Brzezinski: Powell Endorsement A "Comprehensive Indictment" Of McCain-Palin Ticket

Former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski tells the Huffington Post that Gen. Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama represents a "comprehensive indictment" of the McCain-Palin ticket.

In his Sunday appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, Powell laid out an expansive endorsement of Obama, saying he is convinced that the Illinois Democrat has "met the standard" of perhaps becoming "an exceptional president" and a "transformational figure."

Brzezinski said he thinks Powell's endorsement to play a major factor in the race. "I was impressed by the comprehensive indictment of the current Republican ticket that was implicit in Powell's statement. It was not just about foreign affairs, it was a comprehensive statement that conveys the message that the more traditionally centrist Republicans are coming to view the McCain-Palin ticket as some sort of deviation -- some sort of break -- with the genuine traditions of the Republican Party."

Brzezinski also rejected the notion, floated by some, that Powell's endorsement could be discounted by undecided white voters as mere "racial solidarity," saying: "Because of his military service, his role in the first Gulf War, his status as a past Secretary of State, it has put him above the racial divide. He's seen more as an elder statesman."

The aide to President Carter predicted a Powell endorsement for Obama previously in an interview with the Huffington Post. But while he noted on Sunday that Powell's endorsement also "breaks the phalanx" of support for McCain from members of President George H.W. Bush's inner circle, Brzezinski said he doesn't necessarily expect to see more Bush 41 figures backing Obama. "Some of the others have engaged in a kind of routine endorsement [of McCain]," he said. Brzezinski also revealed that he still has not heard any explicit words of support from Bush 41 National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft, with whom he is close. "I'll be seeing him later today," Brzezinski said. "I'm sure he's going to be besieged."

As the Huffington Post reported previously, Gen. Scowcroft has settled on a policy of "neutrality" in the presidential contest between Obama and McCain.

Comments

[pjburns11]

Powell is worried he might find himself indicted along with the criminals he was foolish enough to align himself with for this ill-conceived war in Iraq. He lied. He knew it. And now he wants to insulate himself from a Democrat admin.

http://thetruthburns.wordpress.com/2008/10/20/wheres-powell-been-oh-thats-right-in-hiding/

[Lagniappe]

If Colin Powell was such a lightweight, why did the Neocons need him so desperately to sell the idea of going to war with Iraq,by sending him to the UN to make the case for war?

[robotfog]

"It was not just about foreign affairs, it was a comprehensive statement that conveys the message that the more traditionally centrist Republicans are coming to view the McCain-Palin ticket as some sort of deviation -- some sort of break -- with the genuine traditions of the Republican Party."

so, all of a sudden, the same pack of mush heads who couldn't see this was coming when bush ran in 2000, are suddenly aware that their party is deviating from what they would like to be. I'm glad they are wising up, but why couldn't they figure this out years ago?

It was obvious that republicans had handed their party over to an unstable bunch of people years ago. It was also obvious (if you couldn't see it coming 8 years ago) that the past 8 years were setting up an atmosphere of violence and hatred in the republican party. This election was either going to produce a serious reformer for republicans, or a serious whacko. You could see from the primaries that it was not a quality bunch of candidates. Though, it was easy to think McCain might have honor in contrast to the other candidates, it was clear that he threw his honor to the wayside very early in the general election.

[BarackMarley]

Here's why the GOP pundits are racist for trying to racialize Powell's endorsement
http://newsone.blackplanet.com/elections/gop-pundits-question-powells-integrity-on-race/

Here's Powell Criticizing Michelle Bachmann for her Anti-America comments
http://newsone.blackplanet.com/elections/powell-criticizes-bachmann-over-anti-america-comments/

[bodo]

What the country does not need is an unstable elderly ex-navy captain meddling in matters of national defense and military strategy. It will be a thousand times better to have a civilian President who listens carefully to the advice of his generals. What we don't need is an erratic old maverick who keeps shouting: "Listen to me, I know how to win wars!"

God protect America!

[Teeninchee]

Limbaugh asked: Where are the in experienced, white lib erals Powell has endorsed? His name is Obama. Powell endorsed the white half. Thought everyone knew that.

[listeningpost]

Kinda fun to see Rush carrying water for McC. No wonder he's bitter at the conservatives who can afford to speak their truth.

[Oldbuck]

The thing that brighten my day is I am not the only person in the world who thinks the slash and burn politic of McCain-Palin and the Republican party is a disgrace. McCain has let the Republican machine hijack his honor and drag it through the mud There is no way McCain can defend the robo-calls. The time and service flush down the tubes.

[gonemad]

I think Powell's endorsement is good for Obama. How could it be otherwise?

[apeman637]

Since most of the real brite leaders of the GOP are embracing their reality with truth. I salute the noble enemy. And say thankyou fare thee well. To those racebaiters left eatin taters. To hell with you. Repent and save face retreat to your domicles and prey you see the light of a great nation being reborn without sin. be well my friends be well and God bless OBAMA

[TheAlchemist]

Here's an interesting quote:

"It was a comprehensive statement that conveys the message that the more traditionally centrist Republicans are coming to view the McCain-Palin ticket as some sort of deviation -- some sort of break -- with the genuine traditions of the Republican Party."

I thought the Bush-Cheney ticket did that. McCain-Palin is just continuing in their footsteps.

[MetalCanuck]

This guy is a war criminal...look it up.

[mediamonarchy]

yeah, but which guy are you talking about?! the one who helpled create al-CIAda or the guy who helped drop DU all over iraq? either way, they both endorse the guy who'll help lead us from 1984 into a brave new world (order).

[Inthematrix]

Powell has never been the type of person to endorse just on the basis of race. Powell have proven time and time again that he has a bit more integrity than every member of the Bush Administration combined!
inthematrix.wordpress.com

[gonemad]

I have been hoping for months that Powell would endorse Obama. I'm glad he finally did. I think his endorsement 2 weeks before the election was timed well. Imagine if he would have endorsed McCain? They would have gone nuts over this. If McCain wanted an endorsement from Powell, all hope for that was gone when he picked Palin. If McCain would have picked someone who was actually qualified rather than a national joke it may have been different for him. Powell even talked about this choice and how he thought she was not qualified and she is not. Now the right-wing flakes(Limbaugh, Hannity et, al.) will say it was all about race. Couldn't have anything to do with his "erratic" vp choice? They are the ones who look like total asses. How could anyone "with half a brain tied behind ther back" endorse this ridicoulous republican ticket.

[harriettubman]

This guy needs to talk to Rush & Fox News. LOL....

[Knowledgeseeker]

To Huffington Post
please make a headline suggesting, what cabinet position Mr. Powell could take in an Obama administration.

[DebbieinPhx]

Gen Powell made it clear that he was interested in an advisory role but nothing more in his Meet the Press interview.

[TheAlchemist]

I hope he reconsiders!

[GotRights]

He's 71 years old. He's probably not job-hunting.