Obama thanks Powell for endorsement

Posted: Sunday, October 19, 2008 11:24 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones and NBC's Shawna Thomas
Per Obama senior adviser Robert Gibbs, Obama called Colin Powell this morning, thanked him for his endorsement, and said how honored he was to have it.

Obama "said he looked forward to taking advantage of his advice in the next two weeks and hopefully over the next four years," Gibbs said in an email to the traveling press. "They talked for ten minutes."

Meanwhile, in an interview on FOX, McCain said that Powell's endorsement of Obama wasn't surprising. "Well, I've always admired and respected Gen. Powell. We're longtime friends," McCain stated. "This doesn't come as a surprise. But I'm also very pleased to have the endorsement of four former secretaries of state, Secretaries Kissinger, Baker, Eagleburger and Haig. And I'm proud to have the endorsement of well over 200 retired Army generals and admirals. But I respect and continue to respect and admire Secretary Powell."

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Comments

The biggest , the bestest , the OBAMMAEST
Ask not what your Obamma can do for you ask what you can do for these United States.
KHBE the republican party goes all the way back to Vietnam when Nixon was thinking of declaring martial law aginst the citizenry. I might remind you Senator McCaine The most honerable Mr. Powell was not in that bunch.

David R. Haight, Ithaca NY (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:19 PM)

Well this goes a way toward making up for failing to put loyalty to the American people over loyalty to the Bush team in the run up to the misbegotten Iraq war. To be fair many Dems showed pretty craven political cowardice at the time, including Kerry whom I forgave and voted for. Harder to let go of disappointment in Powell because I thought more of him in the first place.

Once and maybe Powell admirer (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:19 PM)

Game. Set. Match.

Denny Murray (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:19 PM)

Thank you Gen. Powell, you have now redeemed yourself from telling that big whooper about WMD in Iraq.

justthinkinoutloud (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:19 PM)

Yes! Finally a credible statesman to put in common sense language why we need a common sense president!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!

Justcorche, VA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:20 PM)

Republicans are making hay of Joe the Plumber saying Obama gave Joe a tap dance instead of an answer. Well, Joe got an answer from Obama. Unfortunately, responding to that question of Joe is not an easy thing to explain.

whether Joe does not like the answer or he does not understand the answer is up to him and voters like him. Joe may want to exert a little effort to understand it more if he likes or may think he has the answer (or lack of it from his perspective). From there, Joe can vote accordingly.

However, may I add that there is a significance between Joe the Plumber and the resurgence of voodoo economics in the Republican base.

what concerns me is - if a lot of people think "spreading the wealth" is bad as to equate it to socialism (which I find baseless), voodoo economics is the worst.

The McCain campaign has repeatedly defined its economics as virtually about no taxes at all (judging by McCain's new pitch in Joe the Plumber) despite an environment of record deficits and spiralling national debt.

Curiously, if the new face of McCain's economics is Joe the Plumber, I wonder why McCain's senior economic advisors are not out there in the campaign trail taking ownership of this line?

Paging Douglas Holtz-Eakin!

Dennis Ablizo (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:20 PM)

I knew this was coming.....It seems to me that many moderate republicans are finally realizing how inept a McCain/Palin administration would be...

guavaflower (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:20 PM)

Thank goodness Powell finally said what I've been waiting for someone to say all through these campaigns: The United States is a country that is built on inclusiveness, and even a muslim child born in the U.S.should be able to dream about growing up to be president.

Neither Obama ("I'm a Christian") nor McCain ("No ma'am, Senator Obama is not an Arab, he's a decent human being.") has addressed this issue in the true American spirit.

Good for you, Colin Powell!! Oh how I wish you had been elected president eight years ago.

Laurie, California (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:21 PM)

I hope those who missed it will watch Gen. Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama. It's one of the most intelligent, compelling, and convincing I have ever seen.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608

George in Houston, TX (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:21 PM)

I would love to see Powell reprise his tole as Secretary of State, especially in an Obama administration. Talk about bi-partisanship in the pursuit of excellence. Can we dare dream?

Raúl, Cumming, Georgia (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:21 PM)

Not only did Powell endorse Obama, but his critique of the McCain campaign is SCATHING!

Arron, Boston (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:22 PM)

I'm voting Obama, but give McCain kudos for a very diplomatic response that still bolstered his own case leveraging statistical facts about his own endorsers (as opposed to MANY of his supporters who are now calling Powell very racists and derogatory terms)

Kelley, Dallas TX (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:22 PM)

Such a great day as Colin Powell endorsed Obama and we get the great news that Obama has raised $150 million to spread the word.

I think that the new campaign song for the Democrats should be AC/DC's "Back in Black"! I'm sure the repugnant ones are singing "Hell's Bells" as their Circular Talk Express has been "Thunderstruck" on it's "HIghway to Hell"!

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:22 PM)

No wonder polls can be skewed.

Today, MSNBC has a 'Live Vote' — Will Colin Powell's endorsement sway your vote? Merely two 'confusing' options are shown: YES or NO.

If I answer NO (because I had already made up my mind for Obama previously) and thus I AM NOT SWAYED...

Or, if I answer YES (that makes me an idiot who needs someone else to make up my mind for me!) It's no-win.
I can't respond to a poll like this.

How about four options:

1. YES, but I already was pro-Obama
2. Yes, I needed someone like Powell to persuade me.
3. No, because I am already pro-Obama - though it's nice that Powell is pro-Obama, too!
4. No, because...(I'm a Joe Six-pack voter!) Blah!

MAG, York Harbor, ME (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:23 PM)

This is a significant endorsement from a well-respected and accomplished man. I have admired Colin Powell for many years and once thought that he truly could be President. In watching him on Meet the Press this morning, I was again awed by extreme thoughtfulness and insightfulness that he shows in making major decisions. His endorsement carries great meaning.

Janine, Raleigh, North Carolina (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:24 PM)

I admire and respect McCain for his words after General Powell endorsed Obama. I hate to say this, but I find it sad to seethe first class act from McCain in some time. He is a hero and credit to our country for his geroic acts, but to see how he has acted towards not only Obama and the intellect of the American people has me sad to say it took Powell endorsing his opponet to finally find some class and dignity with the words he chose today. Maybe McCain can now find a way to end the campaign not in desperation mode, but one that can make his family and the rest of America proud. Perhaps he can even apologize for the way his party has acted and regain the integrity he had so much of prior to the crisis that allowed him to go so negative.

I am voting for Obama, not for the negative views from McCain of late, but for theway the country has been handled and for a man that I see has the correct vision for where we as a country need to go.

Hugh P (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:24 PM)

McCain...why isn't the endorsement surprising? Because he is African American as well?

Fed-UP in Olathe KS (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:26 PM)

Mr. Powell has made an excellent choice. Enough said.

Rachael Riley, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:26 PM)

What Mr. McCain and the republicans don't seem to realize is that times have changed. The old politics won't cut it anymore. It remnds me of how we teach the four year olds not to hit their friends. We teach them to talk about it . Mcshame is still like a four year old and so are some of his 200 generals. Gen. Powell recognizes this and the value of intelligence and leadership abilities sadly lacking in the McCain/Palin ticket.

Lady June, San Antonio, TX (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:27 PM)

Well, there's a big surprise. I am so disappointed in Mr. Powell. I cannot beliebe that someone who has served his country so well would back a socialist. I guess racIS the only issue for many voters.

Kerri Batche Lake Hopatcong NJ (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:27 PM)

I am pleased to see Colin Powell endource Barack Obama. This is wonderful to see a member of the GOP willing to cross the line to help America. Thank you Colin Powell.

Debra L Voltolina (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:27 PM)

I think Colin Powell made a very tough decision, but a decision that was well thought out and based on intellect, not rhetoric. He examined all sides of the issue, which is a tip many others can learn from him. I agree with his belief that the party is narrowing and although I am not a Republican, and have never considered becoming one, I too feel that their belief that small towns are the heart of this country is not the way to convince people that you have their best interest at heart. (I was born and raised in one of the biggest cities in this country) I applaud you General Powell for standing up for what you believe is the right thing.

Nicole, NY, NY (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:28 PM)

Great news! Powell is a great leader and this is a powerdul endoresment.

Obama should put Powell in as secretary of state. Our country needs a lot of help repairing the damage of eight years of horrible foreign relations.

Steve R (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:28 PM)

The question is....
How many former secretaries, generals, admirals, etc, are Democrats? Contrary to the belief of some, there are Democrats in the Military.

Sherry, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:29 PM)

Colin Powell being a Republican also adds to the impact of his endorsement of Barack Obama.

Michael Hood (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:29 PM)

I really think that was a great move for Obama
that shows that it dosen't matter if you are a republican or dem.Goooooooooood for Obama

William Las VEgas (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:29 PM)

This endorsement will help Obama in Virginia and Florida.

Nasir, Chicago, IL (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:31 PM)

i find it hard to accept that Gen Powell would endorse someone with so little experience. in the past, Obama has said that he would 'sit down and talk' with leaders of Iran, etc. we should remember the hostage situation under Pres Carter's administration. we learned you can NEVER sit down and talk with terrorist countries.
as for McCain commenting on Obama's faith, i have watched every debate, saw probably every campaign ad, and i NEVER saw McCain making ANY comment about Obama's faith. however, i have 'tuned out' Rush, Hannity, etc because of THIER comments. Mac didnt need to say anything...the radio media did it all for him.
the worst thing about Mac is his connection with BUSH..BUSH has become the albatross around the neck of the republicans..
just remember, the race isnt over. i think people will come to thier senses before 11/04..

steve (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:31 PM)

Hey there, i would just like to say that Obama should
not quit, if he becomes president it would be history
in the making.

carlyle,South Africa,Cape Town (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:31 PM)

Senator McCain,

Why weren't you surprised at the endorsement of General Colin Powell of Senator Obama?

Marietta, GA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:32 PM)

The question that the news media should be asking the McCain's campaign is, what would be their talking points if Powell had endorsed him instead of Obama? The first spokeman of the McCain's campaign that came on MSNBC soon after Gen. Powell's endorsement pretended as if this endorsement was nothing, and that nothing had changed from how they and everyone viewed Obama. But I suspect that that is not what they would have been saying had the General endorsed McCain. This should let America know that opened minded people who look at these two candidates without the biase of partisan politics realize who is more qualified and ready to lead this nation during these tough times. And did anyone hear what the General said about this Arab and Muslim stuff the McCain's campaign is using as their political platform? He rightfully said that it essentially destroys any hope we had of convincing the rest of civilized humanity that the United States is open to people of all religions, races, etc. It also fosters the notion that Americans hit muslims and give those that practice radical islam reasons to convince their followers to hit us. Remember all that happens here plays on television in the Arab world and this kind of campaigning does not help our image with them.

Sylvester T. Youlo, Dayton OH (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:33 PM)

While I respect all of the endorsements John McCain mentions in his interview with Fox, they are basically unknowns to the younger generation who are going to rock this election! Colin Powell is a name they can relate to, and hopefully, whose words of wisdom and rationale they will follow.

terri bernstein, ft. lauderdale, fl (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:33 PM)

What a petty response from McCain... That's kind of like saying... "well, yeah, you have a great car. I have seven cars that are way more awesome... but yeah, I suppose your car is swell too." For a 72 year old man, he really needs to grow up.

Ethan Elgin, Boston, MA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:34 PM)

I'm greatfull of what Colin Powell said about McCain and Obama. Is a wright assessment of the political situation. I hope that more great Americans endorse Obama. If Warren Buffett is an Obama supporter, that tells you enough. The world richest man is going to vote for a so called "soclialist".

Obama/Biden '08

Stephano (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:34 PM)

The eloquence and dignity by which former Secretary of State & General Colin Powell delivered his assertion that Senator Barack Obama is the "transformational" leader which America needs at this time will resonant across our great country and around the world. Because Colin Powell is well-respected by dignataries in both our country and across the globe, his accolades for Barack Obama are immeasureable. This endorsement is highly significant and will bode well for Senator Obama.

Rosemarie A Stone (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:35 PM)

I am genuinely pleased and most optimistic at Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama for president. Obama is and has been my choice based on his grasp of the issues and the direction he will lead the US in both foreign and domestic matters. I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Powell that Sara Palin is not ready to assume presidential decisions and feel Sen. McCain made a poor choice in his running mate.

Ann Graf (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:35 PM)

The endorsement of Colin Powell is huge. This endorsement reassures all Americans that we will be "safe" with Obama in the White House, leading our country.

Stevie Shaw, Inglewood, California (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:35 PM)

Why does John McCain come off as priggish... and why do I feel like I need to go to fact checker every time he and Sarah open their mouths.

Jane freedman Kamuela Hawaii (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:36 PM)

John McCain, from the high road to the gutter in less
then a year, 'DUTY HONOR COUNTRY' would your father
Grandfather be proud?

Mitch West Covina (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:36 PM)

I hope this endorsement leads to a position, particularly Secretary of State for Powell in an Obama administration. A man with dignity, judgement, and character in international affairs and negotiations was abandoned and hung out to dry by the Bush administration for his more diplomatic approach to international affairs, particularly the Middle East, and for being made the "scapegoat" for an ill-conceived march to war. I also admire Sen. McCain for his level-headed reaction and hope the best for him in his political future.

Jim, Chandler, Ariz. (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:36 PM)

As an Muslim-American born and raised in the great state of Michigan, I was pleased to hear former Secretary of State Colin Powell acknowledge the disrespect of the Republican party leadeship and McCain campaign towards Muslims. To ask, So What if Barack Obama is Muslim? is really the answer. To deamonize the religion of millions of americans is only adding to the divide in this country and the outlook we project to the world. I have voted republican in every election for president thus far, but cannot do so this year because of this very issue. Thank you Collin Powell for addressing this issue head-on.

A. Malik (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:37 PM)

God Bless America, God Bless Colin Powell,Ted Kennedy,Al Gore, who has the wisdom to watch, listen & use good judgement on who to endorse. And God Bless all the others that have done the same. And God Bless Obama/Biden.

DEE DEE (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:34 PM)

This gives me hope again.

JJ (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:35 PM)

I'm thankful that Powell tactfully pointed out the disgusting bias against muslims that is implied by the McCain-Palin camp's attacks and rumor-mongering on Obama's background. It's unfortunate that there are so many Americans willing to eat that lie AND not admit how "Archie Bunker" it sounds. It's crucial for America to open its collective awareness about other religions and cultures so we can cope with this rapidly changing world. It's not black and white--it requires a depth of understanding. At least we're *starting* to bring these issues to the fore...

irish girl in chicago (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:39 PM)

I am glad to see Colin Powell make a statement about the respective campaigns that he can be proud of. I have already voted early for Obama, and I'm an old white guy who's a veteran. I voted for Obama because of policy positions, not charisma, but if I was one of the indecisive voters I would be turned off completely by the negative attack ads the McCain people are running against their opponent. I am disgusted with such tactics and I hope the majority of voters have enough intelligence and decency to reject irrelevant character attacks when our country faces so many problems. Way to go, General Powell!

Ron, Alamogordo, NM (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:39 PM)

General Powell delivered the most articulate, thoughtful, analysis of the situation to date, an opinion with which I totally agree. We DO need a transformational leader and Barrack Obama is that leader. Barrack Obama has demonstrated that he is putting country first. McCain, on the other hand, clearly showed his lack of judgment in selecting Sarah Palin as his running mate; this decision was obviously not putting country first. Obama is the hope for the future of this country.

Sharon from Indy (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:39 PM)

What - McCain hasn't mentioned that he and Sarah have the backing of Michele Bachmann, the MN representative whose McCarthy-Evangelical leanings are the new face of the GOP?

Going Blue, WI (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:40 PM)

Colin Powell summed up the reasons why I have decided to vote for Obama. I am an independent voter and have always voted on issues vs. party lines. McCain's negative campaign tactics and inability to grasp the needs of Americans, along with selecting Palin for VP solidified my support for Obama. Obama-Biden 2008!

Sandy from Seattle, WA (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:41 PM)

McCain never explained what he meant ahen he stated he "was not surprised"... Was he implying Race, color of skin or an indication of a deep wound - that Mccain and Powell are not firends.?

Bill, Asheboro NC (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:42 PM)

If McPalin wins am moving to another country

David, Tulsa, Ok (Sent Sunday, October 19, 2008 3:42 PM)

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