I wouldn't mind seeing Colin Powell back in government - I think he's learned his lesson.

If Powell wasn't such a coward, he would speak out on what he knows about the phoney lead up to this war. He should have spoken out years ago. Bush and his boys hung Powell out to dry so he doesn't owe them anything. He hasn't learned his lesson until he tells the truth about what he knew then and now.

Don't want him back; we've learned our lesson. There are literally dozens of high level government people who resigned rather than go along with the Bush administration crimes; they should be given a chance first. Powell can volunteer to work in rehabilitation clinics to help the soldiers and other victims of the war in which he had a role.

I watched in amazement Sunday as The Good General made excuse, after excuse for the failures of the Bush administration, and tried to justify the absolute lies he himself told before the U.N. in the spring of 2003. I'm sorry, but Colin Powell has lost and and all credibility. Funny thing is,.....that seems to be the case with everyone who associated themselves with George Bush these last 6 years.

Powell did speak out and it resulted in the same thing that happens to anyone who opposed the Bush administration (and many who didn't) - he was humiliated as a scapegoat. All of the things that made him so admirable in 1999 are still there, and I think his latest work only makes him more qualified.

It seems that maybe Powell and his aides are attempting to back track from suggesting that Powell is supporting Obama. While, I think it may be likely that he (Powell) does support Obama based on the reports I've heard---I think he realizes it's much too early to be making such a gamble against his own party. Stay tuned!!!!!

His aides aren't back tracking. He made it clear on MTP that he has offered advice to anyone in DC that's asked for it. Only people that heard anything different are "I only hear what I want to hear Liberals"

If this is part of Obama's "reaching across the aisle and be conciliatory" strategy, I want no part of it. There is NO room for ANY architect of the Iraq War. Powell knew what he was saying in front of the U.N. and he said it anyway. He has NO credibility and NO integrity, and if Obama wants this guy as an adviser, then he stands for more of the same. Combined with his continued alliance with "Bomb Iran Now" Joe Lieberman, Obama is looking less and less like someone I can support.

This is indicative of the damage that the Bush administration has done to the GOP. Powell is a moderate Republican and under normal circumstances would not be even thinking about supporting a Democratic candidate. But in the political landscape that Bush has fashioned, you are either far right or a Democrat. I believe this will be born out in the 2008 elections. As to Powell's character I do believe that is irreperably damaged. Yes, the beliefs that make him a good policy maker are still there. However, he has demonstrated a lack of conviction that makes him shakey as a government official. The saying goes "All it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to nothing." In this instance it took good men to abondon their beliefs and ideals and to actively support terminally bad ideas. I give him credit for flirting with doing the right thing. But not much...

JJ: What credibility do you have? What position have you served in? What military have you served in? How many individuals have you resided over? Questioning this mans integrity. I have a problem with that even though I dont like Powell's politics. Powell is a damn good man and soldier. I wont let you tear him down like you guys attempt to do to anyone that does not take the liberal point of view on the war.

Steve, I have two words in response to your post. BULL-PIPPY

I too found Powell's comments on Meet the Press distressing. He was the kicker...the go to guy...the ace in the hole. Many Americans BELIEVED him. They may have mistrusted Bush and Chenney, but when Powell made his speach at the UN, we were in. Afterall, Powell would never lie to us. Once he was on board, the war was a sure thing. He, more than anyone else, sold this war to the American public. If he had resigned, rather than back the war, we may never have gone to war...the American public may not have backed the President. To give him credibility now, is a little shortsighted. I think we mis-underestimate his role in forging the nation into war. I hope that he does back a candidate that wants to end the war....might renew my trust in him a little.

Powell is a true patriot & war hero. After being made the scapegoat for Bush/Cheney at the UN. He quickly distanced himself from the administration by refusing to promote himself as former Sec. of State. Quite frankly, being raised in a republican household as a youth, I am embarrassed to even consider them or the democrats. Hitler had a famous quote "He who controls the media, controls the world". Is it any wonder the only export the US has not been challenged is Entertainment & Media? Beginning with Kennedy being shot, the bloodless Coup of Nixon, and the theft of the White House by Bush and his cronies. This country is NOT what you see on TV. It's a sham.

Senator Obama seeking out the advice of General Powell is great! I'm really tired of hearing people bash Republicans when four Democrats who are running for the highest office in our Land VOTED FOR THE WAR! Senator Obama better start going after Clinton and all her lies if he wants to win the nomination. Granted, I'm all for his bipastianship with Republicans and I believe it will work if the Congress is anything like it is in 2009. But he won't get the chance at unifing the Country or changing policy if he doesn't GO AFTER CLINTON'S "it's George Bush's war." She voted for it so did Edwards, Biden and Dodd.

IntheMiddle: And just what qualifies YOU? If we can't question the actions of the people who ostensibly represent us without having a resume on par with those same officials is it also not ok to unquestioningly support them with out similar credentials? And for that matter what postion or military HAVE you served in if you're so willing to use that card? Powell lied on an international stage. He wasn't misled. He wasn't duped. He went out and presented a case that he knew to be weak (and that is me being overly kind) without any regard for the truth. Actions have consequences and Powell's actions carried with it them deaths of 3500+ American soldiers. But hey! He regrets it so I guess that's that... Unbelievable!

It's interesting to read the comments on Powell. From what I know of him and his situation, I think of him as Bush's "token black guy" in his administration. Powell was used, plain and simple. As a conservative and military guy, he would NEVER go against the president, a man he swore to serve faithfully. But, for him to step down as Secretary of State said volumes regarding how he must have felt working for Bush. I don't agree with how he handled his role as Sec of State, but I can't help but feel his loss was a tragedy. I wouldn't mind seeing him come back in an Obama administration - or better yet, I'd REALLY like to see a Native American be appointed as Sec of State!

Kendall, It is Bushes war. He is in charge, the big cheese, the decider- IT IS HIS! Many rebubs and dems voted for the war because they were conned by the administration, and so were you. Being in denial only hurts you in the long run.

OK OK OK---let's chill just a little here. Correct, Powell did sell the war to the american public, but keep in mind that he is a milatary man. He was given orders from his commander-in-chief. Powell is knowledgeable and many can get some insight for his foreign policy experience. While he is a republican in name, all one has to do is read is autobiography and you realize that he is more a democrat. He's far too socially conscious to be a "real" repubican. That said--this election is truly about change. We've had. At the end of Bush's term we would have had 16 years of very polarizing politcs. The nominee's of both parties need to represent a significant break from that

Wait a minute. Why does not one point to what else Powell said on MTP? He said that Guantanamo should be closed. Today. I guess I am on the fence about Powell. I was really mad when he put forth Bush's case for war to the U.N. On the other hand, I see him as the "good soldier," doing what he was asked. I know, I know. The Nazis did that. Still, I just can't discount him. He had enormous bipartisan respect and lost it due to this war. Is he worth nothing then? Should Obama not seek out his advice on Iraq or any other issues? I think this would be as close-minded as you can get and I frankly think we're going to need to be smart about getting out of there. Perhaps Powell can actually help in that effort. I think to call for his head or condemn Obama for merely talking to him is just stupid.

John Doe, Let me tell you my credentials...22yrs in the US Army, retired 2 months ago...Panama Invasion (Just Cause), Desert Storm, Somalia, Haiti, cuba, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraqi Freedom I, III,IV, 2 Purple Hearts, 2 Bronze Stars, 3 Arcoms with "V" devices. Retired a Command Sergeant Major. Those are my Military credentials hyphenated. So I think that qualifies me to be able to speak about Powell. Oh did I mention I worked at the Pentagon while Powell was Joints Chief. You guys are quick to call someone a liar. That word has a very useless meaning hence being it is tossed around whenever someone has a different view other than liberal. "Hes not progressive, what he said must be a lie!" "He Likes BUSH, must be an idiot or liar" That is the kind of BS Im talking about. his country will never come together until people stop all the damn president bashing. When your away from the country as I was, you can really see how ignorant America looks.

I'm not for blaming Powell. He gave in on the Iraq war like most of congress and Americans. It was the administration (bush/cheney loyalists) that twisted the facts on everyone.

Susan, not true dear. I'm not a fan of President Bush's policies. However, I respect him for being my President. He is a good man with morals (he loves and honor's his wife), he just got some bad advice and it didn't come from General Powell, it was some Tenet and Vice President Cheney. Hillary Clinton is just a LIAR! She ties to muddy everything thing and everyone (watch out Senator Obama) so they can look like her. Senator Obama should have challenged her when she said "it's George Bush's War." Not so, former first Lady, you vote for it for political reasons. Atleast President Bush actually thought he had a good reason to bring down the Butcher of Baghdad. The Clintons never saw a 60% poll they didn't like. The more I hear about Hillary Clinton the more I realize she MUST BE STOPPED!

IntheMiddle: My credentials are that I've been a US citizen for 28 years. My point is that both of our credentials entitle us to speak to our government and your idea that we all have to have command experience in the military befoer we can talk about anyone in government is asinine. And for the record, I don't call Powell a liar because he disagreed with me. I call him a liar because he went out on to the world stage and made claims that were later proven to be known falsehoods that HE HIMSELF didn't believe. I wonder what makes America look worse... providing known false evidence as justifaction to invade a country that poses no imminent threat to us or calling George W. Bush a completely failed President. Additionally... when a Democrat wins the White House in 2008 I wonder what your stance on not bashing a President will be...

The Iraq war had nothing to do with 'weapons of mass destruction", but the fear of Sadam Hussein seemed real. President Bush needed an excuse, so he used the behaviour of Sadam as an excuse to invade Iraq. Once in Iraq, the President refuse to leave, so he is using the threat of terrorism to the United States to continue to fight. Finally Halliburton is the contractor used to rebuild all the destruction, so the more places are destroyed, the more Halliburton will have to rebuild. Sounds like money, money, money.

The Iraq war had nothing to do with 'weapons of mass destruction", but the fear of Sadam Hussein seemed real. President Bush needed an excuse, so he used the behaviour of Sadam as an excuse to invade Iraq. Once in Iraq, the President refuse to leave, so he is using the threat of terrorism to the United States to continue to fight. Finally Halliburton is the contractor used to rebuild all the destruction, so the more places are destroyed, the more Halliburton will have to rebuild. Sounds like money, money, money. Colin Powell followed the orders of his Camanding Officer. He resigned because he could not honestly copntinue doing what he opposed to, so he did the honorable thing. Powell would be wise to give Obama all of the help he could. Obama will win. Watch!

Colin Powell has made a career out of covering up military messes for decades. Please do a google search on "My Lai" from the Vietnam war, for starters. When people ask me what I think of Powell, I respond by saying "Well, he's my favorite Iran Contra war criminal ... I deplore the idea of any Democrat taking advice from him.

Susan: It seems many have forgotten Powell's role in "My Lai." Since then, I have looked at him differently and wondered: If only the public could remember. Thanks for remembering.

I watched and Powell and he said he had talked to several candidates, republicans and democrats. He spoke to those who sought him out. Not just Obama.

JJ: What credibility do you have? What position have you served in? What military have you served in? How many individuals have you resided over? Questioning this mans integrity. I have a problem with that even though I dont like Powell's politics. Powell is a damn good man and soldier. I wont let you tear him down like you guys attempt to do to anyone that does not take the liberal point of view on the war. InTheMiddle-Texas Can't answer for him. Speaking for myself, I served my country on active duty with the U.S. Army. My primary MOS is 11-B-10. I served as a Platoon Guide, with 4 infantry squads and 83 souls under my command during the Vietnam Conflict. I trained troops to kill "gooks" at Ft. Polk, LA in 1971, and was handed the assignment of taking care of a lot of 'em when the military had used them up and shipped them out to other posts. Speaking of colin powell: During Vietnam he served as a major player in the cover-up that took place over the My Lai massacre that hung Lt. Calley out to dry for the crime and protected senior officers who were at least equally guilty of the crime. Powell went on to develop the "Powell Doctrine" of warfare: If you attack an enemy, do so only you have clearly defined objectives, use overwhelming force to control all aspects of the conflict, and make sure you have a clearly defined exit strategy. In supporting bush's rush to attack, invade, and occupy Iraq, Powell refused to speak out against an ill-conceived plan that refused to accept the recommendations prepared by the U.S. General Staff prior to the action. Powell willingly accepted a policy that violated all of the principles of warfare which he had established for the post-Vietnam era U.S. military, ". . . to ensure our military forces do not, in the future, get bogged down in another Vietnam-like fiasco." To top it off, only a fool would present artist's conceptual drawings of military equipment before a body of international diplomats as "proof" that one nation posed a threat to the secuity of another. This is the record upon which rests the reputation of your vaunted Colin Powell. He knew better, and he allowed the neo-Cons to place our military in the middle of the meat-grinder of civil war with a military occupation of a foreign country in opposition to the will of the Citizens of that country.

bush,powell,cheney,blair,rice,feith,libby,perle,howard..who cares.....all war criminals ....who should be dragged to the international court for war crimes and the massacre of hundreds of thousands of innnocent iraqis

Alex: You dont have a dog in this fight. You worry about the U.K. Your opinion doesnt count for s*&^t.

I am glad there are people that also believe, what I have been trying to tell people all along particular my people (black americans) Colin Powells advice to Bush is one of the main reason we went to war. He was the one in front of the UN asking to go to War. Not Bush, Bush went on the advice of his lies. I feel thats why he left the administration,Because he knew he was wrong. He can leave making lots of money. While our men and women in the armed forces are making pennies.

Powell is a good endorsement for Obama and a great source for advice. Wouldn't want to see Powell back in politics though. The man lost all international credibility when he went in front of the UN and used his credibility to gain support for this dumb war.

Obama got the passgo by the zionists and AIPAC so as long as people need to pass litmus tests from israel, this country will see continued war,treasury drain and mass casualties until the US disowns israel or at least makes them compromise.

Colin Powell was used by Bush. Bush knew that Colin was the only person who could sell his BS. Colin din't find out that the books were cooked until it was to late. Colin should support Obama and make things right with the American people. Also, go to PBS.org and look-up "The War Behind Closed Doors" and you will see what a great leader Colin Powell is!!!

I am a USAF SSGT., 6 yrs, and a strong moderate(leaning left by the minute). I have followed the story on how the war got started religisously. Gen. Colin Powell was against the war from the start and advised Pres. Bush against it. He told the President that going to war was a bad idea and "If you break Iraq you own it." It was because of this seemly liberal view of his that he was left out of the meeting that was the final descion to go to war. I got this info from a old news interview with Condi Rice. In the interview she stated that she inquired about his absense in the war counsel and was told that he was not totaly on board. If you look it up you can find excerpts from that interview. Now my opinion is that he knew it was hopeless war and the fact that he sold it to the world hurt his pride and integrity. That is the problem with being a soilder you are torn between loyalty to the Pres. and the truth. Hopefully he has learned a valuable lesson .

Well, Jackson in Georgia, I do have a dog in this fight, and I second what Alex in London has to say. And our opinion is backed up by the Justices and Prosecutors who headed up the Nuermberg Trials following WW2 - george w bush and the other lackys in his "administration" ARE guilty of war crimes, and Crimes Against Peace by staging the invasion and occupation of Iraq based on the propaganda and lies they created to justify their heinous acts. And as a result of their failure to maintain order once they destroyed the legitimate civil authority throughout Iraq, 650,000 innocent Iraqi Citizens are now dead, and uncounted millions have been maimed and wounded. So, Jackson, why don't you go ahead and worry about cleaning up the electoral process there in Georgia so that the votes of eligible American voters count. And for the apologists who feel sorry for powell, get off it. He's an adult, and as a military officer he supposedly learned to take responsibility for his actions. He supported the position adopted by the bush administration by his presence and words before the United Nations. Regardless of what took place behind the scenes, he failed to stand in opposition to an unjust war of aggession and stands convicted, just as do the Joint Chiefs who prosecuted the war, and all the politicians who went along with the beat of the war drums.

to robert m.  how about remembering your core values .. in particular, integrity.  11-b-10?, lmfao .. 11-b-10 is bottom of the barrel.  its what you are classified as when you are in training.  if you wouldnt have washed out of osut, you wouldve known that after you earn your blue cord, you just refer to yourself as an 11b.  i did earn my blue cord, and i did serve my active duty time as an infantry soldier, and when i ets'd, i reenlisted in as a flight ops specialist in the guard.  misleading information based on knowing the everyday civilian won't know the difference in what you are saying is a violation of integrity, but i guess you werent in long enough to respect your core values anyway, huh.  oh and as for everyone else that says bush is guilty of war crimes, lmfao.  don't beliueve everything you see on cnn and msnbc is all i really have to say to that.

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