Sunday, October 19, 2008

Colin Powell does not speak for me ...

So the rumors were true, and Colin Powell today endorsed Barack Obama for President. When asked if he was still a Republican, he said yes. Hmm.

In off-the-cuff remarks with the press this morning, Powell made conflicting comments and criticisms. He said the negativity of the McCain campaign helped make his decision to go with Obama.

He also said he had wanted the McCain campaign to be more inclusive. Interesting.

This is the man who supported going to war in Iraq and made the successful argument to the United Nations; he praised the progress in Iraq; he supported the Surge. John McCain supported going to war in Iraq and supported the Surge.

Barack Obama says he was against the war from the beginning; we know he voted against the Surge.

As reported on CNN:
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign."

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says he is voting for Barack Obama.

"He has both style and substance. I think he is a transformational figure," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"Obama displayed a steadiness. Showed intellectual vigor. He has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well," Powell said.

Powell, a retired U.S. general and a Republican, was once seen as a possible presidential candidate himself.

Powell said he questioned Sen. John McCain's judgment in picking Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate because he doesn't think she is ready to be president.

He also said he was disappointed with some of McCain's campaign tactics, such as bringing up Obama's ties to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.
Would anything have made Powell support John McCain? There have been rumors for months that he would support Obama so today's announcement really is not unexpected ... but he does not speak for me.

6 comments:

Jason Bibeau said...

This should not surprise anyone, especially since the former Generals absense at the convention. This endorsement came later than expected, but clearly was expected.

Anonymous said...

Lynn, He was never going to endorse McCain. He even mentioned that he had been "talking" to Obama for about two years. On the subject of negative ads....I guess an ad making fun of McCain because he doesn't use a computer isn't negative advertising?

Powell is not Republican...A true republican does not want Government health care.

Lynn R. Mitchell said...

AWC, I agree it was expected but it's still a disappointment. Look what else he is backing when he supports a Democrat for President -- that entire liberal platform. Sad.

Lynn R. Mitchell said...

GOP Rock, Powell's accusations of negative ads is laughable ... and he knows better. That's why everything he said was confusing and a bit hypocritical.

Republican? Backing a Democrat for President? That will never make sense to me.

Anonymous said...

or a Republican packing a Democrat for a senate seat.

Unknown said...

Actually, Powell is a RINO and has been for some time now. I lost faith in him when he made it clear he no longer supported the Conservative beliefs. He is a major disappointment. There was a time when I would have supported him for POTUS but sure glad he didn't run. He has shown his true colors.