Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell revealed on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday morning that he is endorsing Senator Barack Obama for president of the United States. In the home stretch of this election, this endorsement is significant because as a revered Republican, Powell has transcended party lines to publicly acknowledge his support of Obama’s candidacy.
Powell admitted that his decision wasn’t an easy one and expressed his regret for “disappointing” his longtime friend and fellow military brother, Senator John McCain, with his choice of allegiance. However, Powell also stated that he realizes, like many Americans, that the country is in desperate need of a change.
“I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I’ll be voting for Senator Barack Obama,” said Powell.
Not to mention Powell addressed his unhappiness with the McCain campaign’s negative accusations of Obama pushing a socialist agenda and his association to 1960’s radical William Ayers during a time when the economy, war in Iraq, and our education system should be at the forefront of the issues.
Many have speculated that the Republican Party is unhappy with John McCain’s choice in Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a running mate, which is a reflection of the level of his discernment and judgment as a president. Powell addressed this issue by saying, “…I don’t believe she’s ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice-president.”
Powell also discussed race issues, his relationship with current President George W. Bush, and his deep involvement to go to war in Iraq was based on the intelligence received at the time that it was necessary to use military force in Iraq.
Although he is aware of how his decision—one Black man endorsing another—might be perceived, he assured that his choice had nothing to do with race and everything to do with his belief that America has progressed enough to vote a Black man into the White House.
Powell admitted that his decision wasn’t an easy one and expressed his regret for “disappointing” his longtime friend and fellow military brother, Senator John McCain, with his choice of allegiance. However, Powell also stated that he realizes, like many Americans, that the country is in desperate need of a change.
“I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I’ll be voting for Senator Barack Obama,” said Powell.
Not to mention Powell addressed his unhappiness with the McCain campaign’s negative accusations of Obama pushing a socialist agenda and his association to 1960’s radical William Ayers during a time when the economy, war in Iraq, and our education system should be at the forefront of the issues.
Many have speculated that the Republican Party is unhappy with John McCain’s choice in Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a running mate, which is a reflection of the level of his discernment and judgment as a president. Powell addressed this issue by saying, “…I don’t believe she’s ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice-president.”
Powell also discussed race issues, his relationship with current President George W. Bush, and his deep involvement to go to war in Iraq was based on the intelligence received at the time that it was necessary to use military force in Iraq.
Although he is aware of how his decision—one Black man endorsing another—might be perceived, he assured that his choice had nothing to do with race and everything to do with his belief that America has progressed enough to vote a Black man into the White House.