Colin Powell set to endorse Obama

Denis Irwin

General Colin Powell, the former US Secretary of State, is preparing for a live TV interview tomorrow amid intense speculation that he is ready to endorse Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
Aides from John McCain's camp are bracing themselves for another damaging blow, with one being quoted yesterday as suggesting that such an announcement from General Powell would be "personally embarrassing" for the Republican nominee -- with whom the general has been friends for 25 years".
General Powell, who once considered an attempt to become America's first black president, has strong credentials on national security policy.
Since quitting as secretary of state in 2005, he has distanced himself from President George W Bush.
Last month he said that electing a black president would send an electrifying message to the world, before adding that he would base his decision on which candidate "blends a right measure of experience and judgment".

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/americas/us-elections/colin-powell-tipped-to-desert-navy-veterans-1502862.html

This is going to be a major slap in the face for McCain.

banquo

Ouch indeed. There've been rumours since forever, nice to see him finally endorsing one of them

Black Swan

Not surprised if this happens, as the General left Bush's cabinet largely after the first term due to a disagreement over the conduct of the Iraq War. Of course Bush was more qualified to make military decisions based upon his heroic war record defending the State of Texas from the State of Oklahoma during the Viet Nam Era, while the life long career military officer, 4-star general, and former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff wasn't? The General was also a Republican, so going against his Commander and Chief qualified him as a maverick?

CtrlSource

i really hope this happens. Powell is a figure i have huge respect for. His UN perfomance which disappointed me so much at the time turned out to be a case of him being shafted by the Bush administration and i believe that he was sincere in his beliefs at the time. Hope this endorsement rumour doesn't turn out to be a false alarm though

Manic Moran

I'd be fairly surprised, despite the speculation going around. At absolute worst, he'll decline to endorse anyone, methinks.

Of note, he dropped a couple of grand into McCain's fund last year, not too much is likely to have changed since then.

NTM

Sand

If he does endorse Obama it will be a fairly major nail in McCains campaign coffin. But he probably wont - given the friendship between himself and McCain and the fact that Obama doesnt need his support should the polls be taken as accurate.

The Mad Hatter

Manic Moran wrote: »

I'd be fairly surprised, despite the speculation going around. At absolute worst, he'll decline to endorse anyone, methinks.

Of note, he dropped a couple of grand into McCain's fund last year, not too much is likely to have changed since then.

NTM

Um...an awful lot has changed since then. An awful lot of the republican base seem to be, while not switching loyalties, at least heavily criticising the McCain campaign. I wouldn't be surprised if at least one or two of the republican heavy-hitters come down on the side of the democrats this time around.

The Raven.

I have always had great respect for Colin Powell as a dignified and honest statesman. In fact I think he would make a particularly good president. He would have been a great choice as VP for John McCain, but perhaps his support for abortion rights and "reasonable" gun control might not have augured well.

Having supported McCain both as a friend and with a sizable political donation, switching sides at this stage would be highly uncharacteristic of a man who, as an officer, placed such notable value on the concept of loyalty. If he had decided to support the Democrats with Hillary Clinton as presidential nominee, I would have still held him in high regard. However, I think it would be beneath his dignity if he were to do this merely to endorse the ‘first black president of the United States of America’.

MagicMarker

Anyone else mistake the title of this thread as saying Colin Farrell?

I should put my glasses back on.

norbert64

MagicMarker wrote: »

Anyone else mistake the title of this thread as saying Colin Farrell?

I should put my glasses back on.

it would still probably be accurate, lol.

Overheal

for those of us that still place Powell on the same shelf as the bush administration, whats so special about mr. powell that makes him an upstanding gentleman?

Lirange

That's a good question. Overrated and over esteemed in my view. Sure, he jumped ship after the first term but he was complicit in the Bush Iraq farce from from the start until his departure. The fact that he only came clean after he got unhitched is only a small notch on his rep.

Ludo

Manic Moran wrote: »

I'd be fairly surprised, despite the speculation going around. At absolute worst, he'll decline to endorse anyone, methinks.

Oh well:

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/19/colin-powell-endorses-obama/

Hobbes

Let the defamation of character begin!
- He is voting for a brutha!
- This is the guy who canvassed us into a war with Iraq.
- One of the Elitist

Jimbo

Sweet. McCains chances are getting slimmer and slimmer.

CtrlSource

Awesome! Quite a big blow to McCain-Palin

herobear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiLIWTs2Suo

this is so awesome

Denis Irwin

I wonder could we see Powell in Obama's cabinet perhaps as Secretary of Defence should Obama win.

FrankGrimes

Wow, that was incredibly articulate, measured, and persuasive. I think Powell's point about the inclusive nature of Obama's campaign and his use of the word 'polarising' in association with McCain's campaign will really resonate with undecided voters (those who like the idea of polarisation would probably have voted for McCain anyway).

There were also undertones in what he was saying that McCain was a good man but he didn't like what he heard from 'the party' that suggest he doesn't think McCain is in full control of his campaign or party.

herobear

this is the Soldier, that Powell talks about:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Khan&GScid=49269&GRid=20854848&

CivilServant

herobear wrote: »

[YOUTUBE/]aiLIWTs2Suo[/YOUTUBE]


this is so awesome

It is

Very touching story about the muslim American soldier who gave his life for his country but a large number of people would hope to discredit whatever positive impact he had on the country, and label Muslims in general terrorists or potential terrorists. Good point about Obama's campaign being more inclusive than McCain's. Seems like the only way Republicans think they can win is to drive a wedge between people, you're either with us or against us.

Jimbo

I wonder how the 'balanced' Fox News is reporting this?

Victor

Overheal wrote: »

for those of us that still place Powell on the same shelf as the bush administration, whats so special about mr. powell that makes him an upstanding gentleman?

His was a voice of reason. When Rumsfeld was demanding war, Powell was taking a more reasoned, measured approach. Remember that Powell was one of the few in the Bush cabinet with (frontline) military experience. He knew that the war was going to be difficult, while the Walter Mittys were out for Blood and Steel.

Manic Moran

I am, indeed, surprised.

NTM

Charlie

If I was an American, I would rather see Powell for Pres. over McCain or Obama.

Seems to combine the best elements of both candidates (and i'm not talking about being a brutha).

The Raven.

Well I certainly overestimated him and his sense of judgement. Disappointing !!

Black Swan

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Wow, that was incredibly articulate, measured, and persuasive.

Powell is a very bright and experienced individual, who I believe to be more qualified than Obama for the US presidency, especially with two wars going. He pressed GW Bush to exhaust all diplomatic avenues before the Iraq War, and was quite outspoken about this, but Bush-Chaney wanted war (and oil). Being a Republican and the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Daddy Bush, plus Secretary of State under Baby Bush, this must be throwing the Republican believers a real curve indeed! He was also known to be a long time friend of McCain, so the message would not have been a good one for McCain to receive. Geeeeeee, Republican Powell seems to be more of a "maverick" than McCain!

Victor wrote:

He was a voice of reason

Ludo

Just watched the interview and also the chat with the press outside afterwards. Powerful stuff. Basically summed up my feelings about this election (in a very eloquent and intelligent way). The outside section is better than the actual interview to be honest...that Bachmann is some muppet.

It won't necessarily make much of a difference but it does point out in no uncertain terms how the GOP have disgraced themselves in this election.

Memnoch

Fox news does a brilliant hatchet job of the story on their website (probably even better on their channel).

http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/10/19/colin-powell-endorses-obama/

Read the comments from fox news viewers. They are very enlightening. One can only hope that enough independents/undecided's will get the full version of what Powell said, not the spun version doled out by Faux News and co.

brianthebard

How was it a hatchet job?

Overheal

its what youre not reading in the FOX article, basically.

Jack Sheehan

brianthebard wrote: »

How was it a hatchet job?

Yeah it seemed pretty measured to me, relatively at least.

Memnoch

brianthebard wrote: »

How was it a hatchet job?

They left out a lot of the important things he said. The truly inspiring and powerful stuff in his interview that makes the case for WHY he chose Obama. It's a clever article by Fox. Minimising the reasons for Powell's endorsement as much as they can. They are doing the same on the channel.

The results of this are reflected in the comments below the post. i.e. Powell's endorsement is about race, not about all the thoughtful and provocative issues he talks about.

brianthebard

Pfft, the speech itself was just seven minutes, but I doubt it will be repeated in its entirety on cnn or other stations? As for the comments, firstly fox can't control what people say or think and secondly these people would have said those things no matter what.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/19/colin.powell/index.html
For an article twice the length, the only thing added from the speech of any importance would be

In regard to the financial crisis, which Powell called the candidates' "final exam," Powell said McCain appeared unsteady in dealing with it, while Obama had excelled in handling the situation.


"Obama displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge," Powell said.
"He has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president," he said.

Not that big a difference imo.

Memnoch

brianthebard wrote: »

Pfft, the speech itself was just seven minutes, but I doubt it will be repeated in its entirety on cnn or other stations? As for the comments, firstly fox can't control what people say or think and secondly these people would have said those things no matter what.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/19/colin.powell/index.html
For an article twice the length, the only thing added from the speech of any importance would be

Not that big a difference imo.

I think they left out a lot more. I'm not going to bother getting into a detailed argument about it though since at the end of the day it's not going to make a huge difference whether I convince you or not.

I've watched a lot of fox news, and I think I have a pretty good idea of how they operate. Gotta admit though, they are damn good at what they do, and can be subtle too when the need arises.

Lirange

I think Powell made the case quite well.

Craft25

Overheal wrote: »

for those of us that still place Powell on the same shelf as the bush administration, whats so special about mr. powell that makes him an upstanding gentleman?

what is so important about mr. powell is precisely what makes him different from the bush administration:
he created a template for war that involved flooding the invaded country with as much US manpower as can be mustered (which is subsequently supposed to be followed by restoring infrastructure/water/electricity & handing over power to the strongest faction present) **he carried this out to a tee in Gulf 1 until Bush Snr. stupidly decided to put the machine into reverse**

His template was COMPLETELY IGNORED by Defsec donald rumsfeld who decided to reform the US military into a lean fighting machine whereby it would go in and out quickly, with minimal troop numbers and be able to be shifted around the globe to whereever the next conflict may arise...

Powell decided to stay in the Bush administration in the belief (naively IMO) that he could fight from the inside and make rumsfeld see sense..

Powell is hugely respected among those with military connections in the US.. as most of the military fought Rumsfeld and his blind obstinance all the way down the line..

Basically.. powell built the greatest, most effective army the world has seen, and the Bush administration ripped it apart

But you have a point.. how many ordinary voters will know about this.. not many.. but among military & Vets, especially in battleground states like Florida, NC and virginia it will definitely give Obama comander in chief credentials

Craft25

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27265729#27265729

full interview on meet the press

Dave!

Pretty damn perfect endorsement there from Powell...... If it gets widespread airtime then it could certainly sway some independents.

Hard to see how McCain could possibly come back now, but I shalln't be counting my chickens.

cooker3

I doubt this will make much of a difference to any independent voters. I think endorsements in general are pretty over-rated
What it does do is add to the general sense of invincibility and inevitably about the Obama campaign currently. Although that is not necessarily a good thing. Obama's biggest challenge may well be to ensure people don't think it's a forgone conclusion and actually come out to vote for him

mikemac

The Raven. wrote: »

I have always had great respect for Colin Powell as a dignified and honest statesman. In fact I think he would make a particularly good president. He would have been a great choice as VP for John McCain, but perhaps his support for abortion rights and "reasonable" gun control might not have augured well.

+1
I didn't know that about his policies, I'll take your word for it Raven

Hobbes wrote: »

- One of the Elitist

He's no elitist! Came from a poor family in Harlem, New York to some of the most senior posts in his country.
I recommend his autobiography to all

The Raven.

micmclo wrote: »

I didn't know that about his policies, I'll take your word for it Raven

'He is pro-choice regarding abortion, and in favor of "reasonable" gun control.'

Cited from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Powell#cite_note-issues-33

I usually find Wikipedia pretty accurate and they give links to sources. I wasn't passing judgement on the abortion issue or the gun control, but merely commenting on the fact that they may have contributed to his not being McCain's VP, although he appears to be reluctant to run anyway, for either side.

Overheal

Any comments about Powell endorsing Obama because he is black are totally misleading. After all the last tim I heard, Powell was now officially White:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=1927655158

will be interesting to see if he is part of Obama's cabinet. But there we go assuming Obama has the election in the bag again. the problem with all this landslide expectation is it can potentially damage the number of voters that feel compelled to make it out to the polls on election day.

Manic Moran

Basically.. powell built the greatest, most effective army the world has seen, and the Bush administration ripped it apart

Let's not exaggerate it, here.

Through absolutely no fault of his own, he was in charge as the US military started to radically downsize following the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. He inherited a huge, but highly capable 3rd Generation legacy force, which won the 1991 Gulf War., but had already started to reduce in scale. This accelerated after the 1991 war on the basis of the Peace Dividend. By the time he left, the force was smaller than it was when he got it, but without any of the next generation of equipment which was due to show up. Indeed, the majority of the modernisation plans for the legacy force were cancelled after Powell left, and the military capabilities reached a low during the Clinton years. Towards the end of the Clinton years the US military shifted focus to 4th Generation warfare and an effort to do more with less based on technology. By the time the 2003 Iraq invasion came along, a few of the new technologies were starting to filter through, but ultimately the war was fought and won by a legacy force using the same 1991-era technology, doctrine and tactics which Powell inherited. Over the last five years, the military's capability has increased dramatically, even without the increase in manpower. I can't speak for the other services, but the Army's had quite major leaps forward in the past few years, both in terms of technology and training. I have absolutely no doubt that the US Army of today is far more capable than that of 2000, and it's getting better all the time. Powell was an excellent CJCS, but not the Patton of Force Generation.

Craft25 wrote: »

But you have a point.. how many ordinary voters will know about this.. not many.. but among military & Vets, especially in battleground states like Florida, NC and virginia it will definitely give Obama comander in chief credentials

Unlikely, for several reasons. Firstly, you'll note that Powell's reasons for endoresement did not include CINC qualifications. It mainly revolved around what Powell thought most important right now (economy) and a dislike to the direction that the Republican party has turned, which is hard to argue against. Secondly, I don't think I've ever met a soldier who cares about endorsements. Thirdly, if a serviceman is voting on CINC credentials, Obama's going to lose to McCain. Period. If CINC credentials are not the prority for any particular military voter (eg they're more worried about the economy), then it doesn't matter if Powell thinks he'd make a good CINC or not, just like anyone else, they'll vote on what they think is important.

NTM

Hobbes

Craft25 wrote: »

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27265729#27265729

full interview on meet the press

Brilliant interview. Covers everything.

Surprised he didn't try for P/VP.

Podge_irl

Manic Moran wrote: »

Thirdly, if a serviceman is voting on CINC credentials, Obama's going to lose to McCain. Period.

Can I ask why? Its not a leading question, I'm genuinely curious. I realise McCain has served but presumably that alone does not qualify as "CINC credentials".

Manic Moran

Surprised he didn't try for P/VP.

A lot of Republicans didn't think he'd have had a chance. Given the climate of the time a year ago during the Primary season, he'd have never have survived past the first clip of his standing in front of the UN and saying "Iraq has WMD." That and he's been tainted by association with Bush. I think it's a bit stupid, personally, but that's life.

Podge_irl wrote: »

Can I ask why? Its not a leading question, I'm genuinely curious. I realise McCain has served but presumably that alone does not qualify as "CINC credentials".

It may sound immature, but it does have huge sway. People in any industry tend to prefer bosses who understand from personal experience what goes on at their own lower level. Both in terms of practical issues, and culture. Just imagine yourself in your own job if you were introduced to a new boss who came in from an entirely different industry and had little knowledge of what life is for yourself except for what he has picked up in passing. But he says he's got some great ideas for you!
Now, there doesn't seem to be anywhere near the same level of aversion to Obama as there was to Clinton, so at least he's not encumbered by active hostility.

NTM

Black Swan

Heard comments on the radio by Obama about Powell today, regarding Powell as a valued adviser. There was also some hint that if elected president, he might be talking to Powell about a "permanent" relationship. Although Powell is a Republican, my guess is that Obama will overlook that and consider him for Secretary of Defense. He would make a grand one, having reached the highest uniformed position in the US military as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, plus his emphasis on diplomacy first, unlike Bush, who likes to "shoot first and ask questions later."

Victor

Manic Moran wrote: »

A lot of Republicans didn't think he'd have had a chance. Given the climate of the time a year ago during the Primary season, he'd have never have survived past the first clip of his standing in front of the UN and saying "Iraq has WMD." That and he's been tainted by association with Bush. I think it's a bit stupid, personally, but that's life.

He probably would have had to use a "the party has losts its way" line after using the "I was following the President's instructions" line. Probably not a great way to get selected.

It may sound immature, but it does have huge sway. People in any industry tend to prefer bosses who understand from personal experience what goes on at their own lower level. Both in terms of practical issues, and culture. Just imagine yourself in your own job if you were introduced to a new boss who came in from an entirely different industry and had little knowledge of what life is for yourself except for what he has picked up in passing. But he says he's got some great ideas for you!

But the military is only one constituency. Obama can call on law and other professions, education, ethnic minorities and others that McCain can't call on as well as Obama.

irish_bob

personally , i think colin powell would make a much better president than obama

The Raven.

irish_bob wrote: »

personally , i think colin powell would make a much better president than obama

Absolutely!