Colin Powell endorses Obama

Many of the conservatives on the board seem to always talk about Powell and his judgement as being an asset and a reason they would want to vote for him. I think he's shown good judgement here. But, then again I share his reasoning.

Powell endorses Obama for president
Republican ex-secretary of state calls Democrat "?transformational figure'

msnbc.com and NBC News
updated 1 hour, 31 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president on Sunday, criticizing his own Republican Party for what he called its narrow focus on irrelevant personal attacks over a serious approach to challenges he called unprecedented.

Powell, who for many years was considered the most likely candidate to become the first African-American president, said in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press"? that he was not supporting Obama because of his race. He said he had watched both Obama and his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, for many months and thought "either one of them would be a good president."?

But he said McCain's choices in the last few weeks "? especially his selection of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his vice presidential running mate "? had raised questions in his mind about McCain's judgment.

"I don't believe [Palin] is ready to be president of the United States,"? Powell said flatly. By contrast, Obama's running mate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, "is ready to be president on day one."?

Powell also said he was "troubled"? by Republican personal attacks on Obama, especially false intimations that Obama was Muslim and Republicans' recent focus on Obama's alleged connections to William Ayers, the founder of the radical '60 Weather Underground.

Stressing that Obama was a lifelong Christian, Powell denounced Republican tactics that he said were insulting not only to to Obama but also to Muslims.

"The really right answer is what if he is?"? Powell said, praising the contributions of millions of Muslim citizens to American society.

"I look at these kind of approaches to the campaign, and they trouble me,"? Powell said. "Over the last seven weeks, the approach of the Republican Party has become narrower and narrower."?

In an interview Sunday on Fox News, McCain said he was not surprised by the announcement.

"I've always admired and respected General Powell,"? said McCain, who cited the endorsements he had received from former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, Alexander Haig, James Baker and Lawrence Eagleburger. "We have a respectful disagreement."?

Bolstering Obama's international credentials
Powell, a retired Army general who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under the first President Bush before becoming secretary of state in the current administration, is one of the most highly decorated military officers of modern times and an admired figure in both parties. The Obama campaign is likely to cite the endorsement as an answer to critics and undecided voters who have questioned the foreign policy credential of Obama, a first-term senator whose national experience amounts to four years in the Senate.

Powell said a major part of his decision to turn his back on his own party was his conclusion that Obama was the better option to repair frayed U.S. relations with allies overseas.

"This is the time for outreach,"? Powell said, saying the next president would have to "reach out and show the world there is a new administration that is willing to reach out."?

In particular, he said, he welcomed Obama's president to "talk to people we haven't talked to,"? a reference to Obama's controversial pledge to hold talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"I think that [Obama] has a definite way of doing business that will serve us well,"? Powell said.

Won't campaign for Obama
As recently as a month ago, Powell said that electing an African-American president would be "electrifying"? for the world but that he remained undecided. The unsteadiness of the Republican campaign in recent weeks, especially on the economic crisis, went a long way toward pushing him off the fence, he said.

"It isn't easy for me to disappoint Senator McCain as I have this morning,"? said Powell, who emphasized that he would not campaign for Obama because of his admiration for McCain's long record of service in the military and in Congress.

But as he examined both campaigns in the last few weeks, he said, he became "concerned"? that "in the case of Mr. McCain, he was a little unsure how to deal with the economic problems."?

"Every day, there was a different approach,"? he said, adding that he also "would have difficulty with two more conservative appointments to the Supreme Court."?

McCain would be a good president, Powell said, but Obama is "a transformational figure"? who would be an "exceptional"? leader.

"I truly believe that at this point in Amserica's history we need a president who will not just continue ... basically the policies we have followed in recent years,"? he said. "We need a president with transformational qualities."?

For that reason, he said, "I will be voting for Barack Obama."?

By Alex Johnson of msnbc.com

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sup-rbeast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Powell, who for many years was considered the most likely candidate to become the first African-American president, said in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press"? that he was not supporting Obama because of his race.
</div></div>

Wanna buy some beach fromt property in Dunbar ??? [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

I was waiting for some of y'all to turn on your hero Powell....

Didn't turn on him. Just statin' the obvious. I can't really fault him for it. I can't honestly say I wouldn't do the same if I were him.

This will IMO get a lot more votes for Obama, white veteran votes.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PVVikeFan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Didn't turn on him. Just statin' the obvious. I can't really fault him for it. I can't honestly say I wouldn't do the same if I were him. </div></div>

I think he made a couple valid points. One being if it was just race, he would have made the endorsement earlier, and two being that he isn't campaigning for him, just doesn't agree with some of the directions McCain has been.

I like McCain but it seems like his campaign has been throwing everything they can against the economic crisis and seeing if anything sticks.

It's because of race

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sup-rbeast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was waiting for some of y'all to turn on your hero Powell.... </div></div>

He aint my hero. I lost all respect for him when he testified before the UN that there were WMD's in Iraq, when knowing good and well there weren't.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: R13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This will IMO get a lot more votes for Obama, white veteran votes. </div></div>

There are a lot of people I admire and respect who have endorsed Obama. Doesn't change my mind about him, or them, in the slightest. They have to vote their convictions, I'll vote mine.

I mean I dont think it will make a huge impact, but will sway a few votes.

I love Powell. I think if he had some balls about him we would not be in Iraq.

It's not going to sway my vote, however, it is a huge blow to McCain. Powell is the most reputable foreign policy expert in America IMO. If I was voting strictly on Iraq, then this endorsement would sway my vote. McCain is wrong on Iraq and Obama and Powell are and have been right on it, I am not afraid to admit that.

Well, I served under Powell during Desert Storm and I can understand his convictions about voting for Nobama. What do you all think his reason to resign as secretary of state was? He found out after he testified to the U.N. about WMD that it was bogus. I think he thought long and hard about his decision. Many of you have stated before that you are having a hard time voting for your party's choice, just as he has. I have a feeling that if Romney had gotten the GOP nomination, then he would have supported the republican ticket.

BTW, I would still follow him into battle, even though he is supporting Nobama. He is just that good of a leader. To me, he is like the "Eisenhower" of our time.

I respect Powell also. Both of my real parents and my stepdad served under him as well.

I don't claim to know all the inner workings, but do try to read and not just blogs or webpages that endorse what I think or believe but alternate sides. I try to steer clear of the way to far to the right sides and the way to the left sides. That's why when I do the political surveys, I come down fairly close to being a centrist. Lots of things I don't support myself but I don't necessarily believe that government should stick their nose in it.

That all being said, most everything I read, from insiders, to those from one side and the other side, say that Powell was basically forcefed information, told what to say and lead to believe things that weren't the case. He was a tool to the powers that be, which is why he left his position. I don't agree with everything Powell believes either, but I do think he has conviction. Now not to go all 'A Few Good Men' here, but does anybody think that Powell wouldn't do what his commander would tell him?

I think that he argued with the choice and since he and McCain were close, probably had a lot of turmoil with it. I have no doubt that Obama campaign took this and ran with it as hard as they could, but do you think that McCain wouldn't have?

I'm completely of the mind that if, IF McCain had picked a better VP candidate, that Powell would have supported him.

I'd sure like to write Powell in as Prez, myself. Head and shoulders over the two candidates that are running. Right now, America needs someone we can believe in, and Powell would be such a man.

Saw on the news this morning that B. HUSSEIN received another HUGE endorsement. From HAMAS. Imagine that.

Hamas don't vote...imagine that. Besides, I'd say roughly 75% of the people who do vote don't know what Hamas is anyways. The overwhelming majority of voters have to be ignorant to elect Bush twice.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sup-rbeast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hamas don't vote...imagine that.</div></div>

Not only that...but anyone ever think that these terrorist organizations do this on purpose to try to sway votes to the OTHER guy? You know darn well that when the average person looks at "HAMAS endorses Obama" that they're automatically like "whoa, maybe I should vote for McCain". Don't you think HAMAS knows that affect and understands it fully?

In other words, I feel that a HAMAS endorsement of Obama means they really want McCain in there b/c they know their endorsement will take American votes away from Obama. It ain't rocket science (or bomb-building in HAMAS' case).

As I said earlier, I'd say 5 out of 10 Americans even know what Hamas is, and I'd say less than that can point the countries or territories out on a map which Hamas is housed in. Many Americans would think Hamas is the guy that invented those classes that teach a woman to breathe during labor...that's how ignorant much of our country is.

I'm sure R13 will explain it in detail [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sup-rbeast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Many Americans would think Hamas is the guy that invented those classes that teach a woman to breathe during labor...that's how ignorant much of our country is.</div></div>

I always thought it was crushed up chickpeas with tahini & garlic. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoeburnCane</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sup-rbeast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hamas don't vote...imagine that.</div></div>

Not only that...but anyone ever think that these terrorist organizations do this on purpose to try to sway votes to the OTHER guy? You know darn well that when the average person looks at "HAMAS endorses Obama" that they're automatically like "whoa, maybe I should vote for McCain". Don't you think HAMAS knows that affect and understands it fully?

In other words, I feel that a HAMAS endorsement of Obama means they really want McCain in there b/c they know their endorsement will take American votes away from Obama. It ain't rocket science (or bomb-building in HAMAS' case). </div></div>

I doubt any terrorist organization would like to see McCain in office. They like for world leaders to be weak.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PVVikeFan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoeburnCane</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sup-rbeast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hamas don't vote...imagine that.</div></div>

Not only that...but anyone ever think that these terrorist organizations do this on purpose to try to sway votes to the OTHER guy? You know darn well that when the average person looks at "HAMAS endorses Obama" that they're automatically like "whoa, maybe I should vote for McCain". Don't you think HAMAS knows that affect and understands it fully?

In other words, I feel that a HAMAS endorsement of Obama means they really want McCain in there b/c they know their endorsement will take American votes away from Obama. It ain't rocket science (or bomb-building in HAMAS' case). </div></div>

I doubt any terrorist organization would like to see McCain in office. They like for world leaders to be weak.</div></div>

HAMAS ain't dummies. They're radicals sure, but they ain't dummies. They know what an endorsement for a US President from them does to American voters who give a crap about what they say.

You gonna sit here w/a straight face and tell me that they don't know what effect this has and don't have a motive for doing it?

You really wanna give McCain access to the little red button?

He'd keep it right next to the alarm clock.

You feel better giving it to B. HUSSEIN??
That was the point Hillary was trying to make.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: duckmeat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You really wanna give McCain access to the little red button? </div></div> One thing about it, I don't know that he could lift his arm high enough to push it..lol

I'd feel better giving it to Mike Tyson than McCain.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> One thing about it, I don't know that he could lift his arm high enough to push it..lol
</div></div>

Totally inappropriate.

You need to read Faith of my Fathers and understand what McCain went through.

Obama said that it was one of his favorite books. I must say that I teared up several times before finishing it.

I didn't ask your permission...I know what he went through...and it doesn't qualify him to be president..but it might disqualify him from pushing the lil red button... Where's all your moral policing when folks slam Obama on here?

Since Mccain used that as an excuse to tell us why he didnt know how to use a computer is when I lost some sympathy.

Since folks wanna get sensitive... We know McCain can't use a PC, wonder if he can wipe his a$$ tho?

Just an inappropriate statement IMO.

I don't think anyone has bashed Obama for a physical disability garnered from 4 years of torture in a prison camp.

Never said it qualified him to be president, but it does qualify him for a little bit of respect for going through it.

There is little respect on the political forum. I respect McCain's sacrifice, but really how many PCs have a left handed mouse?...you can use either. And that was his excuse for not knowing anything about PCs...and my thinkin is if he can't click a mouse he can't push a button. No sense in gettin all sentimental there greencrest.

You gotta admit that one was a little cold. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] Both shoulders have been like that for years because of torture. He has lived most of his adult life in that condition.

If you've ever watched the Hanoi Hilton, you know what they went through. But, seriously, what hurts a candidate more?...saying something like that or constantly insinuating a candidate is a terrorist...ie. an enemy of the nation?

Considering people on the forum refer to those who have passed away as going "tits up", I don't think the forum is exactly concerned with being to PC in some of its comments.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7teen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Considering people on the forum refer to those who have passed away as going "tits up", I don't think the forum is exactly concerned with being to PC in some of its comments. </div></div>
Exactly..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PVVikeFan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoeburnCane</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sup-rbeast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hamas don't vote...imagine that.</div></div>

In other words, I feel that a HAMAS endorsement of Obama means they really want McCain in there b/c they know their endorsement will take American votes away from Obama. It ain't rocket science (or bomb-building in HAMAS' case). </div></div>

I doubt any terrorist organization would like to see McCain in office. They like for world leaders to be weak. </div></div>
Man...I bet they are really tickled with the US right now. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]