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."

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Comments

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 10:26 AM)

Tom Brokaw said he thinks of Tim Russert every day. Then THINK Mr Brokaw about what you have done to his legacy with your support of McCain. Even after Colin Powell explained to you WHY he will be voting for Obama, his reasons what YOU should be covering - McCains associations, Palin's husband belonging to the AIP, you slanted your comments to pushing why Powell could be wrong? How dare you! Tim might have challenged if Powell had said something different in the past but what he said, especially the young American Muslim who died for the US in Iraq needed to be said by YOU, the MSM a LONG LONG time ago. Take a page from Tim's book and be a little more intellectually curious, do your homework and encourage your staff to do theirs, especially your favorites, David Gregory and Kelly O'Donnell. MTP is not a show I watch regularly any more, sad to say, you sir, have cheapened it.

Susan, Cary, NC (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:27 AM)

this negates mccain's arguement that obama is not ready to be commander in cheif. powell has more military experience, knowledge and wisdom than mccain will ever hope to have. powell has the wisdom of diplomacy on a level that mccain has never understood or aspired to.

obama/biden 08

ace (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:27 AM)

This endorsement will hopefully put to rest thse stupid muslim and terrorist rumors. Certainly no one could believe that this man would cross party lines and vote for some "Unamerican" person who ia working hand in hand with extremist muslims!! I hope some of these folks gain a few IQ points before the election and do not cast votes predicated on such nonsense.

mabbott_jam1@comcast.net (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:27 AM)

mabbott_jam1@comcast.net (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:28 AM)

As a long-time supporter of GEN Powell, I was disappointed to hear his endorsement of Barack Obama for President. That said, his thoughtful position, along with his national prominence, will certainly be a strong boost to the Obama-Biden campaign. Now, when does Mr. Brokaw and Meet the Press plan to air an equally strong, prominent, and convincing endorsement for John McCain? To be fair, equal, and unbiased, NBC MUST present equal time (nearly the entire show) and a person of equal impact and prominence, for the McCain side of the discussion. If NBC does not plan equal time and impact, they should send Obabma the bill for the Meet the Press air time, he can afford it.

Stan Romes, Chesapeake, Virginia (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:30 AM)

I am currently a Barack Obama supporter and former republican. I have always admired Colin Powell and was a former John McCain supporter in 2000. I understand Colin Powell's position on the election and I agree. I hope that the republicans keep their cool and do not use his endorsement negatively but instead understand that as a national leader, Colin Powell has always tried to do good for our country and has never been a partisan. I have known since 2004 that I would someday vote for Barack Obama for president and it seems that I'm in the best of company.

Susan, Nashville TN (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:30 AM)

Powell spoke of intellectual curiosity and knowledge, and he referred several times to the need to repair our image in the world. EXACTLY why I support Obama!

Ron in GA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:31 AM)

It was interesting to hear Powell's logic for his endorsement of Obama. He said Sarah Palin was not ready to be president. When asked about experience and that running a campaign was quite differant that sitting in the oval office making decisions, Powell stated that he has watched Obama educate himself over the last two years.
I guess the assumption is that Sarah Palin could not educate herself over the next two years, as vice president, to take over as president if needed?
I believe that Powell's endorsement was tilted by race. What a surprise, a majority of whites vote for whites and blacks vote for blacks because of comfort levels and identity. Why can't people just acknowledge human nature.

K. Pierson, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:34 AM)

So long John,Sarah it has Not been a pleasure knowing you.

Seattle Sue (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:35 AM)

This is great news.

Mike, NYC (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:39 AM)

Thank you Gen. Colin Powell-you serve this country well! In honor of this GREAT new endorsement and further sign that McCain is making all the wrong decisions thus far, I'll be making another contribution to Obama!

Melissa, Birmingham, AL (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:40 AM)

msn you forgot to talk about fared's endorsement as well today. lets hear that story as well

go obama/biden

gina, nj (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:19 PM)

General Colin Powell's endorsement is exactly what Barack Obama needs at exactly the right time! It's like the last linebacker clearing the final strides for the Quarterback as he is running over the goal line!

Powell must look at the absurd duo of McCain and Palin...and see more "cardboard trucks" at the U. N.!
NOT AGAIN, HE SAYS!

Thank God.

Mel Engelman Bullhead City, AZ (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:21 PM)

PALIN IS NOT AND I REPEAT, IS NOT VP MATERIAL

CN, New York (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:21 PM)

GREAT endorsement! So happy to have this added to the collection!

Barack Obama and Joe Biden 2008/2012!!

Mike, Seattle, WA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:22 PM)

...what a refreshing, courageous, and well articulated POV from Colin Powell!

Stop Smoking (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:22 PM)

This is an "Oh SNAP!!" moment.

Kevin, SF, CA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:36 PM)

Powell is just getting back at bush for wathever, hapend
between then, I dont see this as a big deal, is he going to became a democrat now?????.

Leticia,Orlando Fl (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:46 PM)

A point I never hear about with the Ayers connection is that Obama's "association" with him was all about educational matters, which I understand Mr. Ayers is highly regarded on. Is there any notion out there that what was discussed during these meetings was more than just about education, like where to put the next bomb?

Jon Fernandez, Kapaa, HI (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:56 PM)

Again the press can't resist reporting that someone said McCain mentioned Bill Ayres. McCain just wanted Obama's denial (lie) that he didn't know Ayres well.

In the last debate Obama did not and could not deny that he socialized with Ayres. Obama did not and could not deny that in 2001 ayres stated that he regretted that he didn't bomb more! Obama remained silent rether than agree. The press ignores this. Dispite initially being questioned about his relationship with Ayres Obama responded "Ayres was just a guy that lived down the street" "I was only 8 years old when he did those things" When pressed about Ayres beliefs and attitudes. The press totally ignores Ayres' recent 2001 statement. If that statement is acceptable mainstream America... Helloooo.... The only thing worse than biased reporting is veiled biased reporting. THE PRESS WINS THE ELECTION. LONG LIVE THE PRESS.

stephen Bridgeport WV (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 2:57 PM)

DO THE FACTS REALLY MATTER? Apparently not. I have a lot of respect for Colin Powell. It must have been a hard decision for him to make, since the policies of these 2 candidates could not be more different. McCain is right on energy AND the economy. WAKE UP people. McCain stood up and condemned the practices
of Fanny Mae & Freddy Mac in 2005. It was liberal Democrats, led by Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank who for years - including the present year - denied that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taking big risks that could lead to a financial crisis.
It was Dodd, Frank and other liberal Democrats who for years refused requests from the Bush administration to set up an agency to regulate Fannie Mae Freddie Mac.
It was liberal Democrats, again led by Dodd & Frank, who for years pushed for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to go even further in promoting subprime mortgage loans, which are at the heart of today's financial crisis.
Yet, today, what are we hearing? That it was the Bush administration "right-wing idealogy: of "deregulation" that set the stage for the financial crisis.
THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE. A LOT IS RIDING ON THIS ELECTION. DO WE REALLY WANT NANCY PELOSI AND HARRY REID TO HAVE FREE REIGN TO PUSH THEIR POLICIES THRU?

(For more facts on this subject check out Thomas Sowell's website tsowell.com).
ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION? Could I have sat in the congregation of Wright's church and listened to the hateful rhetoric for 20 yrs? It turns my heart upside down to listen to it for a few minutes and I'm not prepared to be led by a man who has no more common sense than that. What does this say about his judgement of people?

Barbara Huble (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:06 PM)

I wish a poll had been taken which asked the American people what they thought about Colin Powell before he endorsed Obama. If those thoughts have changed due to his endoresment, then regardless of all he considered in making up his mind, the racists will believe it was due to race, and the conservatives will consider him a traitor to his party. Either way, they will now try to sully and tarnish him. It is pretty much all they know how to do.

He is respected by the leaders of this country, including McCain, and others. When faced with the "facts" of WMD's he had no choice but to sign on to the war, like almost every other leader, all of them snookered by the bush administration.

I think those who would start attacking him, his judgement, and his character due to this endorsement are the same ones who have soaked up and reveled in all the hate that has risen to the surface during this campaign. They have displayed the true ugliness in themselves, having found an outlet that, for once, provides them with a specific focus instead of the generalized disgruntledness at their ordinary, empty existences.

And these are the people who want me to vote for whom they feel represents them? Not a snowball's chance in...

Susan F., Htng, WV (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:11 PM)

Not only does Obama thank General Powell. The 95% of Americans that have been economically left behind by the Bush/McCain economic policies over the last 8 years also thank General Powell.

Rock, Janesville, Wisconsin (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:11 PM)

Even I (A far Mexican observer) have to recognize this endorsement is huge.

I could say I tend to the republican side. And I don't like Sen McCain's campaign and VP choice either.

Now I would vote for Obama if I could.
Good luck America!

Alberto BP (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:14 PM)

Independents respect the opinion of Gen. Colin Powell.

Independents understand the logic and reason behind Gen. Colin Powell's decision to endorse Senator Obama.

Independents Vote Obama!

chris, los angeles, california (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:25 PM)

Colin Powell is what America is about and I got goosebumps when he endorsed Obama. With all of McCains negative campaigning and the hate mongering going on in our country because of it, I was and still am fearful of what it has brought about. I can't believe a man like(McCain)who earned a honorable discharge can run such a dis-honorable campaign. it is almost like standing on the back of the Titanic waiting for it to fall. god bless Colin Powell and I pray for our country that we all make the right choice. OBAMA

Mary Doe, Green Ohio (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:26 PM)

Its abt time General! while you're at it, burn those bridges, McCain/Palin and Co. arent worth anybody's time....Michelle Bachmann, SHAME ON YOU!

Lets paint it blue my friends,

Republican no more

T Lee Wichita,KS (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:34 PM)

For the first time, my entire family in rural Ohio, Missouri, Iowa and Kansas will be voting for the same presidential ticket: Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Colin Powell beautifully summed up not only what we feel is wrong with the McCain campaign, but also what is so very right about the Obama/Biden team. We are excited about what an Obama presidency will mean for our country. But first we all must make sure that all of our friends, co-workers and neighbors GO VOTE!

Jamie, St. Louis, MO (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:36 PM)

Jazzman, you should give Sean Hannity a call, he feels the same way you do! However, most of the rest of the country could care less.......

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:38 PM)

Uh, did FRETFUL really call Colin Powell a "traitor?"
My God in Heaven!
Will FRETFUL explain or apologize or crawl under a rock?

Pragmatist, Eagan, MN (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:44 PM)

I cannot believe that a man who claims to be a "moderate conservative" would endorse Obama and his overt anti-American Marxist-Socialist policies. Obama has already vowed to raise our taxes, to "redistribute the wealth", and he refuses to salute our flag. Does anyone get it that he is NOT the right man for the job?
Obama has only served (directly) 143 days in office, how does this make him qualified to serve as president?
I am scared that so many people do not know or understand our constitution or the way it has been eroded by liberals. It will be to continue to erode our rights if Obama is elected.
God save us if he is elected!

Lori Smith, Newark, Ohio (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:51 PM)

Thank you Colin Powell! Thank you Kristi!! You both made my birthday! May there be more just like you in this great country of ours.

Nana KC, Seattle (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:55 PM)

Hopefully this will get posted

----------
Doug in trenton wonders why Powell endoresed Obama!?!

How does...Barack is a stronger, more stable candidate. Is that a good enough reason or do you want to bring race into it? Typical...

TODD, CHICAGO (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:02 PM)

this should be obamas next political ad campaign. and he should run it on FOX news!!! every day.
thank you, Secretary Powell. THIS is how people and the voters should be making their decisions for who they want to govern them---no hate mongering, racial baiting, socialism-scaring rhetiric. we are on the verge of a truly history making event, in so many ways. we need a UNITED america---not a divisive one.
go obama!!!!

jody gemmell new fairfield, ct. (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:03 PM)

jody gemmell new fairfield, ct. (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:04 PM)

I hear that President Bush secretly told Cheney, that he (Bush) will be voting for Obama when he (Bsuh)learnt that Obama is Cheney's cousin.

Fonzi, Prosser,WA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:04 PM)

I am encouraged by Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama, but I am fearful that it will not persuade those who hold ignorant or racist opinions. As Ayn Rand said “Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it."

Linda, Allen, TX (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:07 PM)

Thanks, Gen Powell, for repudiating those things in mccain/palin's campaign that they have not the courage to repudiate. Thanks for affirming that which is good, honorable and upstanding in Obama/Biden's campaign. Transformational. Yes.

VoteAgainstHateIn08 (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:10 PM)

General Powell was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Bush Sr.'s National Security Advisor, Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense in Republican administrations - If he feels that Obama is the best selection for our national security how can anyone disagree?

Point-Set-Match to Mr. Obama!

Tim Ward - Beverly MA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:22 PM)

TO Stan Romes, Chesapeake, Virginia (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:30 AM): Is there one to be found?

I thought I'd check out what people were saying about this at foxnews.com, and all I could see was that people think Gen. Powell made this decision based on race alone. PEOPLE! DID YOU NOT LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAID??? OR DID YOU JUST READ THE HEADLINE??!!?!? He even addressed this issue. How dare you call him a liar!

The best thing that Gen. Powell said was: "So what if he was muslim?" I'm glad that someone finally said it.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

By the way, I'm white and christian.

Becky, Butler County, Ohio (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:24 PM)

When Colin Powell was on the right side of an argument advocating for the Iraq War & WMD....he got the WMD very wrong.

When Colin Powell is on the left side of the argument and he said he thought the surge wasn't the right strategy.....he got that really wrong.

So now Colin Powell is voting for Obama thinking that he will be "transformational"....as Joe Biden said past is prologue....I'm guessing that Colin Powell vision of Obama will be wrong too.

Three strikes and your out Colin. No more guessing for you.

Why

Sheryl San Jose, CA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:40 PM)

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