Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
By Wyatt Earp | October 21, 2008
Did anyone honestly not see this one coming . . . except maybe McCain?
WASHINGTON — Colin Powell’s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama was as much a rejection of the Republican Party and Sen. John McCain’s campaign as an embrace of the Democratic presidential nominee, political analysts said Monday.
Syndicated columnist David Sirota said Monday that the Powell endorsement was a troubling sign for McCain as his campaign enters its final weeks. (H/T – CNN)
Okay, I have to admit, I am puzzled by this. Not the endorsement, necessarily, but the impact that the MSM is putting into it. I mean, who cares? Is Colin Powell the must-have endorsement in 2008? The man hasn’t been relevant since he was Secretary of State. And that was way back in 2005.
Is it a score for Obama? Sure, and it’s a definite blow to the McCain campaign, but I honestly don’t see this as the gigantic deal that the media is making it out to be. Now, to be fair, I was never a big fan of Powell. I respect the man and honor his service, but he did not exactly light the world on fire as SecState. Throw in the fact that he ripped the Bush administration almost immediately after he left office, and I think you get some insight into the man’s thinking.
Besides, I am not putting any credence into an endorsement from someone whose name sounds like a high-fiber cereal. I’m just sayin’.
Oh, and for the record, I think Powell’s insistence that his endorsement has nothing to do with race is complete and utter crap.
Topics: Politics | 13 Comments »
October 21st, 2008 at 1:22 am
Considering what I read in the Military Times poll, I have to agree with your last paragraph completely. The military overwhelmingly supports McCain, until you look at the “by race” graph. That’s depressing.
October 21st, 2008 at 4:32 am
Yeah, I didn’t realize it was such a big deal. He’s never really been in the conservative boat full-board. Then again, most people don’t really pay that close of attention to politics and think this is a big deal.
I have to wonder, though. I wonder who he’d be endorsing if Hillary had been the nominee.
Hey, electing for someone based on race has worked for Philly. /snark.
October 21st, 2008 at 7:18 am
I used to respect Colin Powell, but I guess that race trumps loyalty.
October 21st, 2008 at 7:56 am
Who is really surprised by this?
A general he may have been once but he is just another politician now. You are known by who and what you support.
October 21st, 2008 at 7:58 am
I think it was more of the fact the he rejected McCain rather than endorsing Obama.
You guys are great. This guy was a great military general, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of State for your boy Bush…basically everything that typical Republicans love UNTIL he doesn’t agree with you. AND then the race card, awesome!
Guess what, maybe the black guy is actually a better choice this time.
You’re just like band on the Titanic: “nothing’s wrong, just keep playing, gurgle, gurgle, gurgle…”
October 21st, 2008 at 9:15 am
Randal it is not about race. And Powell is just a Washington insider.Wanting more love and praise by the drive by media and liberals. And no the black guy is not the better choice.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:42 am
Powell’s endorsement is nothing more than race baiting.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:49 am
And the fact that he was immediately offered a post on Obama’s staff … pure coincidence.
October 21st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Dorkelina – I don’t have a problem with voting along racial lines, per se. But call it what it is. Don’t call whites racists for voting for John McCain. You hear me, Jack Murtha?
RT – He probably would have voted for Hillary. he and McCain never saw eye-to-eye.
Admiral – I saw it coming. I’m surprised a lot of pundits didn’t.
Randal – Did you even read this post? Have you ever read this blog? Search for Colin Powell here and tell me how many times I wrote something good about him. It won’t take long, because I never liked the guy. My point in writing this is that I didn’t see the big deal, and as an Obama supporter, you cannot honestly say this is a huge endorsement. Powell has been out of the limelight for three years!
Rick – And when is the last time Powell got serious camera time? This endorsement was as much about Obama as it was about Colin Powell.
Deanna – He probably agrees with a lot of Obama’s policies, and that’s fine. But to give such weight to the announcement is just silly.
Doghouse – Pay no attention to the job offer behind the curtain . . .
October 21st, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I think I’ve read a little bit of this blog. I’m well aware of your feelings towards Powell. According to some people who read this blog, you’re un-American for saying negative things about a military person, right.
I don’t really think that the MSM made “that” big a deal of it. Again, I think the main point that most of the MSM is making is not that Powell (or other Reps.) is voting for Obama but rather they’re choosnig to “not vote” for McCain.
October 21st, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Randal – Not every military person is of limits. Hell, Jack Murtha was a Marine, and I hope he gets penis cancer.
I see your point, though, and I wish we could have an election where people vote FOR a candidate, instead of AGAINST one. Haven’t had an election like that in a decade.
October 21st, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Nah, it isn’t about race, it is about the Bush Republicans and the Weapons of Mass Destruction they fed Powell to give to the World as an excuse to take down Iraq. He was betrayed and he is getting back – and he might really think Obama would be better than McCain. Doesn’t matter, we aren’t voting for candidates that Powell or Prince Charming endorse – does anyone care who Brittany Spears thinks should be President? I have figured out Rolling Stone’s choice – count the covers this year.
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 am
Earl – Or TIME Magazine. He’s the monthly cover
girlguy