CBS' Schieffer: Powell "Saying Aloud What A Lot Of Republicans...Saying Privately"

In the wake of Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama, conservative critics offered some pushback on the General's decision, with several, most notably Rush Limbaugh, suggesting that the decision was based purely on race. But this morning, CBS' Bob Schieffer made it clear that behind the scenes, Powell's words echoed the criticism of many Republicans, saying, "What Colin Powell said yesterday and why it was so riveting to hear him, he was saying aloud what a lot of Republicans are saying privately."

[WATCH.]

RODRIGUEZ: To hear Colin Powell saying he's not sure John McCain can handle the economy, he's not sure Sarah Palin is qualified, he doesn't like the nasty tone of this campaign, how significant was that, Bob?

SCHIEFFER: I've never thought endorsements are game-changers but this just adds to the good news that Barack Obama has been getting lately. Things seem to be breaking his way. This just adds to the momentum. I don't think it's going to change the election in any way, but I think it's very good news for him.

RODRIGUEZ: What do you think privately the McCain campaign is making of this endorsement?

SCHIEFFER: Well, I'm sure they don't like it but, you know, this is -- what Colin Powell said yesterday and why it was so riveting to hear him, he was saying aloud what a lot of Republicans are saying privately, I think, or at least what I've heard some Republicans tell me. They think the pick of Sarah Palin reflects on John McCain's judgment, they think the campaign has turned too nasty and is not inclusive. I think Colin Powell said aloud yesterday what some Republicans, at least, are saying privately.

Comments

[IllinoisTexan43]

My father has always said that for the 'uber-wealthy', their time on earth is their heaven. I feel that way about Limbaugh. He has sold his soul for the riches in this realm, but as the Bible says; It will be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the gates of heaven. We are seeing the death throes of the 'uber-wealthy' who are seeing their way of life come under scrutiny under an Obama administration. There IS a change coming.... Obama/Biden08.

[pjburns11]

Powell's intelligent choice demonstrates why we respect him.

But I think he is trying to salvage his tarnished name and maybe even angle for a pardon one day.

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

[Exit]

Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Mark Levin, and Sean Hannity lead the Republican party now. That is a sad, sad place to be. The Republican party is finished for a very long time.

[vincealy]

Watch Rush logic fall apart with pictures http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/21/6491/7750/376/637293

[DoTheMath]

It's almost as though McCain is testing the limits, looking for that line over which no rational person will tread, no matter how partisan they are.

[isee61]

I so agree with Smoody on her comment about nobody is condemming he rabout voting for white men for president.

See What the last eight year got US. Two out of touch white men that did take from us and give to their cronies, an McCain/Palin is whinning about redistributing and welfare. They (McCain/Palin) benefitted from the Bush/Cheney "Good O' Boy" iI mean GOP.

Take close your eyes for a moment and think. A college graduate (Top of his class), Professor of Law, Attornery, Community Organizer, Senator. This man has been giving all of his life to help his fellow man, the least we can do is help him help us, All of US(A).

Obama/Biden 08/12

[neurologymatters]

Well put Mr. Schieffer. Independents also agree with General Powell.

[GabrielXL]

Here! Here!

[T Pol]

As for Republicans thinking the same things about the party privately...

YOU BETCHA!

[musicisourhigh]

I think - hope that more Republicans will put Party aside and truly put Country First.

The Palin/McCain ticket is a disaster and our country deserves better

[lynjs]

This is so true. Any public service worker may they be Democrat, Republican, Independent should put party aside when the survival of our country is at stake. A McCain/Palin administration is only an accident waiting to happen. God help us if it occurs.

[Moosekilla]

Rush:

I can not for the life of me understand where the line was drawn in the sand that caused you to develop such hatred. Are we so in tune with our beliefs and moral fortitude that we can not see the forest for the trees. Coming from a man of your intellectual prowess, I can not fathom why you feel it necessary to divide our country in the manner in which you do. You stand there with no checks and balances for the hatred that you spew daily. Colin Powell is a very well respected public servant. A man that served two sitting presidents and served a glorious career in our armed forces so that you can sit behind you radio microphone and stones at individuals that are neither deserving of your self imposed scrutiny. Your a smart man. And I respect you because you duped the company you work for and the American public for a $300 million dollar contract. I'm impressed . But I'm not impressed with your continued irresponsibility.
For the first time in my life, I felt that this country is moving in a direction that allows some one who is non white the opportunity to serve our country at the highest level. I have never voted in my life , because I was neither motivated or found enough passion to get up and vote. Please don't diminish the election process for those of us who really think that America is a great place to

[Bitsko]

That "glorious career" in the military included a long stint in the Nixon White House as Haig's chief aide and bottle washer.

[Liberal2]

I read somewhere, years ago, that Powell's fellow officers didn't much like him. He was less military than "political." He played the political side of military life better than anyone else; that's how he rose to become the Chairman of the JCS.

[msangeljones]

It is sad to see the Republican"s trying to throw Powel to the wolves, for years they admire him, finally someone that is respected and admired stands up and is HONEST about the McCain/Palin ticket, is that what being a Republican is all about, deny deny deny then when caught LIE .
Palin wont or cant give a interview , that should tell us something, She's running for VP not the PTA.
Im proud im a democrat, and as for Obama/Biden ticket the keep your eye on the prize, and change the United States it will be a amazing thing to experience.
Hannity get ready to find new employment, you are responsable for the FOX ratings to hit rock bottom.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

[LesserFool2]

How could they not? If you are a Republican that puts country first, you've got to hate the way McCain has decided to run his campaign -- embracing Rovian politics, and embracing the "agents of intolerance."

If Gen. Powell can be faulted, it is that he gives McCain too much of a pass for his role in not only his horrific choice of Palin; but also his myriad of decisions that have steered his campaign in a way that repels people of conscience.

[CabaretArtist]

Hopefully, the entire election PROCESS will open up to many parties. Now that Obama has shown you can raise money in a variety of ways, I would imagine a number of Americans might consider throwing their hat into the new ring of politics. Maybe the republicans can get their party back...imagine they originally had the black vote. But the World Goes 'Round. PEACE ON THE PLANET

[StillIRise]

The Republicans had the black vote more than fifty years ago, before the Democrats changed faces. The Democrats, fifty years ago, were segregationists, commonly known as Dixiecrats. When Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Dixiecrats/Democrats became Republicans, and a new Democratic Party evolved. As we have seen in these last several months, the Dixiecrats, now AKA Republicans, have continued to carry the segregationist banner, proudly touted by Sarah Palin, John McCain, their surrogates and their supporters. After this election, I think the Republican Party will have lost the black vote FOREVER. Their racist slurs and assaults on Senator Obama have offended not only Senator Obama, but our entire community. They have shown black Americans how they feel about us in no uncertain terms. They have become the stain on America that has brought shame to our nation and shame to their party, and I cannot imagine how they will ever redeem themselves.

[lejman]

i live in park ridge, illinois, former home of senator clinton, who grew up a goldwater girl and converted to the democrats, which invoked the wrath of all those in town, save her old friends. this community is affluent and republican, but as i drive through town, i have only seen a few mccain signs, and many more obama signs. this was unthinkable 25 years ago. in conversation, staunch republicans are disgusted with the conduct of those they put into office for the last eight years, and even more alienated from mccain/palin, to the point where altho obama represents virtually everything they despise, he will get their votes because he is intelligent. the gop keeps throwing the bottom of the class at us. they won't advertise it on their lawns, but they aren't going to vote red this time.
all the campaign signs and radio tv spots do not refer to party affiliation. the gop brand is toxic.

[btanner]

When people think of the Republican party, the words all-inclusive do NOT come to mind. As long as the RP stick to their base that is the religious freaks, they will NEVER be known as the all-inclusive party. Breaking ties with Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Hannity, Karl Rove, Ingraham, Coulter, and Hasselbeck (OMG, I used Coulter and Hasselbeck in the same sentence!) etc. would be a good place to start. lol I'm not that delusional. Worth a try anyway.

[justsaynotofascism]

Republicans are saying it privately because for them it's party first, not nation first.

I applaude those rare republicans who have publically stated they now support Obama.

[CalifroniaMark]

When most of us were Children we were told when someone constantly attacked us it was because they were jealous and were trying to convince People that we were what they were trying to hide within themselves...It seems McCain and Palin are Mentally still on the Playground.


OBAMA / BIDEN 2008 - Not for some Americans but for all Americans!