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Is Powell about to get off the fence?

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor October 17, 2008 05:59 PM

The political world -- well, parts of it -- are abuzz today with speculation that Colin Powell might endorse Democrat Barack Obama on Sunday.

Powell, who served as President Bush's secretary of state, is to appear on NBC's "Meet the Press," prompting some to suggest that he might use that platform to make the announcement.

Powell has kept his choice close to the vest; just before the Democratic National Convention in late August, he batted down rumors that he would appear there to endorse Obama.

Powell's endorsement is prized because he is popular across the political spectrum. He was high on many Republicans' wish lists for vice president and has flirted with running for president himself.

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I hope that Colin Powell recognizes that his endorsement of Obama would not be simply a political statement. Instead, it would be a courageous and principled recognition that our nation can finally turn a page on the most troubling aspects of our past while declaring that, in the United States, the supreme executive power of our government is open to anybody with grit and determination regardless of their racial or religious background. Furthermore, that our contemporary REALITY -- not merely our hope -- is that America values ALL of its sons and daughters

Posted by Ernie Lazar October 17, 08 06:41 PM
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I hope that Colin Powell recognizes that his endorsement of Senator Obama would not be simply a political statement, but also an endorsement of the best candidate for the job of President of the United States of America. Color should not be an issue, not black, not red, not blue; simply the best qualified person to lead the United States for the next four years. As much as I hope people do not vote against a black man for President, I also don't want them to vote for a black man for President. Senator Obama should be elected regardless of his race.

Posted by Joyce T Radcliffe October 17, 08 07:25 PM
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Since Powell is a friend to McCain and Obama, he simply not endorse either person but cast his vote in secret. Endorsing Obama will not be a "principled recognition that our nation can finally turn a page on the most troubling aspects of our past, " because Colin Powell, and Condi Rice have held positions--Secretary of State, National Security advisor in the Bush Administration. Both Presidents Bush gave these two individuals these positions. Blacks mostly voted with the Democrats, but no Democratic president ever gave such high positions to any blacks. No matter if Obama is elected, that will not completely turn the page in this country. To achive that, you would have to change the heart and minds of individuals.

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Posted by Charly October 17, 08 07:35 PM
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Americans loves Colin Powell because of his calm, reasoned integrity. We could only hope the world viewed us, as a nation, in that light. The Bush crew used Powell as a pawn to get into Iraq, and he had the grace to leave at the end of Bush's first term without recrimination. That sense of honor stands in sharp contrast to the dirt being slung by the McCain campaign. Would Colin Powell employ a robo-call service to smear a political opponent? I think not....

Colin Powell will do exactly what he feels is the right thing to do. If he does endorse Obama, I hope reasonable citizens will take pause and consider his view.

Posted by Patriot October 17, 08 09:46 PM
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Powell is not going to endorse McCain. Just check out the records of who he gave all his political contributions to .

Posted by DaveF October 17, 08 10:58 PM
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Powell lost all credibility when he spoke at the U.N. with Tenet sitting behind him and he spouted lie after lie. He's never apologized. Whether he endorses McCain or Obama is of no import to anyone except the press.

Posted by Joe the Dumber October 17, 08 10:58 PM
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Colin Powell, President Bush's former secretary of state, certainly understands the importance of prevailing in Iraq. An Obama endorsement would only be for one reason...race. It would be a contradiction of his entire career and would spit on the blood and sacrifices of our troops.

Posted by Molly October 18, 08 11:14 AM
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If Colin Powell endorses Obama it should be considered nothing short of treason. This person has a Who's who list of the most far left wing radicals as mentors that is possible. It's not only Bill Ayers, but George Wiley, Rashid Khalidi, Carl Davidson
and George Soros just to name a few. Wake up America, before our country changes it's name to the U.S.S.A.!!!!!!

Posted by Kelly M. U.S. Army Retired October 18, 08 02:10 PM
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Among other things, Powell must endorse Obama as payback for his role in our disgusting unilateral role in Iraq that HE helped to spearhead in the UN. I have had no respect for Powell since this time, even if he did quit after one term. Time to atone Powell - show us what you've got - guts this time? An endorsement of Obama would be a step toward re-building trust and respect for the US in the international community & Powell needs to do this to atone for his failures in this area in the past. .

Posted by Anna B October 18, 08 03:13 PM
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What's a joke!
How could one ask Powell to apologize when he (without his own knowledge and be used by Bush) told lies at the UN?
The ones in questions are his bosses, Bush and Cheney who made him do that! And, have they ever apologized?

Posted by McSame October 18, 08 03:14 PM
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Kelly M., you are so biased it's not amusing... Bravo Powell, if you do it..

Posted by Shane October 18, 08 06:07 PM
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I got this in my e-mail ,evidently someone was peeved about the KKK flyers MCCain had put into peoples papers
www.chritianparty.net/mccain.htm There were videos, anyway I went there and it was a pretty good site I looked at alot of stuff

Posted by yvonne October 18, 08 08:58 PM
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McCain-Palin and Republican backers must be seething now that Powell will cast his vote on Nov.4 for Obama. This time a real slap in the face to McCain-Palin nasty gutter campaign to smear Obama. A slap to McCain by a true Republican statesman and hero. I'll vote with Colin Powell. This is the final nail in the coffin for McCain-Palin. They should be shamed. Nationally discredited by none other than registered Republican Colin Powell. Spin THAT McCain Bushies.

Posted by buzziea October 19, 08 01:58 PM
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It's too late for Colin Powell to take a stand now. Nobody cares for his opinion any more. He waited too long. He's been hedging. If Obama is brilliant, he could have said so long time ago. Why now? Did Obama's IQ jumped by 20 points in the last six months? If this is a political move on Colin Powell's part, then I'm afraid his political instincts are pretty weak.

Posted by mk October 19, 08 06:17 PM
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