good friend of McCain’s and it obviously pains him to let McCain down. He had nothing but good things to say about McCain. He seems to feel that the US and the world is ready for a generational shift which Obama is better suited to represent.
lexhamfox on October 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Of course Powell isn’t a racist–just naive. But, I think you need to concede that his actions will be perceived through a racial prism.
Matt Helm on October 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM
This is confusing (and no, I don’t think Powell is a racist, he’s just an opportunist).
The Obama campaign, MSM pundits, and Democrat politicians all over the country been stuck on the talking point that Dems who do vote for McCain are racist.
Step back and look at Obama, Powell and McCain logically.
Now looking at their past records, statements, associations and experiences it does seem odd that Powell would officially endorse Obama. There are very few logical reasons why Powell would do this, but time will tell.
reaganaut on October 19, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Team McCain is going to have to pivot off of Powell’s endorsement to minimize it… they’re going to have to punch right through… I would start with judges…
ninjapirate on October 19, 2008 at 12:04 PM
I wasn’t disappointed in his decision. That’s his to make. But I was disappointed that he used Obama talking points to explain his decision. His rational for choosing Obama was emotional, not logical. I expected better from him.
huckleberryfriend on October 19, 2008 at 12:04 PM
FIFY.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on October 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM
What a shame, my son will have to look for another Black Republican role model…..
reshas1 on October 19, 2008 at 12:06 PM
If Powell is so concerned about conversatives making it to SCOTUS, why didn’t he endorse John Kerry in ‘04? Was he too white to be electrifying? Powell’s decision is all about effy race.
John Doe on October 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Ed: Thank you for the perspective sandwich this morning. It was tasty, satisfying, and settled my stomache. MUT
Mutnodjmet on October 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM
So, it just adds to the numbers of things that indicate this really is a racist election. That was also evident in the exchange on the Mike Huckabee show on 10/18 whre Huckabee joked with Al Sharpton that Huckabee was sure Sharpton would join him in voting for McCain. The look on Sharpton’s face was priceless, and was a dead givaway that to him it was unthinkable. Since blacks are going to vote for Obama because of his race, they are racist, pure and simple.
MikeA on October 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Lifelong commie fighter endorses Communism and calls it transformation.
Nope it’s all about race.
I wonder what the anti-war Obama-nuts will think? Powell sitting at the UN SC making the case for WMDs is just going to go away.
tarpon on October 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Yeah, if I were Team McCain I would start talking about judges… I would talk about Obama’s legal work too… his funding of anti-2nd amendment scholarship… him talking about not having the votes to take guns away(yes he will)… the ability of his nominess to use the scholarship he funded to restrict the 2nd amendment…
I have no faith in this happening through… and even less faith in his message and ad team in actually articulating why this matters… they attack, they don’t narrate… they’re pathetic… just sadly pathetic
THIS IS THE WORST CAMPAIGN EVAH
ninjapirate on October 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Of course race figured into his decision–to think anything else is kidding yourself. In the end, I’ll bet it was the deciding factor when he weighed both candidates. He probably asked himself what position would do him the least political damage and came up with black on black!
jeanie on October 19, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Colin Powell supports for the position of CIC, the man who advocated conceding Iraq to Al Qaeda and Iran rather than the successful alternative of surging against al Qaeda.
Colin Powell is stupid.
Basilsbest on October 19, 2008 at 12:12 PM
BTW, Obama’s relationship with Bill Ayers did matter… but Powell’s impression is right… it was done in a demagoguery way… and that about sums up every worthy attack on Obama by Team McCain… it matters but it’s done in such a demagoguery way that it just rolls off… they attack and they don’t articulate…
ninjapirate on October 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I am stunned beyond belief. Endorsing a man with no substance. I use to look up to Powell. Now even though Powell was a respectable man. He no longer has my respect.
sheebe on October 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Yes. Expect the anemic gains McCain has made in the past week will stop, or even subside.
Now more then ever, McCain needs to hit the Wright button.
Might I sugest McCain uses Obama’s words against him?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI77cU3jsFs
Micheal on October 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Despite the impression being created of a racial seperation, there really are some very good black conservitives who really understand what it takes to get past the culture that the world owes people something for being black. Walter Willimas is as good as they come.
MikeA on October 19, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I am more concerned about the boatload of money that Obama received in September and their ramifications down the road (IF he wins).
This is a bump in the road and a minor one at that. Timing is everything, and today – eh – not so much.
tru2tx on October 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Powell never made a case for Obama outside that of general overall platittudes.
Hilts on October 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM
So its divided we stand. If anything the Powell endorsement just adds to the absurdity of this election. How a career military man who worked his way through the ranks from 2nd louie to CJCS can claim with a straight face Obama has the experience to lead the nation at a time of war goes beyond the pale. As the accusations of racism mount against anyone that questions the Black Jihad being waged against truth, reason and freedom, more and more people who actually care about our future are starting to recognize the danager that identity politics represents. Maybe its not to late for 51% to have the guts and honesty to standup and be counted!
dmann on October 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Sounds like the world in The Giver, where they abolish colors and personal freedom in the name of fairness and equality.
m064404 on October 19, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Powell was Reagan’s 2nd largest mistake after Bush as VP. He was Bush’s largest mistake. The militarydoes not respect him. Schwartkopf was the mastermind of Gulf War I over Powell’s opposition and interference. Powell is very overrated. One of the politicl generals. The Spec Ops community epecially detests him.
bill30097 on October 19, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Wasn’t he considering running for President as a Republican in ‘96? Hasn’t he delivered speeches at GOP conventions?
CanadianGuy on October 19, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Powell is making this an Obama vs Republican party race instead of a Obama vs McCain race. He knows that he could never make that argument so he is taking the easy way out. Why not make it a Democrat vs McCain/Palin race and talk about all of the smear jobs coming from that side.
tdavisjr on October 19, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I hate to say it, but if OJ was nominated by the Democrats he’d get 95% of the black vote. Race is an bigger issue with Obama supporters than McCain’s.
Little Boomer on October 19, 2008 at 12:21 PM
BINGO! You are right and it’s well past time the McCain side said so out loud, and in public.
MikeA on October 19, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Yes, and Powell took credit for what Norman did, because Powell is a politician. I have never understood the respect Powell gets. He did nothing to earn it.
rightwingprof on October 19, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Line on McCain? Going to go check. I’d guess 80-20. Which would be bleak. Intrade gives Obama 84%. Yikes. Another site, 1-9. One bookie already paying out for an Obama win. Says the race is over. Empty suit 1, War hero 0. Other old guy 1, Beauty queen 0. Leave early, avoid the crowds. I’m a conservative. Not going to fight reality.
Paul-Cincy on October 19, 2008 at 12:24 PM
To whom should Powell hold gratitude, and why?
We should be grateful to Powell — his record of service to our nation is second to none.
This decision was almost a foregone conclusion, however — you have to read his autobiography to understand that Powell does have a “racial conscience”. He is proud of the achievements of his ethnic and racial peers. He spends quite a bit of time in his book on his dedication to a monument to the Buffalo Soldiers at Ft. Leavenworth — a monument which owes its existance to Col. Powell’s persistence. [He was a colonel at the time he managed to wrangle the support needed for the monument.]
That said, he surely has chosen a sore and empty vessel to hang his hopes upon.
unclesmrgol on October 19, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Powell is however right about Obama being transformational. On that Powell and Ayers agree. Unfortunately the vetting of Obama will not start until buyers remorse sets in. I give it 18 months at most before the truth about Obama and his associations and his past conduct emerge.
” He went to Kenya and campaigned on behalf of his Muslim cousin who supports Sharia law? I didn’t know that.”
His office was on the same floor as Ayers for three years and he funneled $2 million from the Annenberg Foundation to Ayers’ radical education programs? I didn’t know that.”
“He’s a socialist? I didn’t know that.”
Basilsbest on October 19, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Colin who? I couldn’t care less what Powell says. The quote above is all I need to know about Obama and national security. About four weeks ago, Glenn Beck stringed together the key moments of Obama’s three press conferences during this conflict: Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Obama was stunning in his incompetence. Someone should send Powell a tape of it. He might think about a retraction. But it’s not my problem; it’s Powell’s reputation–”bros before hoes,” I guess.
I’m with Ed, though; Joe the Plumber and anti-socialism rings much louder. Get government out of the handout game and simply devote its resources to spearheading an effective energy policy, the rest will take care of itself.
McCain, start promising to lead a witchhunt of the government officials leading the Fannie-Freddie debacle. That’ll get votes because Obama can’t promise that–he’d have to put his own head and the head of other friends on the chopping block. But to do so, McCain, you need to grow a backbone and acquire a set of testicles. Consult your running mate for those.
BuckeyeSam on October 19, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Powell was pretty selective about what he takes issue with and how that makes the McCain campaign narrow. Complaining about questioning character issues established through chosen associations when it comes to Obama. But not conerned when McCain was smeared by the NYT for unfounded claims of being unfaithful to his wife, which is a character issue.
So character doesn’t matter for Obama, but it’s important for McCain? Yea, nice endorsement General.
Hog Wild on October 19, 2008 at 12:26 PM
BINGO! You are right and it’s well past time the McCain side said so out loud, and in public.
MikeA on October 19, 2008 at 12:24 PM
It would be a mistake to say it. There is no need, and it wouldn’t do any good, just harm.
Basilsbest on October 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM
According to ACORN 3,495 other Colin Powells also endorse Obama.
Limerick on October 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
The racial component is extremely important.
Powell mainstreams Obama. He’s the non-threatening black that Americans long for. It’s not unlikely that we would have had similar race-baiting smear campaigns in the event of a Powell presidential run, but the former secretary of state’s history as a soldier and public servant in previous presidential administrations would have made any attempt to “otherise” him positively ludicrous. By backing Obama, the shady Chicago socialist can claim respectability:
http://americanpowerblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/powell-endorsement-mainstreams-obama.html
Donald Douglas on October 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Does anyone seriously think Powell would have endorsed Hillary or Edwards? Of course not. Its all about race.
Speedwagon82 on October 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Wasn’t he considering running for President as a Republican in ‘96? Hasn’t he delivered speeches at GOP conventions?
CanadianGuy on October 19, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Typical Canadian, CanadianGuy. Unaware of the distinction between a conservative and a Republican.
Basilsbest on October 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Colin Powell puts race before country. No one should be surpised. He falls right into the 95% of blacks that are voting for obama. Oh yeah and he is still a republican .
Twoconservative on October 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM
What harm? I don’t expect McCain to do this on the stump, but others, like us talking to our friends and neighbors, need to make sure this is being told. If we stay silent they are going to win by default. So, again, what harm can there be in telling the truth?
MikeA on October 19, 2008 at 12:33 PM
nice try. the news media and Obama himself dealt all the demagoguery and lying negative campaigning, i.e. “they’re going to say im black”, “kill him”, etc, etc, etc…all the lies for months that “we” never actually said. it was only very recently that McCain (the Jelly donut) has began to try and fool us all into thinking he has a spine. The libs/MSM don’t like it now that we are all getting heated up and they are PISSED OFF! calling us all out for doing what they have been doing all along.
eplain on October 19, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Second to none?
Second. To. None.
So, of all the great American statesmen, generals, heroes and leaders, Powell sits at the top?
reaganaut on October 19, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Sarah Palin is more of a patriot than this pathetic Affirmative Action POS for directly smearing her (and, by inference, tens and tens of millions of Americans).
This is just an attempt to get into an Obama Cabinet, which will be as big a freak show as Clinton’s was, with its dwarves, nuts and bearded ladies.
TexasJew on October 19, 2008 at 12:35 PM
“We should be grateful to Powell — his record of service to our nation is second to none.”
You mean second to all, and certainly including the person who is actually RUNNING for the Presidency on the Republican ticket.
What a dimwitted suckass you must be…
TexasJew on October 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Yes, too bad Obama’s 50% white, 43% Arab and 7% black (and 90% red). Everyone, blacks included, will be pointing this out- in about 18 months.
Basilsbest on October 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM
In the immortal words of Christopher Hitchens: “I don’t give a damn what Colin Powell thinks about anything. There’s no more overrated figure in American politics than Colin Powell.”
Not really a Hitch fan, but his assessment of Powell was a JDAM of truth.
Mike Honcho on October 19, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Eventually it will come to this. Our nation is starkly and irretrievably divided and the chasm deepens with each passing election. It’s only a matter of time until the division is formalized and one or another of the red states – pushed to the breaking point by federal hegemony – declares its independence.
ManlyRash on October 19, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Best chuckle of the week. Mr Maverick got mavericked! Whatever happens we have to keep Sarah alive and kicking for next time.
dhimwit on October 19, 2008 at 12:39 PM
And it’s not about race.
If it’s not about race then why was he on the defensive right out of the box.
Why would he even mention race?
Give the american people a break, we are not that stupid.
Then he tell us how he feels about the Supreme Court.
His comments told us more about who he is than Obama.
He is not the man I thought he was.
Gulf Coast on October 19, 2008 at 12:39 PM
So you agree with me. Nice recovery.
Basilsbest on October 19, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Micheal on October 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Thank you so much for the link. I am not surprised though. From the beginning I told my hubby and family and friends. That this was a Racist vendetta. I went to McCain’s site and wrote him a letter. I put that link on there. McCain must win this election. I also asked him to please start talking about Wright. In the meantime, looks like bullet reloading is next. I won’t go down without one hell of a fight. Also, there has to be a way to think of how we can raise hell to get Pelosi, Dobbs, Franks and others that played around with our money. There needs to be a lot of scum behind bars. And kicked out of office. I am just very mad right now.
sheebe on October 19, 2008 at 12:40 PM
How come when Colin Powell promoted Bush’s “lies,” he was not someone to be believed or trusted, but now that he’s endorsed Obama, he is someone to be . . . believed and trusted?
AntonK on October 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM
And then they may see in a very direct way why so many of us have believed in and acted on our rights under the 2nd amendment. That was not about deer hunting folks.
MikeA on October 19, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Powell + Armitage = Georgetown Party Circuit Backstabbers
If there was any remaining doubt, this last bit of back-stabbing should make Powell politically unemployable. Who would put his fate in their hands after what they did to Bush/Cheney/Libby… and now McCain?
petefrt on October 19, 2008 at 12:45 PM
This is simply just a black dude endorsing a second black in the hopes that the second black dude will look better to the electorate.
It’s all about race and that is exactly what it looks like to undecideds. When I asked my wife what she felt about this, her response was “a loss of respect for Powell”. As a soldiers mom, she knows who all the famous soldiers are and as a regular American she knows who Oslime-a is and the socialism he stands for. This doesn’t help Oslime-a at all, but it certainly hurts Powell. He now joins the ranks of Wesley Clark and John Murtha.
Welcome to obscurity Sec Powell. Now instead of being remembered as an American Hero, you will remembered as one who marginalized himself for the sake of skin color.
csdeven on October 19, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Powell is pro-abortion. The essential difference between those who are pro-life and those who are pro-abortion is that the latter have the ability to rationalize just about anything. And they do.
In the mind of a pro-abortioist like Barack Obama providing medical assistance to a baby which survives an abortion unreasonably fetters a woman’s right to choose (to kill her unborn child.)
Get ready for the most extreme government in American history.
Basilsbest on October 19, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I understand why the left would try to make this a big deal but why would anyone believe them except the choir they are singing to.
Powell is a black man who did well in the service of his country. The left thought he was an Uncle Tom. I always thought that he was a good politician which most military leaders are. I also thought he made a mistake in recommending that we stop short of totaal victory in Iraq under Bush Sr.
He is a calculating guy and if he wants to get anywhere else in life, I believe that he thinks he has to endorse Obama. Of course, he could have just stayed out of it but that probably wouldn’t help any future book sales or whatever he has going on. He obviously believes that Obama is going to be elected.
Vince on October 19, 2008 at 12:47 PM
The deciding factor in all this will be the U.S. military. Will they obey orders without question and put down insurrection wherever it occurs? Or will there be dissention even in military ranks? Interesting times lay ahead.
ManlyRash on October 19, 2008 at 12:49 PM
A black man endorsing a black man.
Color me stunned and amazed.
NahnCee on October 19, 2008 at 12:50 PM
“I think he is a transformational figure.”
And it’s not about race? Riiiiiiight.
Granted, he’s not necessarily wrong there.
eforhan on October 19, 2008 at 12:50 PM
When its all said and done, I think that ultimately this endorsement will harm the public’s perception of Colin Powell rather than help Obama, IMHO.
To paraphrase a certain junior senator from Illinois, ‘this is not the Colin Powell I thought I knew’. Again, I’m not disappointed in his endorsement of Obama (or even surprised… everyone saw it coming for months now); I’m disappointed in the purported reasoning for the endorsement. Basically a rehash of Obama talking points. Prepare for more doom and gloom from the MSM. Buck up everyone, McCain is still going to win this thing. Obama will not be the next president of the United States. Be sure.
Drunken Angry Clown on October 19, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Momentum can still be on McCain’s side if he wants it… he just needs to pivot and refute Powell indirectly…
ninjapirate on October 19, 2008 at 12:56 PM
How any military service man (or woman) can endorse Hussein, I just can’t figure out.
How many people on this blog believe Obama will absolutely squander the military worse than Clinton did? And how many people here think recruitment will drastically drop if he steals the election? (I mean, who in their right mind would want to join the military if that happens?)
ErinF on October 19, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Colin Powell was never a serious conservative. He has always hailed from the more moderate wing of the party. This isn’t a slam on him – I’m also a moderate. Colin Powell never ran for office because he didn’t like the sharp elbows that are involved in politicking. He was okay with appointed positions or pure merit promotions. So he probably finds the election campaign of ‘08 pretty unpleasant. However, he’s wrong to blame McCain for negative advertising or false rumors that Obama is a Muslim. Colin Powell is welcome to offer Obama his endorsement. It changes nothing for me when I consider which candidate is better prepared to become President across a wide range of issues. John McCain is ready, and Barack Obama is not. John McCain is far more fiscally conservative and far less likely to appoint activist judges than Barack Obama. John McCain has been largely truthful about his positions and motivations – Barack Obama has deliberately used vagueness and misdirection to obfuscate his left-wing positions. I don’t know if McCain can swing over enough of the independents and undecided votesr to win, but I do know that I’m not going to sign up for “redistribution” of my “wealth” by anyone but me.
Jill1066 on October 19, 2008 at 12:57 PM
One way to do that is to give the impression that it’s about 1) race 2) abortion 3) … you have to minimize it and get back to the issues… but the McCain campaign is pathetic so doubtful this will happen…
ninjapirate on October 19, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I don’t think McCain wants it badly enough. I can’t imagine him putting up any kind of fight on this, unfortunately. Even if the election comes to a near tie and it comes down to having to verify millions of fraudulent votes, I don’t even think McCain would fight that.
ErinF on October 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
How does that kool-aid taste, General Powell? You apparently don’t give a crap about the issues, you have decided to get in touch with your emotions in your old age.
With all due respect, you have made a major error in judgment.
cannonball on October 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
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