Powell's Obama Endorsement Sparks Reaction: "Nail In The Coffin" For McCain

Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama reverberated throughout the world of politics, with lawmakers and pundits across the political spectrum declaring it a huge boost for the Democratic contender.

Former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich told ABC News, "What that just did in one sound bite... is it eliminated the experience argument."

On the stump today, Joe Biden celebrated the endorsement telling an 11,500-strong rally in Tacoma, Washington that it should put to rest any questions about Obama's readiness to be commander in chief.

"Today we're proud, and I mean this sincerely, very proud to add another critical voice in American public policy and military affairs for the past 25 years to the endormsent list of those who have joined endorsing our ticket, Colin Powell!. Thank you, Colin!"

David Gergen, longtime aide to both Republican and Democratic presidents, called it "the most important endorsement of the campaign."

And an unnamed GOP official told Politico: "This Powell endorsement is the nail in the coffin," said one Republican official, speaking anonymously to offer candid thoughts about the party's nominee. "Not just because of him, but the indictment he laid out of the McCain campaign."

Even Kevin Madden, the telegenic former spokesman for Mitt Romney who's hit the airwaves to support McCain, said:

Endorsements tend to reaffirm what voters already know or like (or dislike) about a candidate's personal and ideological attributes. But the endorsement of Colin Powell is significant because of its timing and the message it sends to swing Democrats and independents... His endorsement is aimed at easing those doubts about Obama's readiness and experience right at the time voters are making their decision on whom they will support on Election Day.

And Norman J. Orenstein, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, told Politico:

A Powell endorsement now is a huge step to close that sale, to make Obama seem even safer and more attractive as a president.

Susan Eisenhower, the formerly Republican granddaughter of President Eisenhower, who was busy stumping for Obama in southwest Florida today said, "I'd like to associate myself with all the points he made."

But the McCain campaign dismissed the endorsement, with a spokesperson telling WWAY: "John McCain has been endorsed by more than 300 retired generals and admirals. That's over 10 times more than what Senator Obama has received."

Comments

[Viper]

Folks the lead is collap[sing.

Obama's Reps dont answer the Socialism thing very well/.//

Like pointing out the very rich will still pay less than under Reagan or Nixon or Ike.. were they socialist? Nor pointing out the earned tax credit which pays people who dont pay taxes was passed under Reagan. McBush is proposing a 5000 tax credit. Giving larger deduction for having more kids is also a redistribution of wealth from those who dont have kids.... Is Mccain against that also?


In Florida is he telling people he is against medicare and Soc Secuirty?

Regards

Regards

[NotMcCain]

I agree with you that they don't answer the (incredibly stupid) charges very well. They never do (like with Ayers, a complete non-story). They never do.

And,yet, somehow the majority of voters are seeing through it anyway. Who knew that was possible?

As for "socialism", I want Palin to defne it. (And her stupid crowd, too. Like when this morning they booed "tax cuts for 95%" and applauded McSame's capital gains tax!

I think Joe the (non) Plumber is the PERFECT symbol of McCain's campaign. I laugh every time they talk about him.

[Star2000dancer]

That $5000 tax credit will cost them an extra $7000. McCain/Bush make going into a depression sound like a small recession.­Bush's main goal was to break America before he left office like his dad, & to make sure we are always in a war, for war profiteering.

Remember Republicans make war, Democrats stop them & fight for We The People's rights. It is important to eliminate the 5% of the aristocratic Republicans & the Blue dogs in the Dem party completely. It;s no theory, the said out lous they want to be a dictator & they are creating a One World Order. Look it up on you tube for starters.

[politicojunkie]

He has said this. Apparently, you weren't listening.

[izAriver]

"Folks the lead is collap[sin­g."

What do you base this assertion on? I don't see evidence of that. For example, the drudge report, (that should be sludge), didn't have anything about polls this morning and they tout every single poll they can find when it indicates any movement in mccains direction.

[laocoon]

I always wonder about that initial distribution of wealth. Do people believe government is not involved in that initial distribution? the question of who gets how much of the revenue from any effort of more than one person is not controlled by government and its laws!!!!! If government did not provide property services no one would be very rich at all. You would not be able to possess much more than a single house or small farm or business without government aiding you. I am certainly in favor of this sort of government interference but stop talking about this stuff as if government were not already very much involved in the distribution of wealth to begin with. If you really believed in a free market you would stop all government involvement. We all contribute so that the wealthy receive unlimited police and court services to protect an unlimited amount of property. But if you are starving from the side effects of this government interference it is treated as the worst sin for government to provide any services to you. BS. Why shouldnt the poor throw a brick through your window and take what they need? You want a government that controls them for your benefit but does zip for them.

[nagor76]

This does nothing but show how desperate Colin Powell is to get back into government. I'm sure Michael Powell (Bush appointee to head FCC) will be next.More race & racial politics from Obama.

[Star2000dancer]

Powell was one of the first to resign once he saw what Bush was pulling. Everyone makes mistakes, but few admit it. Powell spoke out when it was'nt popular. In faci hew was one of the most important people to make people finally step back & take notice. He's a hero in my book.

[Jeffin90019]

If it helps defeat the McCain/Palin tickets, that's great. But Powell lost all of his moral authority with two words spoken at the U.N: Yellow cakes. He didn't stand up for what was right when it the right thing to do. He was a "loyal soldier" who helped rush our nation into a ruinous war at the expense of what was true and moral. Among the many casualties of the Bush administration, Powell's betrayal of the American people is among the saddest.

[catzoned]

Hummm... I believe it was Bush, Cheney, and McCain who rushed us into a war in Iraq. I believe that Powells moral authority is in good standing and his reasons for endorsing Obama are valid. His standing is better than certain posters.

[fisharefreinds]

I fully expect Condolezza Rice to give a statement of support for Obama.

[fishgirl26]

NO WAY! She's too much of a lap dog for the GOP. She's looking at a run later on and if she strays from the herd and gets all "mavricky" it will be the same result as McCain.

[LeBeau59741]

Never gonna happen.

[lacycatherine]

I was pleased to hear that he endorsed Obama. I think that this could do so much for the campaign. Now if people just vote it will all be good. We can't assume that he is going to win. We MUST vote!!

[scotth24]

My only concern, if you can call it that, about General Powell's endorsement is that only the educated will listen to his words, understand that this was not a quick decision on his part. Unfortunately, many people on the Right tend only to focus on sound bites and keywords that read at a 6th grade level, which is what most of the press operates at. Powell's words and even the concept of who he is and why his endorsement is truly important will fall on the deaf ears of the people who really need to here what he has said.

[catzoned]

Are you sure the Right is that literate? I know, snarky comment. Actually, I am so pleased that Powell endorsed Obama and spelled out the reasons why so well. Powell may have burned some bridges making his endorsement but his doing so anyway proves his bravery yet again.

[Iwpach]

Excellent strategy and it gives the lie to a strictly partisan Obama asdministration
Even now bfore the election Lightning Obama reaches across the party divide.
Impressive,most impressive.

[dmaninmoval]

As a 41 year old Navy Veteran, I would serve under Gen. Powell anytime, any where. Is that because he is black as I am, not even close. It is the fact that this man understands the mechanics of war and the total cost it brings to those left behind at home. In addition, he has truly taken the time if you listen to his comments yesterday morning, to get to know Sen. Obama and he likes what he sees. I believe he also can feel that this man has the ability to move this country into an era of improved diplomacy around the world and we so need that right now. I have been a republican since the age of 19 years old and have always voted with my party without fail. However, with the pick of Gov. Palin as his roommate, Sen. Mccain I feel has put this country in jeapordy if he is to become president and God forbid is not able to complete his term. She, as the General pointed out is not qualified for the office. I just sent in my absentee ballot last week and I had to vote for Obama for this reason. If Ridge or someone of that calibar was on the ticket, Mccain would have gotten my vote in a heartbeat.
God Bless America..
DMH, San Diego-California

[Roninfbn47]

Yeah, McCain's got 300 endorsements, just like he invented the Blackberry, he's not George Bush,
He's not a warmonger, his staff has no associations with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, he's running
a clean campaign, Sarah Palin is qualified to be POTUS, the fundamentals of the economy are strong,
Cindy isn't a c%#T, etc,etc,etc,
This man and this campaign symbolize ignorance in its ugliest form!
Vote OBAMA/BIDEN 08

[LMT]

Whaaaa? Those things aren't true? BWAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAA HAAAAAA HAAA

[NotFooledByDistractions]

Ah... the old quantity not quality arguement.

I don't think that flies these days.

[LMT]

And he has 7 homes ot Obama's 1 and 13 cars to Obama's one. Don't ever forget it!

[sleek]

McCain also has a Cessna Citation Excel private jet. Must be nice.

[Emeline]

Colin Powell was clear and eloquent in his endorsement. I can only hope it will quiet some of the loonier things one is hearing from the far-far right. Things such as: He is a communist. He is a secret muslim terrorist. And best of all: He is the Anti-Christ.

As ridiculous as these sound to anyone with even a modicum of intelligence, they are all being spoken out there and, sadly, a lot of people believe them.

[truthorsnare]

The GOP stock is plummeting fast...alo­ng with its image.


It's bad enough they have Limbaugh race-baiting atop of idiot mountain (fiercely attacking a 4 star general for not marching in lockstep with the party). But, the most telling sign is that many conservatives view the McCain-Palin ticket as weak -- as many admit behind closed doors. However, more are speaking publicly about their disappointment in the GOP ticket, especially as the Nov. 4 date approaches.


It's clear that the Republican brand is eroding fast.

[JamesInDenver]

He doesn't even have grace in defeat. Telling us (repeatedly) how wonderful and perfect his life is, is equivalent to flip ping us the bird.

[JamesInDenver]

OOOPs, Sorry I posted to wrong thread.

[SanityNowPlease]

you are still correct

[Jon in Austin]

My goodness this coffin has a lot of nails in it. Seems like we're seeing at least one per week.

[highlyamused]

It's a big coffin....­........ho­ld the whole Bush dynasty in it.

[Sadie1976]

I thought Gen. Powell gave the most well thought out, reasonable explanation for his endorsement of Obama! Yet, so many on other comment boards were saying it's because Powell’s a "racist"! Good grief! McCain and Palin are taking the GOP down in flames, making the entire party a disgrace, and the only reason someone would cross over and support Obama is "race"!!?.­..Pleeeez! What idiots!

Gen Powell has always had my utmost respect! Even more so now!