Meet The Press: Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
By Logan Murphy Sunday Oct 19, 2008 8:00am
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Former Secretary of State Colin Powell appeared on Meet The Press today and as expected, he endorsed Democrat Barack Obama. Powell didn't just endorse Obama, he scolded John McCain for his scurrilous campaign tactics and his purely political choice of the highly unqualified Sarah Palin as his running mate.
“I don’t believe [Palin] is ready to be president of the United States,” Powell said flatly. By contrast, Obama’s running mate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, “is ready to be president on day one.”
As with other Republicans this campaign season, Powell voiced great concern about the far right turn the Republican Party has taken which is leading to it's demise.
“I truly believe that at this point in America’s history we need a president who will not just continue ... basically the policies we have followed in recent years,” “We need a president with transformational qualities.” For that reason, he said, “I will be voting for Barack Obama.” Read on...
Powell's endorsement will have little effect on Democrats, but he is an icon of the Republican Party -- which is where the true impact of this endorsement lies.
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I say he can keep his endorsement. It's like this guy has got some credibility left. If he had a spine we might not be at war right now. I wonder how he made this decision - at least I didn't see George Tenet sitting behind him.
He spurned Clinton for partisan reasons and sucked up to Bush (country first not!) - he most likely was positioning for higher office but he should have known in the Republican party he would never get far politically. He sure looked nice on the pro-invasion marketing materials.
He doesn't like what he sees the republican party doing - did he get a new pair of glasses?
If it wasn't for an integrated army he would never have built the political gravitas - outside the republican party. He had a legacy "the Powell Doctrine" (wonder if Palin knows what that is) and he sold it out point for point.
Yeah, accept this johnny come lately endorsement if you must but don't give him the time of day afterward. He's a spineless bureaucrat. I think it would be foolish to give this guy another chance in government after his colossal failure. He lied to us and helped start a war against his own principles. Is there any bigger malfeasance esp. from a military man? I don't want to be around for his next Machiavellian calculation where human lives and the whole damn future may again be on the table.
Now it's too little, too late for a country he swore to serve.
you must have read my comment in the Krauthammer thread.
Powell only endorses when there is an exit strategy. Endorsing when the republican had a prayer of winning would not have been good for Powell.
I hadn't read your post but yeah I wish he had an exit strategy - buh bye! Yeah I know this is good for Obama and watching repugs squirm is fun but don't ever trust this guy again.
FIRST, on principle FUCK POWELL. Where was his voice when we sent all those US soldiers into harms way, KNOWING it was bullshit and wrong headed. "Good Soldier" my ass!
SECOND, how fast do you think the REICHT WING NUTS are going to spin this as RACIAL politics? I can hear the Michael Savages, Hannities and O'Liely now saying "oh Powell betrayed his party to support one of his own. That's what we have to look forward to under an Obama administration.... blah, blah, blah"
FUCK POWELL'S endorsement
and obviously a liberal socialist democrat who avoids truth at all cost.
While you sir are a flaming ( )*( )
Just asking....
I see from the choice of words and general style of this writer's language, that he or she is devoid of the basic intelligence to comprehend the arguements adduced by Gen. Powell for his endorsement of Obama. The use of 'gutter' language is in the GOP style and that is part of what Powell finds unacceptable. Please let us have sensible and intellectual discussions on issues. I guess Warren Buffet and Colin Powell will soon be dubbed 'Socialists' if one goes by Mccain's definition of who a socialist is.
... who POLITELY says "impeachment is off the table."
Not me sweety. If we would have acted on PRINCIPLE in 2006 and impeached that vile slug sitting in the white house and his pet president maybe we wouldn't be in this economic mess.
If Powell had acted on PRINCIPLE and resigned when asked to fabricate a buch of Bush LIES in front of the UN maybe people would have thought twice and 4500+ US soldiers wouldn't be in their graves, along with probably 1/2 million Iraqis
You keep your POLITE demeanor and pretend that it means civility and intelligence
I'll keep my PRINCIPLES and call bullshit, BULLSHIT!
A total disaster as a civilian. He should have just retired. Even if he'd stayed in uniform, he would've been forced to compromise his principals by the Bush/Cheney crew to stay active. Now all that he built is destroyed.
Rockin good http://www.filthyrichmond.com
A Letter to Colin Powell
By former CIA agent RAY McGOVERN
Dear Colin,
You have said you regret the “blot” on your record caused by your parroting spurious intelligence at the U.N. to justify war on Iraq. On the chance you may not have noticed, I write to point out that you now have a unique opportunity to do some rehab on your reputation.
If you were blindsided, well, here’s an opportunity to try to wipe off some of the blot. There is no need for you to end up like Lady Macbeth, wandering around aimlessly muttering, Out damned spot…or blot.
(keep reading..)
http://www.counterpunch.org/mcgovern08162008....
There are literally millions of former republicans and conservative independents, who have figured out that Bush and the GOP are full of shit.
One vote for us, is two votes from them. The one they lost, and the one they must now offset with a dwindling idiot base.
He may have fucked up, but in order to destroy corporate fascism (GOP), we are going to need to change the minds of millions permanently - along with getting the younger voters out on election day. Because the 18-29 year old crowd has absolutely NO use for the republican party what-so-ever.
I love the smell of republican terror on Sunday morning!
No, they've figured out that Obama can be (has been) bought and that they need a fresh face to calm everyone down.
All these Republicans and :"independents" didn't just get converted. Obama is not a progressive. He's a board room's wet dream.
"Whats the price of a starry eyed optimist?"
They already know.
http://harpers.org/archive/2006/11/0081275
I know many many people who use to vote conservative/republican, and they will never ever make that mistake again. Believe me, they learned their lesson. A 2nd republican great depression can have that effect on people!
Remember, before the great depression, the republicans ran the country from Lincoln to Hoover. After Hoover, the people didn't want to hear their crap for the next 60 years - two full generations.
I disagree. I think there are a lot of people in the US who trust Colin Powell and feel like the Bush administration raked him over the coals. Hearing him say that he thinks Barack Obama is the better candidate might very well make a difference for some of those people.
We should be glad that Barack Obama has his vote and support. It will lead to more votes and support from many others.
I think Colin Powell was mislead and misused by the Bush Administration, as were a lotta folks that we have since forgiven. I still trust him, and think that he could be a valuable part of an Obama Administration.
Why should ANYONE care what water-carrying wimp-boy Colin Powell has to say?
The man will live in colossal disgrace for all of eternity and deserves absolutely no respect. How completely suspect that he is coming out and backing Obama. It reeks of the good ol' establishment rearing its ugly head.
Rupert Murdoch backs Obama for chrissake. What does that tell you?
Hey Colin--Go back to your hole, you P.O.S. WAR CRIMINAL.
Hey America, get your head out and realize the two parties are both sides of the same corporate coin.
Murdock is just saying that he does, but the very obvious evidence shows that he's still having his companies in full blown attack mode against Barack.
Rupert Murdock is a liar. Repeat: A LIAR.
He lies for a living... or have you forgotten that?
If I hear one more person say there is no difference between the Democratic and the Republican parties, I will scream. We would NOT have gone into Iraq had Al Gore been president. I am old enough to remember the progress made and the programs established, like Head Start, etc. as well as enviromental laws established, etc. etc. when we had a clear Democrat majority in the Congress. Give me four years with a Democratic president and a clear Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate, see what gets done, and THEN tell me there is no difference between the two parties.
Try to get to the front of the rout, as if you'd led it. Powell will bring voters with him: this speech will swing people in the center-right, as well as the military and their families. This endorsement will change minds in both these groups.
I notice that he did not address either candidate as a CIC, effectively endorsing both of them equally. This will sting the Republicans too, because it's a major part of their positioning of McCain. Powell didn't touch it, gave them nothing to work with.
I think the polls will reflect this. I think more swing states will go blue next week.
This is about winning an election so it's not the time to be attacking the character of someone who's endorsement could help us win the election. The only thing wrong with the timing of his endorsement is that it was a little too soon and may lose some of it's impact before the election. A week before the election would have been better timing.
Why would a Republican hack start their day off trying to pose as a Democrat? This endorsement hurts your Party and you know it. You can keep your assignment to confuse the C&L participants with this phony point you are trying to raise. In other words, you can stay on the site in undercover mode. It means nothing to me because I know what you are about. Have a nice Republican day.
Joseph
FIRST, on principle FUCK POWELL. Where was his voice when we sent all those US soldiers into harms way, KNOWING it was bullshit and wrong headed. "Good Soldier" my ass!
SECOND, how fast do you think the REICHT WING NUTS are going to spin this as RACIAL politics? I can hear the Michael Savages, Hannities and O'Liely now saying "oh Powell betrayed his party to support one of his own. That's what we have to look forward to under an Obama administration.... blah, blah, blah"
FUCK POWELL'S endorsement
Funny, I can hear the Republican spin coming from the very words you put on this site. What is this shit about Powell sending our troops in harms way? You know how this shit came down. Powell left the Bush administration because he could not get with the lies they put passed the American people. Your memory is just as selective as your willingness to face the fact, this is a dam good endorsement, and if you were for Obama, you will take it how it comes. Yea Principles; give me a break and not my neck.
Joseph
First, as I wrote the post, the neo-cons were already at work spinning EXACTLY what I said (see C&L post on Powell)
Second, I think you are the one with the selective willingness to deal with the facts. Even Powell's right hand man, Wilkenson, stepped away from the Bush Stink before Powell did. Powell used his name and reputation to SPREAD the lies of the Bush administration in front of the United Nations. Just how short IS your memory? You may think it is politically expedient to link Powell with Obama but you will just end up with a bad case of fleas
Third, don't you DARE promote a "change" in the way US politics is done and then QUESTION my support for Obama. Obviously you are just as willing as the Neo-Cons and Rovians to use bully tactics to make sure there is no dissent within the ranks; squelch divergent opinions, all in the interest of making sure "our team wins."
Since when do I need to check my brain at the door to support Obama?
What are you, 12?
Powell commented on how the shift to the right and the attacks backfire: it's one of his main objections. I don't think they can go for Powell without alienating more voters, who will see that Powell was respectful of both candidates, and reasonable and calm.
Let them send their worst attack dogs, let that Potootenflinger with the endless teeth go on about "real" Virginia, "real" Florida, "real" Texas, and all the other safe republican southern states that have become toss-ups. They're going down in flames of shame.
Powell commented on how the shift to the right and the attacks backfire: it's one of his main objections. I don't think they can go for Powell without alienating more voters, who will see that Powell was respectful of both candidates, and reasonable and calm.
Let them send their worst attack dogs, let that Potootenflinger with the endless teeth go on about "real" Virginia, "real" Florida, "real" Texas, and all the other safe republican southern states that have become toss-ups. They're going down in flames of shame.
I'm in the "real" Virginia and Obama/Biden stickers are blooming all over :)
I like the word F _ _ K as well as the next person. However, there is a time and a place to use that kind of emphasis and it shows extreme disrespect, amazing immaturity, and frankly a lack of character to use that term in a forum such as this. In watching the endorsement of Colin Powell I was struck by his profound honesty. Clearly all of the comments I have read were written by folks who have seemingly not spent a day serving their country in way, especially with regard to putting one's LIFE on the line. I was very much against Vietnam and am currently very much against having troops in Iraq (for much the same reasons). But I would never choose to publicly denigerate someone who has served our country and has put him/herself in extreme danger for the rights of those who they perceive to serve. In addition, we have seen over the course of this election season and throughout the debates how angry Senator McCain is; Senator Obama on the other hand is calm and reasoned. He is a steady hand during unsteady times. And for those of us who have studied history, remember history and have lived history: Senator Obama is the person that will be the best leader. Colin Powell is standing on his character, beliefs, and his moral compass when he endorses Obama. All of this comments I have read astonish, sicken, and disappoint me to my core. All of them are as bad as any of the right wing dogma.
Who is that man in the picture you flashed when you gave your phony slide show to the UN?
jakes you hit it the head a lot of people forget that Broadway show
staring tenet and powell at the UN. with their cartoon drawings of mobile chemical warfare trucks and the phony vial of anthrax that powell held up.
hope you don't mind i posted a link at my local newspaper blog.
To all the above confused idiots, the reason COL Powell left was because he did not agree with what was going on dealing with the WAR situation. He was hired on his expertise and advice those uppity rich greedy men in the WHITE HOUSE didn't listen therefore we (US Military)end up going to WAR for absolutely NO Reason (other than revenge for our Pres. father GB senior). I support Obama if we (US Soldiers) are going to pay the ultimate sacrifice let be for a valid reason, not an old spat our current Pres. father couldn't finish with his old buddy’s in the middle east. I have seen the devastation as a result of combat. McCain wants to continue to back this mess. GET US (US Soldiers) the heck out of there so that we can focus on our real enemy. SUPPORT OBAMA and BIDEN in 2008. Thank you COL Powell you have been GREAT to this country may GOD continue to bless you in all that you do.
Jakes -
Powell is certainly flawed, but I give him high marks for this endorsement, late as it is.
A lot of Republicans (and independents, and democrats) still hold Powell in high regard. He didn't just make an endorsement here, he condemned the Republican campaign, McCain's judgement and character. He clearly stated that Obama is a patriot. The story of the Muslim soldier buried at Arlington makes Powell's case for Obama impossible to refute.
It's late in the day, but even the lateness serves a purpose. More confusion and infighting on the Right only helps Obama and forces McCain/Palin to defend their smear tactics.
Breaking: McCain Suspends Campaign, Due to Colin-itis!
http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=4142
Redemption is a great thing. Regardless of his mistakes as part of the Bush Administration, he's a great soldier!
Good soldiers don't get thousands of their own troops killed for no good reason.
Great soldiers do!
Cowards do.
Perhaps most don't recall Colin Powell's responsibility for the cover up of the My Lai Massacre during Vietnam?
The man is the ultimate water carrier with little to no conscience.
I got this piece from Consortium News which is always a great resource for the truth. But if anyone needs a little more education on Powell and Mai Lai please google it. It's mind-blowing.
Behind Colin Powell's Legend -- My Lai
http://www.consortiumnews.com/archive/colin3....
Here are some great letters concerning this subject to Salon:
http://letters.salon.com/opinion/blumenthal/2...
Some reactions:
http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/200...
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0%2C8...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/19/brze...
http://www.politico.com/arena/
This is great for the Indy and undecided voters. They needed reassurance and I think Powell gave it to them.
I still can't understand with 16 days left, how the hell you could be undecided? IF you don't know by now then don't vote.
Another word(s) for Indy's and undecideds is drama queens.
YEP!
Hey, this was really, really an empty gesture. The military abroad already voted. see http://cabdrollery.blogspot.com/
The basis of the article that you've posted is that Powell's main contribution would be to influence Military Members abroad. We'll we have more Military members stateside who have yet to vote that we do abroad. Secondly, the article seems to imply that the only effect of Powell's endorsement would have been to change the minds of members abroad.
I think both of those suppositions are incorrect. I think Powell will influence the stupid fence sitters more than he would have influenced military members here in the states or abroad. While I disagree with Powell on many points of policy and feel he sold his soul (unwittingly --- I don't think he realized Bush/Cheney/Rice/Rumsfeld were lying to him) the fact of the matter is he still garners a relatively positive public opinion. People who don't follow the news or politics trust him --- those are the idiots who are undecided.
These are the people who would/will be swayed by Colin Powell:
http://blog.indecision2008.com/2008/10/17/the...
It's funny(sad) how the Daily show can point out American stupidity so eloquently. How can anybody be undecided at this stage in the ball game???
Whatever happened to those mobile anthrax labs Powell?
The only endorsement that could be "richer" than this would be if Rumsfeld (we know where they are) were to endorse Obama!
Or how about if McCain asks that 'old washed up terrorist' George Bush to endorse Obama? That might be his October Surprise.
But... but... he was one of the "good ones!"
- typical GOP racist
It's funny to read the reaction of the wingnuts on various websites. Now, Powell is a racist, according to many posts I just read. So funny! And of course, he's only supporting Obama because he is putting his race ahead of the country. Imagine that.
They completely ignore his comment "He has both style and substance. I think he is a transformational figure."
Ouch. That must hurt those repubs so thought of him so highly in the past.
Here's a typical comment from one wingnut:
"Powell is voting for a traitor because he is himself a traitor."
That's all the Republicans have, hate and insults. They have nothing they can stand on. No substance for change.
Wow, pretty harsh words for Powell here. I found the endorsement pretty damn moving, and particularly liked what he had to say about Muslim Americans. Fuck yeah!
I agree. It must be extraordinarily difficult to be a Muslim and or Middle-Eastern American these days. I hope Barack does things to try to change the thinking to make things better for these people who feel like their home picked up and left them.
Agreed. I thought he was quite eloquent and thoughtful in his endorsement.
For all you Powell critics, don't forget he was mislead by the Bush club too. Certainly he made a huge mistake in the lead up to the war, but he is not to blame for the outcome. That lies squarely on Bush and Cheney.
So where's his apology?
http://wjz.com/local/Colin.Powell.George.2.42...
Here's the thing, you are assuming Powell was in the inner circle and was privy to all the information. I submit that Powell was not a hawk and as such was left on the sidelines while the warmongers played with peoples lives. Powel has admitted to presenting information that in retrospect was false or wrong or inaccurate (on a couple of occasions --- google it); however, I don't think he feels he should come out and say "sorry". He presented the information that was given to him. He was told that information was sound. He was assured the sources of the information where good and reliable. He was misled like the rest of us; however, he is the public face for that deceit.
Should he feel sorry? I don't know, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt because a lot a good people were also misled by Bush/Cheney/etc. If I were in his position I'd feel sorry for being the pin on which the door to war hung; however, I don't think I'd feel sorry for giving the UN speech because if I were assured the information were correct I'd probably believe it like Powell did.
An apology from him would just be cosmetic. All Powell did is present the intelligence report that the CIA prepared for him. And on that front, he repeatedly questioned the CIA about it's report prior to delivering it.Powell's presentation was an honest assessment of the information given to him. It should be noted that Powell was a strong advocate for a diplomatic approach to Iraq, and had heated disagreements with his own administration on this (which is why he was ultimately kept out of the inner circle). Again, to hold him responsible for everything that has happened is misdirected anger.
Moving forward, I think we should embrace any support that is across the isle.
Do you mean from Bush or Cheney?
You can read what I think about Powell in the Sunday morning thread. That already having been said, his endorsement of Obama was eloquent and unmistakeable: he took the time to discredit both Bush and McCain.
While some of us here still think Powell sold his soul, this is damning for John McCain, and the GOP/neocons, and true erudite conservatives (yes there sare some "true" ones beyond the rabid mob) are sitting up a bit straighter and weighing this endorsement mentally. (I think of my father when I say this.)
I did go to Fox and Drudge (eeeew) and they simply reported the "facts". That is, they haven't started smearing Powell YET. (I didn't read the comments ...of the stupid.)
I found his endorsement very moving. I imagine he has spent many nights (and days) drinking the bitter brew of regret.
But the words he used to describe his endorsement may have been as balm to his troubled soul. I honor him for that if not for the past.
I thought Powell made one of the most eloquent statements to date in support of why Obama should be our next president. Absolutely nailed it in every way and managed to shoot down every one of McCain's bogus talking points in the process.
Then I start reading the comments and they're filled with as much hate and vitriol as any post on Red State. Not productive or healthy.
He is as responsbile as anyone for the death of over 4,000 U.S. military personel, so I have absolutely NO respect or admiration
for him now trying to do a flip-flop and appear as if he is one of
of the "good guys". He is slim...and no one should, I think, take
his endorsement of Obama as anything other than Powell trying to
get on a winning team.
I think we should reject Powell's endorsment and just stay home on election day until Obama repudiates all of the endorsments he's received from people who are less than perfect. Oh, and that is by MY definition of perfect, and by MY projected feelings about his motives. Christ on a crutch, the goal here is to get Obama elected. Powell's endorsement was a very good thing. Your position is about as helpful as Michelle Bachman's was to the Republican election. Quit shooting at everyone who's trying to accomplish the same thing as we are.
The endorsement will help Obama undoubtedly.
It was very moving to myself, I have been waiting for someone to remind America that we are home to Muslims too.
It's altogether clear that this country needs healing. The damage done by the policies of Bush and the Republicans is not even describable.
And, it really started with the Republicans hate campaign against Clinton.
We can be like "they" are, or we can stand for what "we" claim to stand for.
Maybe an apology or an explanation of his role in the Iraq war would be helpful and help some heal.
But, even if you got that from him, would you be able to accept this endorsement?
If not, then YOU still have a long way to go.
God Bless America, the world, and let's please work towards peace.
Amen.
Yeah it is nice to hear....now. Pandora here was instrumental in starting a senseless war against a Islamic country and he's rhetoric however true ain't gonna fix that or the bigotry that it created and creates. I don't disagree with the words he said I just don't trust the man.
Too bad he didn't pay as close attention to the weapons of mass destruction claims, the non existent uranium tubes, the "evidence" that Saddam planned to attack the United States imminently, as he did to Obama's "skills and experience." This guy ruined his reputation as well as the lives of tens of thousands of undeserving American soldiers not to mention hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives. Powell is an evil, rotten man who only seeks power, it got the best of him, and let his reputation rot in hell.
That's where Powell and Republicans have led us.
Here's the first right-wing reaction I encountered this morning:
http://astuteblogger.blogspot.com/2008/10/onc...
The heds are sploding
Many heds seem to be sploding here too.
He is a little tarnished by his involvement in the Bush Administration's run up to the Iraq war, but he remains a respected figure both domestically and internationally. A position within an Obama admin. (Secretary of State, Ambassador to the U.N., etc.) could go a long way toward quickly restoring the U.S.'s credibility on the world stage, and at least offer some assurance that there are adults running things.
I'd hate to be the guy in the McCain camp with the job of spinning this to McCain's favor.
It is imperative that we keep focused on the Goal, Get as many D's in Office as possible.
This is not over by any means, every one of us must vote and get as many people in our families to also Vote for Obama.
Make sure this doesn't happen to you or someone you know.
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200810170676
and I'll admit: after listening to powell give his endorsement, I am actually moved by what he said. I am glad I listened. I am glad brokaw grilled him. it made to point more salient and cogent.
Now your going to see more guys like this suddenly supporting Obama.
Hoping to regain some credibility, he waits until the eve of the election, and picks the one who is most likely to win.
One retarded and one bright, which would you wish to have euthanized?
(snark)
Is McCain's campaign revenge for 2000? Or retaliation for not being allowed to select Joe Lieberman as running mate?
That was fantastic! I really liked how he pointed out that being a muslim shouldn't preclude one from being a president. I think he may have redeemed himself for the Iraq debacle with this.
...I'm not ashamed that I cried as he emotionally described the mother at her MUSLIM son's headstone. I am so freaking sick of the labeling and polalrization we have sunk to in this country. The finger pointing, the endless acusations...it must change.
"Inclusive", "transfomational", "extraordinary"...Yes, General Powell...I agree and I forgive...
Obama/Biden '08
I don't think the cost of the iraq war in lives, money, lost national stature, etc... can be made up by this one endorsement.
NOT WITH A MILLION DEAD!
Amen RA!
Personally I'm getting real tired of people criticizing the tone of the McCain campaign while at the same time absolving McCain responsibility for the tone of the campaign, as Powell did today.
Paraphrasing: The tone of the McCain campaign in racist, but McCain is a helluva guy.
Powell, go back under your rock and stay there.
This guy could have said "NO your an idiot and don't know what the hell your doing" to Bush back during the run up to Iraq.
Now we are paying for Powells lack of courage to stand up for what is right.
has been one of figuring out to whom he should suck up, and then sucking up.
All the way from being a major with the infamous Americal Division in Viet Nam to being shrub's SOS.
If a person wants their career in the Military Instantly destroyed stand up for or tell the truth and see how far it gets you.
You are correct.
Powell has ALWAYS done a calculation of what's best for Powell.
He did that when he played a major role in covering up the My Lai massacre. He did it as shrub's SOS at his U.N. presentation.
Powell is a consummate CYA man.
"Powell's endorsement will have little effect on Democrats, but he is an icon of the Republican Party -- which is where the true impact of this endorsement lies."
Yes, some impact. It will be easy to imagine the racist crap that will now come out about Colin Powell; the crazies will simply photoshop Colin Powell in place of Barack Obama on all their stuff.
I kind of agree -- this will resonate with some republicans, but Powell was thrown under the bus by them years ago when he made that speech to the UN.
Some one like Powell or crosses over and endorses Obama and everyone thinks "Wow Gee Whiz He Endorses Our Guy! Jeepers and to think this guy is a real somebody!"
Would there be gushing praise if it was CondomSleazy Rice?
Condoleezza Rice has never shown any backbone, original thought, or conscience.
Powell made a series of horrific mistakes. It cost the country dearly, and it cost him (though not as much as it cost the country).
That said, many people--I--believe, for all his faults, he has done some good things and has a conscience. He didn't speak up when it counted, and that's a blemish. But I have made the same mistake (though on far lesser issues of importance), and it has cost me, too--mostly in terms of how I see myself.
I don't believe most of us would care if Rice endorsed Obama any more than we'd care if she went shoe-shopping. To me, Powell matters.
Why? What's the difference? How many did KindaSleazy Rice kill? Powell is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, and the loss of billions of dollars of money. Rice-A-Roni is responsible for licking George's ballsack mostly.
I disagree that Rice lacks culpability for deaths. She's as responsible for promoting the attack on Iraq as anyone in bush's administration--including Powell. So, in that sense, there is no difference between them.
To me--and as I said before, it's *TO ME*...you don't have to share my opinion--there is a qualitative difference between the two.
Powell unarguably shares responsibility for loss of life (and hundreds of billions of dollars) in Iraq. He was used by bush and the GOP (and had to at least suspect it, if not know it), he promoted the plan to go ahead with the war even though the evidence wasn't there (some say he knew that, too, and some argue he didn't...that I don't think we'll ever know for sure, though again I have to suspect he did), and he didn't have the courage to resign when it would have made a difference. Those are damning truths.
That said, I'm looking at the totality of the man's actions and career. He advised bush not to go war as "the case" was being fraudulently built (remember, he was the only one who said, "You break it, you bought it"). Once he left the administration, he gave his time to more humanitarian domestic causes and stayed completely away from cheerleading for the administration or becoming a pro-GOP bobblehead, opportunities which I'm sure he could've capitalized on.
None of that exonerates him from "being the company man" and going along with the administration to sell the U.S. public (if not completely convince the U.N.) that there were WMD. He clearly should've resigned, and he'll never lose that stigma--much as a person who has been convicted of a horrific crime can never help but be remembered for it, no matter whether rehabilitated or not.
But to my thinking, Rice has NEVER DONE ANYTHING BUT make bush's faulty case for--well, everything the bush Administration wants. She has never done one iota of anything positive for the society as a whole--she is, quite simply, a habitual liar--and not a very convincing one, at that.
I can never excuse what Powell did, but I don't put him in the same league as Rice, who I view as someone completely without scruples or a moral compass. That's my opinion. You certainly don't have to share it.
I do agree with you on Rice's lack of morals and scruples. Completely. I however think that Powell is cut from the exact same cloth. In most nations generals do not become generals from military prowess, but from kissing ass and playing the politics games. Powell fits that. I do respect your opinions however and do agree Rice is a piece of crap.
Mutual respect all the way around, CC. Your posts are always well-reasoned.
Peace.
From your comment it sounds like you would be supporting Obama. It was Obama that opposed the war. McCain supported it before it started and continues to do so. If you are mad about all of the deaths of soldiers in Iraq, why are you voting for McCain. That is kind of insane.
Bravo!, Mr Colin Powell, and thank you.
Thank you for your intelligent, thoughtful discussion of this country's problems
Thank you for your courage in a tough decision,
Thank you for your service to this country.
I'm going to invest in my no cost health care plan and avoid media for the rest of the day.
Bye
My Obama for President sign was stolen while I wasn't home yesterday--in broad daylight.
I consider that a good sign, either way. We are out of them at the campaign office here--and they're $7 a pop anyway. If someone took it because they want it (as a piece of history or just to display), more power to them. But if someone took it because they're afraid and think they have to get rid of the shows of support somehow, even better.
And I'll take Powell's endorsement any day. It means something to Republicans--many of whom STILL support him strongly. I hear this every time I phone-bank: they wish Powell had run this year instead of McCain. I don't agree with what he did, but his endorsement may end up meaning a lot, and he's given it a lot of thought.
His story of the Islamic-American soldier was moving, and he's right: all American kids should grow up believing they can be president, not just right-wing Christian white wealthy kids.
Powell is a general. He knows the importance of unit cohesion. He knows that McCain is destroying our unit cohesion while we are engaged in war.
I say better late than never. Colin Powell is an intelligent man, and I believe him when he speaks passionately about the importance of intellectual curiosity. I think he'll be a strong advocate to have on the side of reason. Sadly, he'll now personally experience how vicious his associates from the dark side and their supporters can be.
Many rational welcomes to Colin Powell.
Their are Democrats that will never forgive Powell for what he did or did not do about the Iraq War. That does not matter. Republicans love him. If his endorcement gives just two Republicans a justification to vote for Obama it is a win-win situation.
I did like what he said about the Muslim thing. It has irrated me for a long time that the word "Liberal" is used as a curse word, As in "Obama is the most liberal senator in congress". Why do we or the American citizens think of this as being a smear? Why is being a Muslim a smear in America? Why is "Socialism" equated with Europe while "Capitalism" which has brought us to econimac collapes is still concidered a "Good Thing". McCarthy proved you don't have to argue with an idea all you have to do is call it a "Bad Name" and any relavance of the idea goes out the window.
Well that's lifted my depression considerably. I was beginning to feel anxious when the stupid polls, which I don't believe in, showed McCain creeping up a notch. But I don't believe in polls, I don't I don't I don't.
In the MSM and with the pollsters, ther is a unfair sense of balance. Every avantage Barack Obama gets has to be offset with something good for John McCain. Today, the conservative pollsters knew this endorsement was coming. The RealClearPolitics.com site is only averging daily tracking polls. This average has always been lower then the date relesed polls. What is really going on? I have found the following pollsters to be conservative, and this can be checked out by looking at their polling history. Survey USA, who traditionally gives Obama lower numbers, Gallup, Zogby, CNN,Mason-Dixon, and many others. I can't name them all. Trust in you perceptions when you see something in the polling that looks off base.
Joseph
Has anyone seen her today, heard she was ill somewhere.
hope she is ok, wherever she is.
And hopr you are doing ok, too.
Powell is welcome to "endorse" whomever he pleases. But if this lands him a cushy appointment in the Obama Administration, that will extinguish my last crumb of faith in Obama.
There is only one remaining service Colin Powell can legitimately offer to his country. He can testify wholeheartedly, and without reservation, against the criminals of the Bush Administration. If that's too much to ask, then he should go home, close the door, and never come out again.
He can play "Peek-A-Boo" with his conscience on his own time.
He should testify, America will not heal until the bones are dragged out into the sun.
Remember Powell stood in front of the UN and lied to the world about WMD- he has zero credibility, and in having been a yes man to Bush and crew, is a war criminal-If anything,his endorcement will hurt obama.
Time for Americans to stick that political "war hero doing service for his country" line of crap, and maybe line their birdcages with it. Military service does not always come with "doing service for one's country" especially when there are no aggressors to defend against. Sometimes doing what's right is doing more of a service to your country, and Powell sure as hell never did anything that wasn't right for Powell.
I see a place for this man in the Obama Administration. It is essential that we mend the wounds between the two major parties, and this would be one Republican I could see doing this country some good in a Democratic administration.
such a beautiful endorsement by such an intelligent man-really liked
the muslim american message-
face it folks powells a sellout , he knew the bush gang was cherry picking inteligence info that would let them attack iraq, he sat at the un and feeding off the false image he had of being a truthfull general he mislead the stupid public that believed him, hes a user , a tool, and between him and rice they betrayed the american people and thier race!
The man is nothing more than an opportunist just like Joe LIEberman.
Colin Powell is far more honorable than Lieberman. He's more accepting of his own mistakes. He gave a great assessment of what he sees and he told those who would listen the conclusion he has come to after thought and analysis. He's been through a lot. There has been a lot of soul searching. And I think his opinion is important.
He helped cover up My Lai, which should taint him forever, but no one cares to recall this. He gave that sham speech at the UN about mobile labs, then acted all hurt [like some star crossed ingenue who found out her lover was sleeping with his wife] when it turned out that the info he had been given was shite. As if he didn't know.
A guy that can fool the hoi polloi as Powell has into to thinking he's been through a lot, needs to be considered very carefully.
*snort* "He's been through a lot..." Sheesh. I'd thank you for the laugh on that, but it's much more sad than it is funny.
Hiya, Tyree. How's it going?
I think you just summed it all up.
hi paul, thnx , and your right , powell has a lot of deaths in iraq and afganistan on hi head, i felt at the time i watched this douchbag scareing the fools with his wmds and vile of talc powder that the truth would come out and bite his bush reamed ass!
Yup. Truth always outs, sooner or later.
Wanna have some fun. Go to some of the right wing website comment section. The main theme, "Powell's a racist". They're in panic mode.
Republicans around the Internet are now calling Powell a rascist. That's not true, he's simply a liar. I for one, will not forget him holding up a pill bottle of talcum powder at the UN, and assisting the Bush tactic of terrifying America. That propaganda was a catalyst that has America where it is today, economically, and globally. So, like Charlie Tuna, Powell is a liar, but has good taste.
http://www.ronnierayjenkins.com/topics/deathi...
:<(=)
If Powel is interested in atoning for the evils he has knowingly participated in unleashing, this is a small step in beginning that process. But there is much, very much, for which he must make amends. And, regardless whatever other works he does towards that end between now and the end of his days in this world, it will do him and the world no good if those works do not include a full and sincere acknowledgment of, without any attempts to self-justify his acts or thinking, his full portion of responsibility for his deeds. He must, without any reservations, accept ownership for what he has done. If he seeks to redeem himself, he must allow himself to experience the full meaning, in all its depths, of the word "regret". And, after that experience has burned through every corner of his soul, he must publicly, but humbly, articulate what he has learned. If he doesn't do this, well.....there isn't going to be much hope of peace for Colin Powel.
If he is sincere, I wish him luck.
he has much to make up for. it cannot be undone.
Over 1.4 million dead, and, no, it cannot be undone. No amount of regret will undo it.
Justice. The world must have justice. I just read yesterday that the International Red Cross, for only the second time in it's history, has created a war crimes portfolio against Bush, Cheney and Company to investigate and build a war crimes case against them. The first time they did it it was against Adolph Hitler, when he was chancellor of Germany. I view this as very good news.
Yep sincerity and trust are something built over time and he set his clock way back with his sycophantic career. He might be able to regain the basic trust he was afforded, he might be able to be forgiven but anyone that gives that to him now is jumping the gun by at least 10 years. Righteous words - yes, forgiven - no, forgetting - never. Remember - he is a really good liar.
this will be spun racially. listen to limpballs tomorrow.
You can see the entire fiasco on display. Just in case anyone forgets the BS.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/...
LOOK AT THE CAST OF ASSJACKETS SITTING BEHIND COLON!
they debased the medal of freedom.
That was the most eloquent, intelligent ripping someone a new ***hole that I have ever heard! :)
ret. gen powell gave a great endorsement for (D) senator obama. i don't BELIEVE powell is a NEOCON.
powell is a discouraged republican. he has seen his political party move to the far right. that's NOT what
he signed up for with the BUSH claim to be compassionate in 2000. powell is a great/accomplished
american. i have to believe that a person like powell has a great ability to size a person up if you will.
powell has endorsed senator obama for president over senator mccain. he knows both of these men and he has made his choice. the endorsement has weight and meaning.
He has made clear how important the election is in this country. We are leaders in the world. We make a difference in everything we do. We have to have a leader in the white house. There has to be someone who is 'transformational'. This isn't just for the health of the US but for the world.
When Obama tells the people of this nation that it is time to change, we aren't going to be afraid to change because we have a leader guiding us. And change we must.
We have been sitting on your hands for eight years as the polar ice cap has melted, as our dependency on oil has crippled us and made us into a greedy, destructive monster. Most of all we have allowed leadership in this country to have its way. When did we become this country and how do we become the country we once were?
He's seen dumbya demolish any chance he himself had of ever running for the office of President of the United States.
well done Mr. Secretary...putting country above party.
It's official: Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/20...
Powell has define the beginning of a renaissance. We are to be a part of it and see it unfold. I am excited. If Bush and Cheney have done anything positive for this country...if they have a legacy, it is that they have smashed the living daylights out of our faith in the Republican Party, the standard way of doing things, the 20th Century. Time to go into a new century.
This seems like another flavor of the "it's okay if your a republican" mentality - sort of "it's only okay if your are a republican" - oh! a general who is a republican is endorsing Obama! - now it's legit! That mentality has to be quashed or we be electing another Bush clone before too long.
i really appreciate powell's criticism of Palin. many of us not all have said this since that friday she was
given the nod. this was/is a serious mistake in the mccain campaign strategy. it's NOTHING short of
ridiculous. picking Palin as an 'American Idiol' type caricature reveals poor judgement. personally i really
don't think mccain himself believes in Palin. like i said earlier i believe powell is probably a good judge
of other individuals.....he knows Palin is way over her head. what concerns me is the heavy self-deception
in this country. there are people who believe Palin could be president day one. i find it obvious Palin is
NOT ready. i guess it shows the great division in this country.
Now that Colin Powell has endorsed Obama, the folks on the right will be doing everything they can to discredit him. Why should we be helping them out? Wake up folks! We're trying to win an election. We should be treating Powell's endorsement like a voice from heaven. This is why Republican's win elections they shouldn't. Democrats simply can't focus on the goal at hand.
Yeah
like any traitor
use him but never trust him.
Powell is only concerned about his legacy in the black community. He failed to speak out when he could have, and followed Bush & Cheny like a willing dupe, into Iraq. Who cares. Obama's nailed it already.
That's the kind of overconfidence the campaign is worried about.
Bush used him to gin up a war, so I'm fine with the Dems using him to keep McCain/Palin out of office.
He's obviously a man of poor judgement, having put our country in it's current position in Iraq by going to the UN with that bulging sack of lies.
......He's obviously a man of poor judgement, having put our country in it's current position in Iraq by going to the UN with that bulging sack of lies......
After the UN satire, Powell and Allawi dined at a Caribbean restaurant in New York. They had Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
After watching the live announcement on Meet The Press, I just HAD to see what FOX had to say about it. Their lead stories? First was a story on how the White House was calling on Obama and McCain to be briefed on terrorism (I've had a hard time even finding this story online). Then came a story on Obama backing out of campaign financing promises, then a field reporter mentioned the Powell endorsement in passing. Then came a story on how there "might" be a terrorist attack prior to the elections...
Colin Powell waits till the 11th hour, as if anything he has to say makes a bit of fecking difference.
I still remember this man presenting his PowerPoint presentation to the UN, lying and manipulatng us into war.
He has blood on his hands. A lot of it.
I wish Mr. Powell showed more "courage" before getting us into this quagmire.
Powell is undeservedly attacked for association with Bush. As a soldier he was sworn to obey and advise with core decision making relegated to managing armed conflict. As secretary of state he did the right thing by leaving an administration that had completely lost its ethical and moral bearings.
Making war and making peace each require extraordinary amounts of intellectual rigor and solid decision making, Powell has these qualities. Powell's failures come from recognizing too late that Bush had brought fundamentally flawed and dangerous processes (e.g. Cheney's office as shadow government).
Powell isn't a publicity hawk, and doesn't like airing dirty laundry. He is a republican and he doesn't have to endorse anyone. All the more interesting that he eviscerated the McCain campaign. He is announcing his endorsement now that the debates are over at the same time as most newspaper editors and other newsworthy people.
He would have made a good democrat. Too bad he hasn't formally announced that he is leaving the party. While that isn't likely, this endorsement is still extremely welcome.
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