Colin Powell endorses Obama

Source: MSNBC

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 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.”


Video:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27265490#27265490



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27265369/

But it was an incredibly insightful and sensitive statement on why he's backing him. When he said, in discussing the Rethug claims that Obama is a Muslim, that the answer to that question should be "so what if he was, is there something wrong in being a Muslim in this country?" and goes on to tell a story about a picture of a grieving mother at the grave of her son. The picture shows the tombstone and that the soldier killed was Muslim. I hate Colin Powell for his guilt in the Iraq War, but this did bring me to tears.

nt

I am no fan of Powell, but that was not a mealy-mouthed endorsement like I expected. We here at DU have made up our minds about Colin Powell and Barack Obama. But anything that helps put Obama in the White House instead of McCain is OK by me. This is good news.

... Barack should reject it.

Winning on November 4 will also be a Rovian trap.

Right?

:sarcasm:

in a way it *IS* a trap, even though Rove has nothing to do with it.

Come on! No matter what you (or we) think of Colin Powell, this is an incredibly huge, helpful endorsement! SMILE!

When they send Powell and the rest of that crowd to jail for war crimes, then I will be happy.

But my other reaction is "HA HA" to the repuke's chances of "coming back" to "win"...

HA HA...

Powell didn't get even with his endorsement. He got ahead. He took a giant step toward restoring his credibility this morning and I applaud him.

Powell didn't get even with his endorsement. He got ahead. He took a giant step toward restoring his credibility this morning and I applaud him.

I for one believe in forgiveness .... To my knowledge Powell is the only one I know of that has openly regretted his actions. If he were ever to actively display that regret NOW is the time and he did not disappoint. He did it for the love of his country. He did it in a most respectful manner listing all areas that aided him in coming to this decision ... Not just a "blow hard comment for political attention" like most politicians.
I applaud him for his courage! :applause:

He was willingly complicit.

I don't want Powell to have any national defense or foreign policy role in the Obama administration.

for indorsing Obama McCain will have to admit that the war was illegal and the premise was a lie.

I ventured over to freeperville to see what the mental patients were up to and they were busy 1) calling him a traitor to the Republican party (that gave him everything the nerve of that uppity nigger) and his nation and 2) Saying this is a racially driven endorsement (his racial loyalty clouded his intellect) and he is a racist. It is wall to wall comments making these two points or some combination thereof. It's kind of frightening how much of a hive mind there is over there.

Colin is trying to save his ass.

:puke:

Send it to every repuglican you have an address for!!

has the NeoCon war criminal vote wrapped up.

However, I am grateful he endorsed Sen. Obama.

like Ashcroft, Rice, Bush, etc. You think that's the fist time he's lied?

If you think he's so great, then you're just as clueless as Bush supporters.

His endorsement sucks. I'd want his endorsement as much as I'd want a KKK scholarship.

Grow up. It's not like Bush says it is...all white or black. People are a combination of traits.

Obama is not all good. Bush is not all bad. Powell is not bad because he was weak and able to be used and lied to by Bush and his team. McCain is not all bad.

This is the grownup world.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/10/14/60II/main577975.shtml

The Man Who Knew
Ex-Powell Aide Says Saddam-Weapons Threat Was Overstated

Feb. 4, 2004

(CBS) In February, Secretary of State Colin Powell made a surprising admission.

He told The Washington Post that he doesn't know whether he would have recommended the invasion of Iraq if he had been told at the time that there were no stockpiles of banned weapons.

Powell said that when he made the case for war before the United Nations one year ago, he used evidence that reflected the best judgments of the intelligence agencies.

But long before the war started, there was plenty of doubt among intelligence analysts about Saddam's weapons.

One analyst, Greg Thielmann, told Correspondent Scott Pelley last October that key evidence cited by the administration was misrepresented to the public.

Thielmann should know. He had been in charge of analyzing the Iraqi weapons threat for Powell's own intelligence bureau.



Also, see,
State Department experts warned CENTCOM before Iraq war about lack ...
Document 1: State Department cable, Future of Iraq Expert Working Groups, ... 4: State Department Action Memorandum for Secretary of State Colin Powell, ...
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB163/

wow - that says all I need to know about YOUR opinions...

and how much they're worth...

bunkerboy is a WAR CRIMINAL and is ALL "that bad" and WORSE.

He should be hanging upside down from a rope like mousilini, not looking forward to a relaxing and comfortable retirement...

God, I'm not secretary of state, but I knew that he was lying. I use this thing called a bullshit detector, and it told me that he was full of shit.

Puh-leeze. If you're going to go down that route, just remember that even Adolph Hitler had his good qualities. Powell knew what he was doing when he addressed the U.N. To pretend otherwise is simply naive.

However, I do believe that everybody, and I mean everybody, should have a chance at redemption. So if this is Powell's then I welcome it. But what he really needs to do is apologize for the lies he told, and then publicly condemn the Bush administration and tell the world the truth about what happened.

Endorsing Obama is a good first step to his redemption. But he has a long, long way to go before he will ever be forgiven by me.

:sarcasm:

Bull fucking shit! :rofl:

You're right - gray is grownup. But previous decisions and choices say a lot about ones character. ONE very bad decision can negate hundreds of good decisions.

if one is naive enough to believe that Powell did not know he was lying to the UN.

Ignorant, check


Just plain stupid, check


possible Freeper, check


bigot, check


uninformed, check


not of this planet, check

:hi:

:hug:

NT!

Interesting that he also commented on his concern that a McCain administration would likely appoint more conservative judges.

Powell got a nice cushy job for his son, Michael in the Bush administration. F.C.C., I think, where he de-regulated the media and allowed media owners like Rupert Murdoch to dominate. That was one of Bushco first deregulations much to the detriment of our democracy. One thing Powell is not, he may have been "Uncle Tom," but he was never stupid!

This is a good news because Powell's endorsement can help discredit and stop the ongoing hard-core right-wing negative attacks against Obama from within the Republican base.

This also shows the continuation of the steady defection of moderate Republicans from their party. Colin Powell and Michael Powell will not have the same prestige that they carried in the past but Colin Powell is certainly helping Obama in this election.

administration.

You may not think so. But that does not make it so. He is. Deal with it.

Yes, Powell is forever tarnished by his willingness to betray the truth and carry water for the Repukes. To allow himself to be used.

But, as you say, he's one of the most respected former officials. He has gravitas, and his word is respected by many.

That means: Powell's endorsement of Obama will influence many people's decision to vote for Obama.

Powell's rejection of McCain will influence others to reject McCain.

Powell's condemnation of Rethuglican values & tactics will resound with people who respect him.

Everyone is not a rigid ideologue. Many people here seem to think that:

* Powell was wrong about Iraq and allowed himself to be used.

* This is wrong.

* Therefore, everything Powell ever does is always wrong.

Here's what I'll say to the rigid one-way-only crowd:

Listen, outside your little community of like-minded souls, there are others who don't adhere to your personal opinions.

Please, quit with the moral absolutist crap. This is a huge chunk of good news for Obama.

Allow it to be so.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n03a7cLf0M

NT!

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

... and well said. I don't care much for Powell, but he is one of the handful who carried water for Bush that got out with his reputation more or less intact with the majority of Americans.

His endorsement IS a big deal to a lot of people.

What the hell difference does it make if you arrived at the point along different paths?

is then repudiating McCain's position on the Iraq war, which puts them in alignment with...Obama.
It's a delicious double-bind, especially for MSM lackeys, i.e. Fox News.

As for Obama supporters who reject Powell's endorsement because of his UN speech, well it doesn't matter, you're already voting for Obama- this isn't going to make you vote for McCain, right? ;)

We have a great time here. Excellent post, by the way.

Although it will be a long time (if ever) before I forgive Colin Powell for that charade at the U.N., his endorsement could sway the ever-shrinking ranks of undecided voters, especially former Republicans or alienated Republicans--i.e. the people who have been saying, "I just may not vote this year."

and others were. Should they have known that Bushco couldn't be trusted? Yes, IMO. But they did trust them, and they WERE lied to.

Watch documentaries, read books. Pic of Tenet sitting right behind Powell, while Powell gives speech about anthrax. The point was that Tenet KNEW that what Powell was saying was a lie (or half truth), and he knew that Powell didn't know.

Read up on it a little. You will this to be the case. Naive? Weak? Yes. But the poster said he lied. He did not, as a factual matter.

It's real cheap. You'll make a huge profit. Are you going to pay me now, or are you able to spot an obvious lie?

he helped perpetrate that lie to the UN...and he knew it was BS.


I agree with David Sirota who wrote this article yesterday posted at Huffington http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/a-reminder-about-colin-po_b_135861.html
"....let me reiterate for the readers who will refuse to read the whole diary, THIS IS NO CRITICISM OF OBAMA AT ALL, I don't think he needs to "reject" the Powell endorsement, and if it gets him some positive press, that's good in the short-term sense (and the partisan in me thinks that's a good thing). But - and really, I know this is difficult for blind partisans to see - this diary is about the deeper issue of why the media/political elite frame a Powell endorsement as positive (or even relevant), and why progressives cheer on that kind of framing. Put another way, this is not about Obama - it's about us. Indeed, if there's any true news value to such an endorsement, it should involve the media and activists asking why Colin Powell, a guy who deliberately lied us into war, is endorsing Barack Obama, who valiantly spoke out against that war."

out that CP doubted what he was directed to say and consequently insisted that George Tenet sit immediately behind him when he addressed the General Assembly. He wasn't going in front of the world alone. He knew.

So I don't really care who he endorsed. He can just go away now.

but thanks for playing...

Sad.

I remember just shaking my head when he was talking about those tubes. Anyway, it's a positive endorsement, perhaps, for some who question his past associations, whomever they may be, the fuckwits etc.

but, if his endorsement helps Obama I don't care what or who helps motivate anyone to vote for Obama just so long as it helps him become our new President and begin to change the direction and policies of this country.

Powell will forever live with his own conscience. Those who have lost loved ones in Iraq in a bogus war may never forgive him.

McDonalds last week so he too must be a terrorist!:scared:

Obama and Powell, terrorist birds of a feather!

Source: C-Span 6:15 a.m.

C-Span just announced that Colin Powell will indeed endorse Barack Obama for President and will announce this on Meet the Press today, Sunday 10-19-2008.

No link yet.

---

I have just heard on C-Span that Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama for President. He will make this known on Meet the Press with Tom Brokaw.

This is a devastating blow to McCain and the Republicans and what can give powerful support to Barack Obama for those who still believe he's lacking in the military/war credentials department.

and forgiving is part of our nature, an he is a man of great stature NATIONWIDE, in spite of your issues.

His endorsement is a lot bigger than some here think it is.

being a Progressive does not mean forgiving somebody for war crimes - ESPECIALLY if he has never admitted his crime and has never asked for forgiveness.

at worst or a CRIMINAL TOOL at the very least...

so, do you fogive the Nazis for what they did a all the camps just because you're a self described "progressive", too?

same category...

nt

and the side order was victory.

Despite that speech at the UN, which I did hold against him, I believe he was the only voice of experienced reason within that administration, and his forced resignation showed that.

That was a wonderful endorsement.

have to forgive a man who knowingly allowed thousands of U.S. troops and a million Iraqis to be murdered, in addition to their country being destroyed, ethnic cleansing to be conducted and the U.S. Treasury to be looted. I am a progressive and I would never sign on to that bullshit.

the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis that lost family members in this war of lies, promoted by your man of 'great stature', if we should forgive him.

He's a war criminal, plain and simple, there is no grey area.

Forgiveness, my fucking ass!

Your attitude is why this country is so fucked - you're willing to let criminals walk.

:sarcasm:
:eyes:

This is a big deal. Colin Powell is well respected by independents and conservatives. I wonder if McCain is having a meltdown?! heeheehee

will he implode?

and that McCain is "ready on Day 1" to make the hard decisions, and all O has done is write a couple of books. You know...easy stuff. There's nothin' easy about the White House, though.

That's what he said. Not convincing, esp since McCain lobbied hard for Powell's endorsement.

When your only tool is the Pentagon everything problem looks like a bulls-eye.

the endorsements of 4 secretaries of states and 200 retired generals. Whatever, asshole.

You know it does. You can see it on his wrinkly old face.

Until I clicked and saw your sarcasm simile. Whew. I was already to go McCain on you. This is great news!! I heard a commentator say last night that his endoresment would not mean as much to McCain as Obama. WTF? They have to be kidding. This is great. Powell is respected by most repugs and the military background he has is hugh! He shoots,he scores.:headbang:

Sorry to give you a shock. I am overwhelmed lately with the urge to snark and sarcasm all over these assholes.

I hope this dominates Mondays news cycle.

They are already saying exactly that all over freeper land. AND they are calling him a turncoat for betraying the Republican party that gave him EVERYTHING he has.

Not myself per se because of -- not only the UN performance -- but the My Lai cover-up as well...

He also spoke up about the stupidity of Michele Bachmann this morning and said that pushed him towards his decision as well.

try and spin this on MSNBC is pretty hilarious. You almost get the feeling that Diaz ( the RNC Hack) can strongly identify with Powell when Powell was in front of the UN thinking "I can't believe they want me to spew this bullshit and act like I believe it."

:woohoo:

I don't think it'll make a BIG difference, but it sure FEELS GOOD! And it doesn't hurt!!!!! (and a McCain endorsement would've hurt)

So I'd say this is a great! day!

Well, I guess that what was left of his conscience finally bubbled to the top of his atrophied brain!

:popcorn:

him under the bus they'll put it in drive, bump bump over Powell and then slam it in reverse to bump bump back over Powell. To me it seems that even Brokaw has an attitude about Powell endorsing Obama.?.?.? Maybe it's just me!

Brokaw looked like he wanted to burst into tears. Don't believe the hype. Brokaw is far from a non-partisan style anchor. I will never forget his smug look of satisfaction once he called the 2000 election for Bush. I will never, ever forget that. So, it wasn't just you.

I think we call this "rats leaving a sinking ship."

Obama has a large, broad coalition.

They are losing it http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2109437/posts

Powell is a bastard, simple. I don't see the point of rejoicing here. I don't see him swinging any votes that were not already going to lean toward Obama anyway. Everyone on there seems to indicate that the endorsement is because of race, blah blah blah

I think it of been better if the lying sack of shit endorsed McCain

"I don't see him swinging any votes that were not already going to lean toward Obama anyway."

How do you eat a whale? One bite at a time. How does Obama become President? One vote at a time. What is a Powell endorsement guaranteed to do? It gives Obama one more vote! I'll take it.

It was the bite my brother and future son-in-law needed to move them from McCain to Obama!

...but my "posting rights have been revoked" !! Just wanted to let the idiots know that i love the sound of neo-con heads exploding.

... but your link was great! They're going out of their minds. Here's a freeper post I found:

Three points about this:

1. Is Powell going to profit (vis-a-vie) Ifill's book?

2. Who has more stature - a sitting US Senator (J. Lieberman) or a retired AA general/SOS supporting the candidate of the opposing party for president?

3. Is there any difference between Colin Powell and Wesley Clark?


Yeah, that's it. It's about profiting from Ifill's book.

Who has more stature, Powell or Lieberman? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? And I'm not even going to dignify #3 with a response.

Thanks again for the link. Going to it periodically today will be very entertaining.

Wesley Clark is better looking. Not that Colin Powell is a troll or anything, but he's no Wesley Clark.

In my opinion, Powell quit the Bush administration because he saw through their lies, and didn't want to be complicit any more. His endorsement of our Barack redeems him, a little bit, for his involvement with the Bushco lies.

If he did, it’s pure racism.

Well at least he’s not a racist /sarc
Os it all about skin color with these people?
I can’t believe anyone with his intelligence could do this, my God.

I hate to say it, but it would seem race has played a crucial role in this.

Yes its based on race. Whats next..Condi..? I have no idea how a Republican could endorse the biggest liberal in the Senate. gross.

Powell, closet racist.

Powell has always been on the left (leaning). He sees an advantage, I dont believe this will put Hussein over the top.

It is so sad when ones loyalty and common sense goes no further than the color of the skin. Despicable!!!!!!!

Why do I have the feeling skin color might have something to do with it?

I fully expect Condi to endorse zerO.

Watch the republican base rally and be mad as hell, its out in the open, the one top black general endorses the black candidate, thats just racist, i guess, well it is in Baracks book.

Dr. King’s dream is dead. It’s totally about the color of skin for these people. The content of ones character has ZERO bearing on their decision.

Powell just sold his soul to the antichrist. God help us all and America’s blood will be on Powell’s hands.

Semi whites stick together
These are some posts from freerepublic re: Powell's endorsement.

Unfortunately, I believe this election has pushed the improvement made in race relations back 60 years.
But, it's also funny how as soon as an African American leaves the Liberal, "Pay me now!" plantation, they're labelled an Uncle Tom.

We’ve known for years that Powell is more than just a puke RINO. Now we know he’s a racist too.

BLACKNESS is the ONLY thing that matters!!!
Talk about hitting the nail on the head!

Bring out the Jeremiah Wright racist ammo now!

Affirmative action in motion. As they say in my family, “$hit floats”.

He was traded by the black community along with Condi Rice for Tiger woods (See Dave Chappelle Show)

They can not fathom how their policies and philosophy have destroyed this country and that the people have the audacity to finally wiseup and vote in their own interests.

Now Colin Powell is a racist because he endorsed Obama? Not only that, they expect Condi to do the same? This is exactly why this party is not only being stripped of its power in practically every sector but they are heading towards a separation within itself. Colin Powell hinted toward it in his interview. The party is becoming more and more exclusive and alienating. There will be a major divide within this party very, very soon. And you know how it goes...divide and conquer!

Anyway, past f@ckups aside, Colin Powell did the right thing and the way he explained his decision and concerns came across as very honest and fair. Yes, I understand that he desperately needs to redeem himself but I truly believed what he was saying. I could hear the anger he was trying to suppress when he spoke of the Ayers attack ads. So, while I didn't expect it, I was positive affected by what he said. Do I trust him? Hell naw, but I was positively affected by what he said on MTP.

:rofl:

-- If he did, it’s pure racism.

-- SCREW THIS BARFING IDIOT!

POWELL JUST REINFORCED EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, WE ALWAYS SAID WHY HE WAS A LOSER, PHONY REPUBLICAN!

-- Yes its based on race. Whats next..Condi..? I have no idea how a Republican could endorse the biggest liberal in the Senate. gross.

-- Racist MOFO

-- I fully expect Condi to endorse zerO.

-- Powell is a racist. Powell is a racist.
He cares not for his country just his race.

Let's start a drive to ban the use of "African-American" except in the case of dual citizenship.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2109437/posts


Signing Off, need shower

I just saw Powell's follow-up press Q&A outside the NBC studios and he had a lot to say about a lot of things -- including the "tone of the campaign" -- the issues McCain has chosen to focus on (Ayers,socialist,Muslim,Arab); and taxes. His message on taxes -- what they are FOR and how they are paid was the most grown-up, mature position I have heard from a Republican in a very long time.

Yes, taxes, suck. And yes, government doesn't always do the best job with taxpayer money. But, neither does the private sector. They are both human institutions for crying out loud! Anyway, Powell said that taxes are ALWAYS about moving wealth around -- but they are NECESSARY if we want roads, hospitals, schools, bridges, etc.

Republicans don't bat an eyelash about spending our tax money on Iraq infrastructure. But heaven forbid we spend any of it here. Screw the Minnesota bridge that is collapsing. Screw the Lousiana levies that fail!

P.S. Powell especially singled-out the Congresswoman who said the press should find out which members of Congress are pro-American and which ones are anti-Americans.

:hi:

Member since Nov 10th 2006.

synopsis, and welcome to DU!:hi: :hi: :hi: :thumbsup:

:hi:

Nicely written post and very good point about how they don't mind wasting money in Iraq but don't want to spend it here. You're absolutely right, and it's absolutely nuts.

:thumbsup:

And Fox News's head is collectively exploding. Reality bites.

should apologize for using Powell in the wmd lies - or Powell should tell us the truth about his role and the big lie PLUS apologize.

I added it to the OP.

So?

Let’s not forget that one of Powell’s first jobs was to try to cover up the My Lai massacre.

He supported Bush for President - then he supported the Bush LIE to the WORLD about WMD and the need to attack Iraq. He has pretty much kept his mouth shut about it.

I'll change my mind if he EVER start documenting where 'all of the bodies are buried". Until then.....

Colon is an asshole.

Period.

He willingly lied to the U.N. KNOWING HIS BOSSES WERE LYING ABOUT THE NONEXISTENT WMD.

Far too many are willing to overlook this criminal's actions based on their desire to win at all costs.

In my book. At least he recognizes the errors of his ways

Well done Colin Powell.

Fox is suggesting that Powell was spurned by McCain as a VP candidate: "How might have this affected his decision?". They're also "wondering" how Powell can possibly square his endorsement with Obama's opposition to the Iraq war, and are now going off on a talking points tangent about unrelated stuff like Joe the Plumber, Obama's "socialist" proposals, wealth redistribution, huge taxes increases, blah blah. Powell hasn't been mentioned for 5 minutes now. This is damage control at it's worst!

Colin Powell to be his running mate - spurned my ass!

I will admit that Powell smacked that twit down real good!

but I'm glad he endorsed Obama.

I'm not sure how much weight he has any more.
But this can't hurt.
And maybe the intelligent Republicans (yeah, I know.. .that's quite an oxymoron) will consider this as they cringe over Palin's candidacy and McCain's hate speech.

True conservatives, like Buckley, Jr., are very uncomfortable with their party.

They'll either sit out, or follow Powell's lead.

By jove, I think we're on to something....

Reasonable, intelligent Republicans like Powell should kick the idiots out of their party.

Like many of you I have negative feelings about Colin Powell after his "performance" at the UN.
I am not prepared at this time to let him off the hook for that. He was the final "sell" for a war that resulted in so many deaths and injuries. A war that has cost the taxpayers nearly a 600 billion dollars (so far) and squandered the good name of The United States.

“I don’t believe 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.”

with this endorsement and his very well articulated and thought out message of inclusion and the rightwing tilt of the Republican party

What some folks are missing because of his UN speech and their feelings about that is that a man who is probably the major figure representing moderate, sane Republicans not only endorsed Obama; he eloquently explained why in terms that probably spoke for most moderate, sane republicans (a dying breed). It was a statement that I feel has the potential to tip undecided voters our way, and even make a few republicans decide to vote for the Democrat this year. Powell may have articulated for many people why they are uncomfortable about McCain, and given them support in voting for Obama.

Let's not forget that he helped lie us into the FIRST Gulf War as well.

My friend just helped me put air in my tire, and while we were out by the car discussing who Powell will endorse...........the news a=was racing around the net!
Meet the Press had s JUST BEGUN! and Huff po & DU have already typd the news.
:toast: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Wasnt Powell instrumental in passing the Dont Ask Dont Tell?

When will he admit that he was wrong?

Wow. That was an amazing endorsement. That part about the Muslim soldier really got to me.

Gobama!!

I thank him for his endorsement of Obama.

Powell made huge mistakes by being a puppet for Bush. His conscience is probably hurting big time.
There is a time for all of us to move forward and learn from our mistakes. His was huge. He was used by Bush and Co. He knows that now.

... and whatever McLunatic has been babbling about has now been knocked
off the tracks.

You can't beat the timing.

no small achievement...

...and I agree with others on Powell's past choices; however, he still is a respected figure for many.

It was very affecting, especially the end about the Muslim soldier. It's about time that someone said, "What's wrong with being a Muslim? What's wrong being a 7 year old Muslim kid?" The answer, of course, is "nothing". And he's the only one I've heard that's stated it quite like that (in the so-called "mainstream media"). Too many niceties toward McCain (no, he would NOT be a good President; he has shown quite the opposite, in fact). But, overall, he hit back on the main topics, including this Ayers nonsense, and the obvious erratic decision to name this divisive, incapable woman as a running mate.

Sounds like the post-MTP Q&A is worth watching. Now I need to find it!

Last week Gen. "Cuz" sent me an egregious, racist right-wing screed that I had to delete before I finished reading, lest I blow a gasket. Gen. Cuz was promoted from brigadier general to major general during Gulf War-1, when General Colin Powell was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Cuz loved Colin Powell.

But Cuz, a smart man (he was a senior VP at Exxon, too), is politically informed these days by the likes of Limbaugh and Fox News. I can't even respond to his political emails anymore.

Cuz watches the Sabbath Gasbag shows religiously, so I know he has gotten this news by now. I'm sure it will be a four-martini-lunch day for General Cuz today.

"connection".

He looked like he was about to break into tears...:D

I thought I heard a sonic boom this AM here in Nebraska, but turned out to be little more than the R's collectively crapping their pants right after the endorsement.

R's collectively crapping their pants right after the endorsement.

:rofl:

Spare me the bullshit about Powell's innocence. He knew he was lying when he lied.

Gee, now if only some more people from the Bush administration would just endorse Obama then all the torturing, maiming, and dying can be worth it.

NT!

"People say 'You know Senator Obama is a muslim' well the correct answer is no he's not but the real answer is WHAT IF HE IS!?" YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT?!!?

Maybe not an exact quote

for some reason, that song just came to mind when I read this thread title.

dg

Suck on that Faux News.

Gen. Powell's admonishment of the GOP for it's gutter tactics and testimony to Sen. Obama's mettle were both powerful endorsements of the Obama campaign. This statement will cause the public to reevaluate the tone of the election and help move the debate forward to more relevant topics.

the limpball republicans hated him,the bush/cheney republican used him,and in the end he found that he sold his soul.


the endorsement is the first step on the long road to redemption

that Powell serves.

Is that supposed to give me comfort?

Of laying out the case FOR Senator Obama while stating the failures of Sen. McCain to make his case in an HONORABLE, and HONEST way.

Of course we all know the immediate assessment will be: Powell is a traitor to his party - the party that gave him so much, and the reason for his betrayal is race.

Powell may have been duped by the RW or he may have lied on behalf of the Administration


BUT


as of today he is doing the right thing

:eyes:

it say's more about YOU than the PATRIOTS here you're trying to slime...

Really?!?! So, if an at-large serial rapist-murderer endorsed Obama, they would be doing the right thing, and we should forgive all of that pesky rape and murder!?!

Powell is a war criminal. Doing the right thing would be turning himself in to an international criminal court, and telling the absolute truth about all he knows regarding who perpetrated the war crimes he was involved with or knowledgeable of, and how.

What are we thinking?

I wish I knew how you sleep at night.

Her parents who are die-hard Republicans are in a free-fall. First their "bible" The Chicago Tribune endorsed Obama and now their hero Colin Powell endorsed him. I have no respect for Powell but this endorsement, in a psychological way, is huge for Obama.

A big part of waging war is the psychological aspects of doing so. This may become one of the biggest psyche-jobs in political history.

I had lost respect for Colin Powell after his UN speech, but I know a large number of people of R, I and D persuasion who hold this man in high esteem. This is wonderful!

It is so sad when ones loyalty and common sense goes no further than the color of the skin.


:popcorn: :spray:

Wouldn't it be funny if every time a freeper made such an unitentionally ironic statement, they got a little static shock?

...Trent Lott got slammed for pining for the good ol days of Strom Thurmond's Dixiecrat movement. He pointed out that the Republicans weren't apologetic for what he said, just that he said it in public for all to hear.

Conservatives...and by extension, the bulk of the Republican Party...are at their very cores an very racist, bigoted group of people. They stopped being the party of Lincoln when the Old Guard southern Democrats fled this party and flocked to the GOP, and the liberal Republicans came here.

the one they always deferred to whenever their inherent racism was called into question. "No we're not! See? We have Colin Powell!"

have resorted to their last line of (McCain) defense. Race...Race...Race...Race.
After all, they are the ONLY real Americans.

Powell still has a lot of cred.

Amazing example of sacrifice to this country by a person of Muslim faith.

It isn't over yet...it isn't over yet...it isn't over yet... BUT IT SURE LOOKS GOOD, DON'T IT?

Is this one step on the long road to redemption for what he did at the UN five years ago?

Republicans for Obama thing. I mean, anyone can just say that they are Republicans who are supporting Obama--the same could be said about Democrats for McCain (if such a so-called movement exists). I never really quite believed in the whole Republicans for Obama thing until now, that is... and such a prominent figure in the party. This is awesome.

This endorsement is good, because it will appeal to the undecideds and some fence sitting republicans. So for that reason and that reason alone, I am happy! He also told the truth about Palin and talked unity.

That's my first thought. He gave away his reputation and his credibility with his support of bush and co.

I thought, or used to think, that for a war monger and a repuke, he was as honorable a man as possible within his limits. He lost his honor.

Endorsing Obama? To me, it shows he had a vestige of honor, no matter how small, no matter what other motivations he has left.

He fucking owes us. He owes the country.

I think there's a lot of people that like Obama but they're concerned he might be too Liberal. Powell's endorsement will certainly help them see that Obama is exactly what America needs right now.

Not sure why who Colin Powell endorses matters that much in the first place and not sure why this helps Obama. How many black voters conservative enough or dumb enough to still be supporting the Republican ticket are going to be turned by the endorsement of a man they regard as barely a Republican in the first place? And what other significant block of undecided voters does he swing? Based on the venomous reactions to Powell by the Freeper types, he might have turned more votes away from McBush by endorsing HIM, rather than his opponent.

Powell is despised and mistrusted by large blocks on both sides of the aisle. He's sold his soul for nothing and has rightly been consigned to irrelevance...

IS HELL. Another republican party "higher up" has abandoned that sinking ship.

I believe that you are wrong because you are looking at things through leftist-lenses. Out in mainstream America -- and especially red sectors of the country -- General Colin Powell continues to be a well-respected figure. While some here may think that his UN performance was unforgivable, the majority of Americans did not watch it and even if they heard it they did not care. For that matter many Americans do not know about it. His endorsements matters because there are many veterans that I know (being one myself) who have an immense amount of respect for Colin Powell and feel that the Republican party has not looked out for them. There are also a lot of folks that are liberal to moderate Republicans who feel the Republican party has left them behind. It is for these people -- and I'm sure there are other pockets who could be talked about -- that his endorsement will matter. Let's also not forget the seniors out there...

This endorsement is huge. Take it to the bank.

As people right here in this thread demonstrate, it's okay to lie us into a war that kills a million innocent Iraqis, as long as the war criminal endorses our guy.

It's fucking horrifying.

The Rebub base will dismiss it and attack Powell, but it doesn't matter. Independents and smart repubs will definitely consider Powell's endorsement if they have not yet made up their mind.
If we remain diligent and continue to play it smart- we are two weeks away from President Obama.

I'll take his endorsement of Obama. This is why..

I think that the PTB, those pulling the strings in the background, even they, are terrified out of their wits at the prospect of a Sarah Palin presidency.

This is not to defend McCain, God knows! He truly is "McSame". He has no insight into the problems facing this country, and seems unable to coherently think-through what needs to be done. But, more importantly, he is clearly in poor health, and the person waiting in the wings, if he were to die, has the emotional maturity of a not-very-bright eight year old. Cunning?..yes. Depth of character?..absolutely not.

Watching McCain these past few weeks it seems that, if I might use a cliche, "he doesn't know whether to sh*t or go blind". He can't control the crowds, filled with old KKKers, simpletons and throwbacks to some darker period in our history. And Palin is giving permission for the expression of this hatred and racism. If she (and yes, Todd) were to step into the Oval Office, it would be the END of this country. No hyperbole intended.

So the cooler heads, moderate Republicans etc. are sending out the heavy-hitters i.e. Powell, to try to turn this around. I don't think this is too far off the mark. YMMV.

for a host of reasons but the real question is, will his endorsement help us win by influencing moderate Republicans and Independents? I for one, will graciously accept his endorsement for I believe the answer is yes. I think he did us a great service by challenging the Muslim issue, Ayers, the readiness of Palin, and McCain's erradic behavior on national tv. However, because he endorsed Obama, we must be vigilant in monitoring his comments from this time forward. If he becomes critical of the Obama administration, some will say well he's black and endorsed him so he has more credibility in his contrary insights. To this end, we need to be ready with our strategies to combat the possibility of giving him too much power in the future.

that Brokaw, that Republican shill scumbag, immediately tried his best to dilute with his usual dishonest characterizations and typical partisan garbage.