A primary motivator for Colin Powell's public endorsement of Barack Obama for president appears to have been the character of the negative attacks by the McCain campaign.
Appearing generally somber and thoughtful during his remarks following the taping of Meet the Press, former Secretary of State Powell became most animated during his discussion of the nature of John McCain's campaign strategy during recent weeks. Negative campaigning that sticks to highlighting realities is one thing -- but the distortions, slurs and race baiting implemented by the McCain campaign are another animal altogether. Their use by a candidate who has built his reputation on his professed integrity has puzzled, shocked and repelled many in the Republican Party who, like Powell, have known John McCain for years.
As Powell talked about the McCain campaign's emphasis on Obama's alleged connection with 1960s radical activist and Chicago-based education advocate William Ayers, Powell's voice rose in volume and his face became the most animated. He denounced the use of such tactics during such a critical time in our nation's history -- a time when we are not only dealing with continuing military engagement on two fronts but are also facing the greatest economic crisis in many decades. Powell went on to strongly point out that the McCain campaign's false claims that Obama is Muslim and its insinuations that he is a terrorist are creating division with the United States and further damaging our reputation and standing within the world.
It was clear from Powell's demeanor and the tone of his remarks that the man takes no pleasure in breaking from the Republican Party in making this endorsement. As a leader who has unparalleled respect within the upper reaches of the military and in public opinion, Powell's repudiation of the McCain/Palin ticket holds particular power. Powell is clearly aware of his influence. His carefully considered endorsement will no doubt lose him many friends within Republican circles.
In the end, however, one man in the Republican Party truly has decided to put "country first" - and that man is Colin Powell.
You would think the democrats need the help by the slavish support for republicans who deign to support their candidate. Looks real good.
Was Powell being the good soldier in following his Commander-in-Chief when he tried to sell the Iraq invasion to the UN? Good soldiers are supposed to do that. The neoconservatives in the White House were going to war with or without Powell on board.
Powell could have resigned but then Neocon servatives Cheney and Rumsfeld would have been completely unopposed. Did Powell . One theory could be that Powell decided to go down with the ship.
When Powell used his prestige to sell the Iraq war he wasn't a general, he was the Secretary of State. And the only one at the table who was a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. If he was an ethical man he would have resigned and gone public with his opposition. That would have been courageous.
Those who are interested in political courage might read or reread John F. Kennedy's book Profiles in Courage. Unlike Obama, he wrote about someone other than himself.
P.S. And by speaking about the true American spirit, of which many in the media or in Washington never bring up, shows us all why it's wrong to secularize Muslims, shows us Muslim Americans have died for their country....again shows us furthermore why he's a great American with great integrity. Kudos Mr. Powell, I forgive you for Iraq
/sarcasm
FOLKS IT'S STARTING ALREADY!
I'll be !@##$D if they still this election.
One thing is certain: Obama will often seek his counsel.
It's about time he endorsed Obama. I was waiting for so long for this endorsement I had actually given up waiting.
I think it's that Powell had been a good Republican soldier for so long and finally he decided to dissent. I'm puzzled that he did not entirely defect from the party. At this point, the Republican witch-hunting party probably considers Powell to be a Republican Lieberman. Powell probably realises that, with that thought in mind, much power to him for voicing his endorsement, as well as his indictment of current "G"oP operations and practices.
The answer is no.
He sold the chance to be a real instrument of Truth, Justice and Honor when he went before the world and gave in to those who would sell out the nation for which Colin Powell himself fought.
I cannot and will not forgive this, or overlook it for political expedience. I'm glad he's supporting Obama, but his voice should carry no more weight and volume than any other. And you know what? I think Collin Powell would agree.
PS: I disagree that Powell was misled....