McCain Camp Manager: Colin Powell Not Equipped To Make Political Predictions

When asked on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program Monday for his reaction to Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama, John McCain campaign manager Rick Davis called into question the political acumen of the former Joint Chiefs chairman and Secretary of State.

"Look, I doubt if Colin Powell is equipped to do a whole lot of political prognostication," Davis said, dismissively, adding: "That's what you guys do, right?"

It was perhaps a snarky throwaway line, but it could be seen as a slight to the man McCain himself has described as one of the "most credible, most respected" men in the world.

Davis was certain to add the de rigeur testimony to Powell's service, saying: "He is a great American and served this country with great distinction. What his views are on the political scene are completely up to him."

McCain's campaign manager also addressed the issue of bringing up Bill Ayers, which Powell has criticized as "demagoguery."

"John McCain tried to point out how people should be informed about Barack Obama's background, including his relationships with domestic terrorists like William Ayers. People are going to form these judgments. It's great fodder for us to debate every day. I think it's fun," Davis said.

When asked about Powell's sharp criticism of McCain's handling of the economy, Davis oddly lumped in Joe Scarborough with the "Joes" trying to carve out a middle class living. "I think John McCain has continued to talk about it -- where working class people all around the country, the Joes of the world, whether they are Joe like the Talk Show Host or Joe the Plumber -- but the Joes around the country are working hard, earning a living and trying to be the generators of economic progress in this country."

Davis did give the Obama campaign some credit for their $150 million fundraising haul in September. "That is a 'wow' moment. No question about that. It's an enormous amount of money," Davis said.

Then he alleged, however, that "enough questions have been raised by the media" that all of Obama's small donors should be disclosed online. "He's got great geeks working on the website. They ought to have them get to work saying I'll put up on a website all my donations."

Comments

[rdiaz921]

Oh well, the proof is in the pudding.
They lost.

[Sociallyconscious]

What a creep you are, Rick Davis, to say that "it's fun" to lie abuot Barack Obama. You are absolutely creepy!!

[ebanks84]

It's amazing how he can play Colin Powell cheap when he never served nowhere, been in charge of nothing remotely numbering the men Powell has administered to, and has accummulated a tiny portion of respect that Powell possess from all over the world.

This little atrocious looking character that has the beak of a reptile and the attitude of a monster is pathetic and no one cares what he thinks other than McCain. I wonder where his career will go after this election is down the tubes for him.

[Wonder11]

Right on! Rick Davis is a worm with an attitude.

[mafina]

What we have here are statements from an angry loser.

[JNagarya]

Respect for Powell comes from blind partisans and the uninformed. Consider this well-known fact -- and connect the dots:

It was Powell, more than anyone else, who greased the skids for Bush*t's illegal invasiona and occupation of Iraq. And it was in Iraq that the American Muslim he spoke of was killed -- as result of that lie.

And when it came to the war crime of torture, Powell participated in the planning and imposition of it -- on MUSLIMS, NONE of whom had been found guilty of ANYTHING.

And those at the bottom of the food changed who OBEYED the order are doing his jail-time for him.

[hortonhearsawho]

Which branch was it you served in Ricky?

[ebanks84]

Yep. The neocon coward.

[booker52]

Hello?? They said what?? Please had General Powell endorsed Sen McCain we wouldn't we hearing this comment. Nuf said. Sour grapes is more like it. I heard the endorsement of Sen Obama and thought what General Powell said what quite clear and well said.

[FirstShirt]

Powell was, in hindsight, a lightweight politically. He could have possibly prevented the Iraq way if he had the stones to resign as Secretary of State and come out in opposition. He did not.

Now when it looks like a democrat will win he is having some sort of epiphany. Sorry Colin. Won't work twice.

If a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs doesn't have th guts to stand up for what is right why should you be trusted now?

[ebanks84]

And why should anybody even listen to your diatribe about a man you know absolutely nothing about and who is respected around the world, even more so than your stupid president bush?

[grf67]

Well Rick, GEN Powell knows a lot more than the entire cast of characters you have assembled to be McCain's campaign staff. Say good night, Rick. You are yesterday's news.

[wltdnfaded]

PLEASE tell me Rick Davis will have no career whatsoever Nov 5.

[ebanks84]

Maybe he'll open up his own plumbing business and hire Joe.

[JNagarya]

He doesn't need either career or job: he still has those millions for lobbying for Freddie and Fannie.

[LettuceB1]

"Look, I doubt if Colin Powell is equipped to do a whole lot of political prognostication," Davis said

Wow Ricky, you seem a bit cranky! And yet, if Powell would have endorsed Mc Insane, you would have shown it as proof of Powell's superior judgment and evidence that he is a true American hero (or some Repug drivel to that affect).

Thanks, but no thanks for that campaign to nowhere!

[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/

[JNagarya]

Your "we" doesn't include ME.

[yallkiddn]

Hey Moderator! Why did you just yank my last post, which simply offered a list of newspapers that have endorsed Obama?

[Hatchibakku99]

Check back later -- posts seem to vanish for a little while just before they're put up for all to see.

[Herkybird]

Funny....6 years ago he was MORE than equipped to make both military and national security decisions!
when it befitted Dubya and Rove!

[FirstShirt]

And I am sure you disagreed with him then. Now you democrats seem to be filling your sinking boat with ex republicans. Good.

[ebanks84]

We are filling our boat with stalwart rowers while you repubs have millions of holes in your bottom and sinking fast.

[sisteract]

Republicans will throw anybody under a bus.

[ebanks84]

Including the bus driver! Idiots.

[XME]

Funny, they dismiss Powell's endorsement, yet McCain touted his endorsements by other former Secerataries of State. It's the Republican way...a person's opinion only matters if they "stay in line" and agree with the Reugs. Otherwise, time to smear and discredit them. And they call the Dems un-American!

[mstoot]

Yeah, but don't forget McBush received an endorsement from Katie Barberi, if anyone even knows who she is.

[yallkiddn]

I sure as heck don't know who she is.

[ebanks84]

Yeah, the last of the "oldies but goodies" group of former statesmen who are as blind as he is.

[RobinLandseadel]

You folks all really ought to give Rick Davis a break, everybody knows he'll be unemployed and unemployable in two weeks.

[Herkybird]

So will over 7% of Americans. Your point is? ;-)

[yallkiddn]

Davis should get a job cleaning up the mud that he's thrown at O during this campaign.

[tedbear]

What amazes me is why doesn't it occur to people like McCain that the personality of your campaign manager is bound to influence how people perceive you as the candidate. Davis is lacking in the area of social acceptability and McCain's campaign has been a mess. On the other hand, Obama has a very impressive campaign manager, and his campaign has been, well, impressive!

[rosal]

Davis is not equipped to run any campaign. Right now everybody in the Mc's campaign is wearing a nice shade of green on their faces (A bad case of envy)

[ebanks84]

Looks more like a pale shade of puke if you ask me :)