General Colin Powell endorses Obama

So, in case there's anyone out there following the election who DIDN'T know..

Sunday, on Meet the Press, General Powell formally endorsed Senator Obama. His reasons were many and various and included his concerns regarding the way McCain's campaign has been run in the last few weeks, the selection of Sarah Palin as VP, the fact that the next president will pick two supreme court justice and the general "narrowing" of the Republican Party.

What do you think about this?

As a republican, I was very surprised for sure...

As a Republican, does it makes you reconsider who you plan to vote for?

Too little, too late.

He was in a position to prevent much death, maiming, and destruction, but did not do so. 

watched the interview on Sunday. Was much relieved. I have always liked Colin Powell, even with the sell job to the UN. Still believe he thought he was relaying facts.

Totally agree with the 'narrowing' of the party. It has been evident throughout the campaign, and certainly during the last four years of the current administration.

Original Post by hkellick:

As a Republican, does it makes you reconsider who you plan to vote for?

 I am not thrilled with either candidate.  There are many things about McCain I like...many I don't.  Same with Obama.  For me, there isn't a clear cut perfect choice.  National securtity is the biggest issue for me...and I feel that Obama is a bit too willing to negotiate...that is the main check against him.  There will be a lot of studying for me the next 2 weeks. 

What I find... irritating, but not surprising, is that Faux News is suggesting that this endorsement was made just because Powell is black. Which is both patently ridiculous and not a little racist.

I thought General Powell laid his case out pretty thoroughly. You may not agree with it (and I wouldn't expect Faux News to do so), but the least you could do is respect it.

Don't you feel General Powell deserves your respect, Faux News?

I'm a Republican and it doesn't change the way i'm voting.  There's no way i'm voting for Barack Socialism, Partial Birth Abortion and Big Government Obama.  MCCAIN/PALIN 08!!!!!!!

*sigh*

for the record:

The government is just as big under republicans, Obama has never advocated for partial birth abortions and there is a difference between social programs and socialism - and let's not forget that a republican administration is nationalizing the banking system-  as socialist as it comes.

If one wants a movement towards a smaller government, they'd be hard pressed to find an example of it in the past eight years under a Republican adminstration.  Just sayin'....

As for Powell, I thought his statement was very eloquent, and I liked how he spoke to the need for unity, and to not disparage people based upon their faith - the mention of the Muslim soldier killed in the line of duty was very touching.  I've read a lot of hard core Republicans that are now calling him a traitor, which was expected, I guess. 

The reference to the Muslim boy buried at Arlington made me cry.

I don't view him as a traitor, but it does show how torn this nation is...

I do believe it demonstrates how torn the republican party is.  Too many centrist republicans have been left behind in this campaign, Powell is one of them.

Powell was thoughtful, intelligent, and well-spoken, as always.  He is one political figure that inspires trust (which is unusual to say the least).  The fact that he is being vilified for his statements is ridiculous - he is still the same man, with the same merits.

Original Post by kathygator:

I do believe it demonstrates how torn the republican party is.  Too many centrist republicans have been left behind in this campaign, Powell is one of them.

 I was one too Kathy.  When it became clear who the candidates would be, I liked both.  I admired McCain as a moderate centrist, and I was impressed with Obama's education and community achievements as well as his speech 4 years ago at the DNC.  I thought there was a good chance we'd have a well fought campaign based on issues and without rancor and negativity.

McCain really shattered my image of him when he picked S.P.  Now I'm deeply disappointed in the tack he's taken of rabble rousing and hate speech.  There is no way I can vote for him.

Obama, on the other hand, has proven himself to be calm in the face of personal attacks, well versed on the issues and willing to stick to the important issues.  I also admire his family more than McCain's.  I can't wait to see those two little girls in the Whitehouse.

Original Post by kae03:

There will be a lot of studying for me the next 2 weeks. 

What have you been doing for the last 9 months?

Following things closely...for me, it isn't as clear cut as it is for many...One candiate doesn't have what I would hope for.  It really will come down to making a list and weighing what matters the most to me, what I can let slide and see who comes out on top.  As it is now, McCain is the one who has my vote...not that I am 100% for all he talks about, but he is closer in some of my "big gun" issues.  I am watching them both closely for consistancy and not promising one thing to one group and another to a differnt group...I am not thrilled with either...

I'm not suprised about the endorsement...just that it came so late.  I thought he was supposed to announce his endorsement at the Democratic Convention. I guess someone in the Obama campaign thought it better to wait until the last minute to announce it and hopefully splinter the Republican Party further.  It'll be a lot harder for McCain to hold the base now.  I'm guessing that's the whole idea...going for the conservative base by bringing out Powell. 

Edited to add:

I'm seriously considering voting for everything on the ballot and leaving off a vote for President, or maybe I'll vote "Present".  It's gonna be a long 4 years.

Powell endorsing Obama was a big surprise, IMO. Powell is a republican, and the former secretary of state under George Bush, and a close friend of McCain.

I doubt very seriously if he was asked to wait to endorse Obama. I believe he gave careful consideration to his decision to break with his party, and was truly not decided until recently.

Would like a link regarding his being scheduled to endorse Obama at the convention, because I am nearly certain he was not.

Original Post by hkellick:

As a Republican, does it makes you reconsider who you plan to vote for?

As a person who can make decisions and think for themselves, why would it?

And as far as this being a suprise, this was expected and informally announced three months ago. 

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/14/krist ol-colin-powell-to-endorse-barack-obama/

Oh my god, fox news??? SNAP.

Original Post by caverlady:

I'm seriously considering voting for everything on the ballot and leaving off a vote for President, or maybe I'll vote "Present".  

The national Presidential election isn't the Illinois state legislature - interesting comment, though.  (I'm pretty sure the write in option is still there.)  I have a few disappointed co-workers that will be writing in a random name because they can't bring themselves to vote for either Obama or McCain.  One said they would be writing in Stephen Colbert.