Powell says he will vote for Obama

Posted: Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:32 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Chuck Todd
In the taping of Meet the Press this morning, former Bush Secretary of State Colin Powell said he was voting for Obama. Powell noted Obama's "steadiness and an intellectual curiosity," and he also cited the Biden VP pick versus McCain's selection of Palin. "[Obama] has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well."

Powell said he was disappointed by the McCain campaign and its use of Bill Ayers, as well as the robocalls. Ayers, et al have "gone too far," he told NBC's Tom Brokaw.

Powell: "when I look at all of this... But which is the president that we need now... I come to the conclusion ... because of who he is, he has both style and substance ... I think he is a transformational figure... For that reason, I will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

After all of these months of listening to Senator McCain, I have changed my mind. I, like most of us here @ First Read, have been following politics very closely for years, and I had long ago come to the conclusion that the most clueless, empty headed & meanest politician I had ever seen was Senator Elizabeth Dole. Lindsey Graham, #2.

It is quite possible John McCain now has top honors. He has not presented one new idea in this campaign to convince me of why I should ever consider him as our next president. Not a single one. All I see is a candidate who has used a combination of divisive politics, fear & war mongering, manipulation, city vs. rural Americans, educated vs. uneducated Americans & just plain outright lies.

Karl Rove, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Newt Gingrich, Ann Coulter & the entire cast of Fox Propaganda - it's payback time. You all failed miserably with your un-American activities. We're bigger than you & we're smarter than you. The country does not belong to you. See, we get it. Your "conservatism" is a code word for "racism".

It's the 21st Century now, so get used to it. And in the meantime, catch up on American history. You just might recognize yourselves when reading about some of our more uglier moments. Because that's what your legacy is going to be after all is said and done.

And it is true that one of your pals, G. Gordon Liddy, as part of the Nixon Administration, was all gung ho for bombing the Brookings Institution. Isn't that something?

Now that's what I call un-American.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:41 AM)

God bless you, Gen. Colin Powell!!! You've put us over the top!!!

Normally, I'm not emotional in any way, but this morning, when Gen. Colin Powell gave the most brilliant, insightful, and glowing endorsement of Barack Obama and laid out the most common sense reasons why EVERY AMERICAN should vote for him, I couldn't help but well up with pride at what courage and passion he displayed. Gen. Colin Powel is a great American hero and probably the most respected moderate Republican in America.

How anyone could continue to listen to the disgusting, vicious smears coming out of the McCain campaign, or even consider voting for John McCain, after hearing and digesting the very clear and crisp endorsement of Barack Obama from such a great and good man is simply beyond me! McCain represents the same failed polices, same old philosophy, same dangerous temperament, same ridiculous lack of intellectual curiosity that George W Bush displayed over the past 8 years. Barack Obama will be a break from all that nonsense. He will usher in a new era of hope, peace, and prosperity. It won't be easy, but he can put us back on the right track. He is, quite literally, our last great hope!

America may be down, but do not count us out. Hope is making a comeback and positive change is blowing our way!

GO OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Mia - Boca Raton, FL (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:41 AM)

What a surprise. Wonder why

Doug, Trenton (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:43 AM)

Poell? Powell? Isn't he the guy that held up the little vial of "anthrx" and forwewarded the military action into Iraq? Wow! I guess it's one crit backin' another. Hey Powell-Go back to fixing Volvo's. You are a traitor!

Fretful (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:44 AM)

I've always said I'd much prefer a Harvard grad to a 'D' student any day, but even more important because of the mess that we are in today brains trump anything else. Look where a 'C' student got us, in the midst of this unbelievable situation.

gemma davis (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:44 AM)

>>>Powell said he was disappointed by the McCain campaign and its use of Bill Ayers, as well as the robocalls. Ayers, et al have "gone too far," he told NBC's Tom Brokaw.

==========
This is a SMART MAN. Republians who are reading this should be hanging their heads in SHAME. I'm sure some of them will now call him "anti-American". I'd like to see how McCain/Palin is going to try to spin this.

The truth is that Powell is but one of many Republicans who have seen the kind of campaign these two men have run and are supporting Obama. They realize that ALL AMERICANS ARE PRO-AMERICA.

Obama/Biden '08!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:44 AM)

What a Great Sunday Morning! Good Morning America! Colin Powell endorsing Obama is the last nail in the coffin of the hateful old man and his wicked witch of hate. The fear and smear campaign of the Dumb and Dumber ticket has turned many moderate republicans of good conscience to support and vote for Obama and Biden.

With $150 million raised in September and Powell's endorsement I think we all see that Obama/Biden are headed towards victory. Now the only honest thing for the Dumb and Dumber ticketr to do is stop their negative campaiugn and try to shpow some class the last two weeks by trying to campaign positively. Hah Mission Impossible!

Thanks to the grumpy old man for picking the wicked witch who has stirred the nation to back Obama in record fundraising and voter support.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:44 AM)

I'm a registered Republican that really is having one hell of a time with all this. I do lean ever so slightly towards Obama, but after reading Powell's quote of steadiness and an intellectual curiosity," and how "[Obama] has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well.", that did it for me.
I just can't imagine someone so well seasoned (Powell) and so intelligent would make a bad decision.

Michael Steinberg (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:46 AM)

Powell laid out a very thoughtful message as he endorsed Obama. His reasons were a perfect example of why our decision in November is so important.
We need an intelligent, steady, ready to lead, mature person and that person is Obama.

GrammieJ, Pulaski, TN (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:47 AM)

Collin Powell gets it. Even if am McCain's VP nominee, i will be voting for Obama/Bideb 2008

Sarah Palin , Alaska . Bridge to Nowhere (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:47 AM)

HELL YEAH!!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08!

GET OUT AND VOTE AMERICA!!!

POWELL IS MY HERO!!! (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:48 AM)

How wonderful.
Powell relayed to the American people thought
provoking, factual statements about this
election. He conveyed how disturbed he is by
the swiftboating tactics used by Mccain and
the republican party.
He pointed out Obama's qualifications to lead
our country and his faith in his ability to
do so.
He did not yell angrily, he did not distort, he
calmly stated the facts, something we are not
used to getting from a republican.

katiec Pekin, IL (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:49 AM)

I love Colin Powell and had hoped he would of ran for Presdient in 2000 but to no avail. My nephew who is in Special Forces was Collin Powell security guard in 1994 and 1995 and spoke about Powell with the upmost respect. This speaks volumes about when Colin Powell endorsed Obama-

GO OBAM/BIDEN 08

Sophia Beck Laramie WY (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:50 AM)

Thanks First Read for being up and at 'em so early this wonderful Sunday morning. Such wonderful news to lay on us that Colin Powell endorsed Obama and that Obama raised $150 million last month. I sure hope you'll post some great happy reader comments as we celebrate the great nerws here on First Read the best place for politics!

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:50 AM)

Let's hope the republicans and mccain/palin camp doesn't attack such a patriot as powell just because he has decided to vote for obama. surely they won't smear a general that has served under reagan and both bushes... or will they?

bna voter (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:52 AM)

thank god, thank you General Powell, for standing up against the fascist bent of the new and detestable "Republican" Party.

How I want my republican party back...Vote OBAMA/BIDEN!!!!!

Dave, Fort Collins (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:53 AM)

Colin Powell's rational for endorsing Obama was the absolutely the most thoughtful, measured I've yet heard. I agree with his evaluation 100% but also appreciate hiskind words about Senator McCain. My evaluation is that McCain did not even run his own campaign, so why should he be elected to run the country?

Craig (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:57 AM)

Even though I tend to lean Democratic I have always respected and admired Gen. Powell. I have always been prepared to vote for him should he ever have decided to run for the Presidency himself. His honesty & integrity have always been evident. He echoed my feelings about this election today and, despite how difficult his announcement must have been for him, he demonstrated the qualities of a leader. It is refreshing to see a Republican who speaks his mind & heart rather than the party propaganda line.

Jean, Farwell, Michigan (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:58 AM)

Face it, the intellectual portion of the Republican party jumped ship because of Palin, that should tell people everything they need to know.

This woman is NOT qualified to be VP! When will people start really thinking of their country first. This is ridiculous and shows how truly ignorant a huge portion of the population is.

Barb, LA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:58 AM)

I hope with this pronouncement by a reputable, decent and honest republican, we can come all together and vote for the next president of the United States of America and that person is none other than - Barack Obama. Let us repudiate the toxic air that the McCain and his campaign team had been spreading around!!!!

Arnulfo Cruz (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:59 AM)

There is no question as to what the Republican party has come to represent: the party of bigotry, intolerance and ignorance. Colin Powell said as much in an interview this morning. I call for the GOP to stop the hate inspiring, devisive campaign and to begin to reunite our country. Incidentally, I began to think that John McCain would not be the best person to have as president when he made terrible, disgusting remarks about then teenaged Chelsea Clinton. Now he picks the MOST unqualified VP, and sends her out to incite hatred. Now, only the hateful will vote for them. I am tired of it. Joe Biden is too, and now Colin Powell is too!!! On November 4th the entire country will say so too.
Obama/Biden 08 and 12

Judy in AZ (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:00 AM)

As the spouse of a veteran who served in Afghanistan,General Powell I THANK-YOU!!! You have always had my respect, and I felt so badly for you when the Bush team set you up at the UN to defend actions that were total LIES which you were unaware of. Your service to this country both militarily and as Secretary of State speak volumes as to your insight, knowledge, and intelligence. I thank you again for your service and you have my greatest RESPECT!!!

sandy CT (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:00 AM)

i can't wait to see how people spin this in Mccain's favor. I DARE any republican to say something negative about Gen. Powell. Go Obama/Biden.

Mark, Green Bay,WI (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:01 AM)

Colin Powell has endorsed a presidential candidate who was a member of a church for twenty years, but now would have us believe that he wasn't aware of what was being preached. I'm at a loss to understand how anyone could support a presidential candidate who serves up such nonsense.

Jazzman, Kent, Ohio (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:05 AM)

The voice of reason makes his selection. Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for making a wise choice.

Bailey Quarters, Twin Cities, MN (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:05 AM)

How can anyone say his endorsement is not solely on race. Obama's policies contradict everything Powell has stood for in prior times: a sure military who can/should be allowed to win rather than retreat. He's even said before that any president should have military service so he could most effectively work as their CiC. I never thought powell would be so naive to be swept up in the Obama hype of style over substance.

Obama's policies differ so insignificantly from Kerry, yet Obama even sided with Bush over Kerry, can anyone with even a drop of intellectual honesty really say this is not merely a racially motivated endorsement?

Jason Doe, Orlando, FL (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:06 AM)

The General redeems himself ! As a center-right political figure whose reputation was sacrificed by "W" and Darth Vader at the UN, he hurt himself with the WMD junk, but now he has read the current campaigns for what they are, one petty, small, and distorting, and the other as thoughtful, understanding and adult. Way to go general!

David Cromwell (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:07 AM)

Yessssssss that is what you call HUGEEEEEEEE but lets not stop now we need to take this to the house an push for our next POTUS The Honorable Sen Obama so come on everybody let's be like Sec Ste Powell an vote for Sen Obama an end dumb an dumber's sideshow Obama/Biden 08/12

Joel "Mr Independent" Austin, Mn (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:10 AM)

It will be interesting to see if this is a game changer or not. It may give a solid boost to Obama and go a long way to rehabilitate Colin Powell's reputation as well, after the hit it took over his roll in cheerleading the Iraq war. Should be fun to see how the Republicans try and spin this.

Dave The Cynic, Florence, SC (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:11 AM)

Mr. Powell's endorsement was the most concise and logical argument I have yet heard for Obama being elected president. I am truly impressed by Powell's ability to deliver the message that we need to move forward as country and not revert to our more tumultuous times and attitudes about one another. I hope the people in the GOP listen with sobriety to what the general is saying.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:11 AM)

republican newspapers one after another.
republicans of clear mind, like me from Georgia, one after another.
Republican leaders, Like the FL guv and now like Powell, begin to move, one after another...

They all say one after another that the McCain campaign is wrong headed, out of line, down right full of lies...

So now ask yourself. is it them, all of them, that don't love America, "all of them that drank of the kool aid" or is it you. Is it YOU that needs to rethink your support for the Republican party and the McCain/Palin ticket?

Thank you Mr. Powell, thanks for having enough spine to be American first, too put country first. Unlike the current republican party and the McCain/palin ticket, who only puts thenseleves first with their win at any cost effort.

oldugly2 atlantta, ga (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:12 AM)

It doesn't get much more "American" then that! If Gen. Powell's words don't sum it up more appropriately then I can't imagine any others that would.

God Bless America!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Cathy (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:12 AM)

If you watch the video, he states exactly my feelings. I have already proudly cast this white republican woman's vote for Obama!

Kristi, NE (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:13 AM)

Colin Powell is one of the few Republicans that I respect and admire. He is what you call a true Maverick. John McCain should take a page from his book. I think the reasons the Powell gave for endorsing Barack Obama is the reason the country has realized that he is the president that we NEED at this time. John McCain and Sarah Palin have both showed they lact the judgement and ability to be president during these difficult times.

Candice, New York (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:13 AM)

WOW! Thank you, Colin Powell.

:-)

Obama/Biden '08

Eric, Indiana (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:14 AM)

To Mr. Powell: Thank you, sir, not for your choice, but for the care and thoughtful study of your choice before you made it. You and I are pretty much of the same mind on this one, but we certainly haven't always been. Given that thoughtful study, you would have had my respect, no matter your choice, because you seem to have genuinely made it for a country, not a party. You continue to serve with honor, sir, and I hope all citizens in this country take the leadership of your example into consideration, no matter their choice.

MutherBear, Elizabeth City, NC (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:15 AM)

Well said. I especially appreciated his relating the story of the Middle-Eastern-American hero. Well said former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

LBean, San Diego, California (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:16 AM)

Secretary Powell's timing is impeccable. Because of the outrageous, divisive behavior and comments by many on the right, now is the time for a calm, respected Republican not only to call McCain on his gutter politics (as have Frum, Dreher, and Collins) but also to state the case why Senator Barack Obama is the better candidate for America. What the right is allowing to happen with its lies and "McCarthy-like" hysterics is beyond the pale and does NOT put country first.

Lynn, Tallahassee, Florida (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:16 AM)

Sanity!

A clear analysis of what the Republicans are doing wrong and what the Obama campaign is doing right.

Robert, Birmingham, UK (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:16 AM)

Another stick in the broken wheel that is the McCain campaign for the White House. General Powell clearly identified the issues and concerns of all Americans as they watch how both candidates conducted their campaigns for the presidency. How a man will conduct a presidency can be partly determined by how he leads his campaign to victory.

Micheal Groshong McMinnville Oregon (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:17 AM)

I doubt McCain is bright enough to learn anything from this (which is the millionth reason he can not be President), but this is the most serious repudiation of his campaign tactics to date. The scumbags that have been running his campaign brought this on themselves, but the really great news in all of this is that as long as a candidate is not willing to take it (Obama) this kind of sleazy campaign thuggery likely will never work again.

Thinking, reasonable people welcome Colin Powell as an ally in the war against stupidity, bigotry, and irrationality that John McCain's side so ably and proudly represents.

Dale S., Parker, CO (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:18 AM)

I am thrilled. Already FOX noise is bashing Gen. Powell. Could it be? Can we really hope that Sen. Obama will be our next pres?

I saw naked racisism on CNN last night when they showed a line of people waiting to get into a McCain rally. Please, let rational people, who I hope is more than 50% of the US voting public, vote Sen. Obama into the White House. I grew up in a family of white biased republicans. It wasn't until a left home that I realized how racisism is inherited by the next generation. I love my parents, but they're wrong. Hopefully my vote, my husband's vote & my oldest daughter's vote will make a difference. I live in a very small rural town in Indiana. I finally have the courage the put a Obama sign in my yard. I'll let you know how it goes!

Sandy, IN (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:20 AM)

Halleleujah! I am so happy that Powell made this strong public endorsement of Obama.

But I have to say that Powell moved me most when he responded directly to the insinuations about Obama being a Muslim by saying "he's not," but "what if he was? Is there something wrong with that? Is there something wrong with a seven year old Muslim-American come thinking he could grow up and be president?"

Powell went on to tell the story about a Muslim-American soldier who died in Iraq. He lived in New Jersey and was 14yo when the 9/11 attacks occurred.

Kudos to Powell for having the courage to cut through the divisive crap coming from conservative Republicans and the McCain campaign.

More here:

http://torqopia.blogspot.com/

Michael in Las Vegas (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:21 AM)

Who's message has reached across the aisle now?

AR - IL (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:22 AM)

I would have voted for Colin Powell for President. My admiration for Colin Powell is without limit and I am proud to consider him one of the greatest Americans in our history.

Obama has a long way to go before I consider him to be anything like Colin Powell. Obama will not get my vote.

Jim, San Diego (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:22 AM)

I really respect the thoughtful and insightful
way Colin Powell went about making his decision
and how he explained both the strengths and
weaknesses of both candidates and how that
went about making this momentous decision.
Thank you for talking about the best interest
of America.

Evelyn from Ohio (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:23 AM)

AWESOME! Of course the GOP is downplaying it to the max.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Stella, Tucson (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:23 AM)

What a great endorsment for Sen. Obama.

Sam Tampa FL (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:25 AM)

Here is your October Game Changer!!! Call in the dogs, put the water on the fire, THIS RACE IS OVER!!!!

GEN.Powell has connected the dots, put the pieces of the puzzle together and has made his choice.

He is going with Obama/Biden.

As an African American Army Veteran of 8 years, let me be the FIRST TO SAY "WELCOME ABOARD, SIR!!!"

Kevin St Pete, FL (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:25 AM)

I know at least 50 people in Indiana who are now going to be following Colin Powell's lead in this election.

John Doe, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:26 AM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1567074