McClatchy: Powell's Obama endorsement 'devastating,' analysts say

Powell's Obama endorsement 'devastating,' analysts say

By Margaret Talev, William Douglas and Nancy A. Youssef | McClatchy Newspapers


WASHINGTON — Colin Powell, a retired general who'd often been mentioned as a Republican presidential candidate himself, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president Sunday during the taping of NBC's "Meet the Press" television program.

Political analysts said Powell's endorsement, coupled with a blistering critique of the campaign of Republican Sen. John McCain, especially of the selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate, was a serious blow to McCain's candidacy, particularly in swing states with large numbers of undecided voters.

"It was a devastating critique. He gave a convincing national endorsement. That's what made it so damaging," said Larry J. Sabato, the director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. "This is a more important endorsement than Oprah's."

Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa, said that Powell appeals to independents who are socially liberal, fiscally conservative and moderate on defense issues. Because they shun party labels, they are more swayed by personality, and Powell is a respected national figure. Independents make as much as 9 percent of voters in swing states.

The timing of the endorsement is key as well. In some swing states, voting has already begun. And in Florida, early voting begins Monday. Obama will be campaigning in Tampa.

"That is why this is a prized endorsement," McManus said. "I can't think of a more important endorsement at this point in the campaign."

G. Terry Madonna, director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania, echoed this comments.

"This is a huge endorsement, maybe the most significant endorsement he's got," Madonna said. ""For undecided voters who are looking at their concerns about national security and defense, this is a plus."

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/54418.html

Them what got ears to hear, let 'em hear.

Monday starts the Florida Blitz and Obama is making a big push to win this state.

Obama is a master campaigner. Remember how he rolled out Edwards' endorsement the day after Hillary's big primary victory? This guy knows what he's doing. Dont be surprised when he pulls three more rabbits from his hat in the next two weeks.

has been said repeatedly, if he can run this country like he's run his campaign, we will all be winners.

and populist tone.


Very impressive. I've never seen anything like it, and I've been working on Dem campaigns in one form or another for 30 years.

he would endorse after the Debates to make up his mind.

And, it all came together at the best time..even though there were so many calling for him to "ENDORSE NOW!"

He'll make a brilliant president. B-)

stamp "rejected" on McCain's forehead.

More snips from your article..

"Powell said that McCain's emphasis on Ayers — whose fleeting relationship with Obama, Powell said, was irrelevant to America's concerns now — was one of the reasons he found McCain's campaign disheartening.

In a seven-minute explication of his reasons for endorsing Obama, Powell also critcized McCain for his response to the economic crisis and said that McCain's choice of Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate led him to question McCain's judgment.

"Now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president, Powell said.

"It isn't easy for me to disappoint Senator McCain in the way that I have this morning, and I regret that," Powell said. "But I strongly believe that at this point in America's history we need a president that will not just continue — even with a new face and with some changes and with some maverick aspects — will not just continue basically the policies that we have been following in recent years."

we thought we heard a small gasp, a catch in the throat and it wasn't Powell that it came from...

It's obvious brokaw is in the tank for mcpalin.

How dare he be so corporatemediawhore obvious?!

genius at work.

I mean -true- genius.

considered a prized endorsement. I was not concerning myself with the independents that are moderate on the defense issues who vote personality.

It's truly over now. Not to become complacent but the reality is McCain is finished. The only question now is how big will Obama's victory be on Nov 4.

detail and assuredness similar to Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence. They both knew they had to make their case and be clear about it and they both nailed it.

in Powell's life, too.

....above the 6ft of dirt on top of the overly-nailed coffin of the long-dead McCain campaign.