February 9, 2008
Posted: 09:45 AM ET
CNN

Watch Colin Powell discuss the presidential race.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican who served under President Bush, said Friday he may not back the GOP presidential nominee in November, telling CNN that “I am keeping my options open at the moment.”

“I have voted for members of both parties in the course of my adult life,” Powell, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “And as I said earlier, I will vote for the candidate I think can do the best job for America, whether that candidate is a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent.”

Powell also offered praise for Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, calling him an “exciting person on the political stage.

“He has energized a lot of people in America,” said Powell, who briefly weighed his own run for the White House in the mid-1990s. “He has energized a lot of people around the world. And so I think he is worth listening to and seeing what he stands for.”

Powell, who has largely steered clear of politics since leaving the administration in 2004, noted that the next president will need to work to restore America’s standing in the world.

“I will ultimately vote for the person I believe brings to the American people the kind of vision the American people want to see for the next four years,” he said. “A vision that reaches out to the rest of the world, that starts to restore confidence in America, that starts to restore favorable ratings to America. Frankly, we've lost a lot in recent years.”

Programming note: Tune in for the full interview with Colin Powell on “Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer,” airing this Sunday, 11-1 PM, ET.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Bush • Colin Powell • Wolf Blitzer


TerryD   February 12th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Why are you people so stupid about John McCain. He is in his 70s the Republicians know they are not going to win no matter who runs against John McCain.

So stop the B.S. about Barack Hussein Obama being the only one who can beat John McCain.

Hillary R Clinton will not only beat him she will expose the Republicians for the fraud, corruption and Enron connections to the Bush and Chaney's family.

John McCain has been given the honor of going down with the ship (The Republician Ship). That is his reward for being a war-prisioner for the United States of America.

Now the Republicians can blame John McCain for losing the White House and not their own corruption and war mongering beliefs

People use your intuition, listen with your intellect and stop being swayed by ex-movie stars,(are you talking to me) corrupt Kennedy ideals (hah) and the Oprama connection.

Bill Cochran   February 11th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Colin sounds like you are leaning toward Obama. Good Luck Colin, the neo cons let you hang shifting in the wind on WMD after you were force feed the "CIA facts" aka Tenant's "slam dunk" statements. Like the bottom feeding scum they are, they will probably "Swift Boat" you personally but not professionally.

TF08   February 11th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Why is it that all the old timers in Washington want to jump the Obama train? Oh yeah, because "YES WE CAN" means he is their YES MAN. I get it. How stupid everyone is for believing that garbage! He motivates and then delivers what? Obama is an ostridge.

Joyce Brumley   February 11th, 2008 9:02 am ET

Thanks for Collin Powell's interview. Great !!!

Joyce Brumley   February 11th, 2008 8:59 am ET

Thanks Wolf for the great job that you and your team did to make the debates so interesting and informative. I've watched them all and I appreciate them. The results have shown great team reporting.I know how to vote on the issues that are important to me. You always ask the questions that I want answered. So thanks.
I will vote for Obama. I am a 75 yr old white female who is tired of the present white house staff. Hope I can help to change the congress as well.
I read your blog every day.
I don't trust McCain on immigration. He only says he will close the borders first. But has he changed anything else that he wanted on the amnesty bill. He refuses to answer when pushed about his citizenship promises.
Thanks Joyce
Texas

Toby James   February 10th, 2008 5:43 am ET

Just want to ask the racists here a question… What percentage of white people voted for white candidates back when Jesse Jackson was running? Was the fact that they overwhelmingly voted for a white candidate reflective of inherent racism, or the fact they liked what that candidate stood for more than they liked what Jackson stood for?

Of course, in some cases it was one, and in others the other. It's the same here. Some black people vote for Obama because they want to see a black person win, and some because they like what he stands for. If you want to get an idea as to the percentages of one group versus the other, think about it like this… Obama's oratory reminds one in many ways of Martin Luther King Jr., who as you know, black people overwhelmingly hold in high regard because of what he stood for, not because he was black. Case closed, bigotry exposed.

JOEY   February 9th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

WOMEN… I'M SORRY I LOVE EVERYONE BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STOP BEING NAIVE AND STUBBORN FOR HILLARY. HILLARY IS NOT GOING TO WIN AGAINST MCCAIN! OBAMA HAS BEEN AN ELECTED OFFICIAL LONGER THAN HILLARY CLINTON. THERE WILL BE A WOMAN PRESIDENT AND ILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO VOTE FOR HER WHEN THE RIGHT WOMAN COMES. SO ASK ALL WOMEN TO RECONSIDER FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY. DEMOCRATS NEED THIS.

MJF   February 9th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

So the war criminal now says he's open to supporting a Democrat who would end the Iraq occupation. Maybe if he didn't so enthusiastically embrace the administrations intelligence findings (read: lies) and present them to the U.N. we wouldn't be spending billions on a useless, tragic war that has killed so many innocent people. He could have resigned instead of lying to the United Nations. He chose not to and that is his legacy. His current fans may defend him, but they will not be the ones who write the history books that will reflect his central role in starting a criminal war of aggression.

Karen, Jersey City   February 9th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Are my comments too offensive to be posted on the CNN website? Here they are again! I've noticed a pattern with the moderators, they don't want too many positive Obama comments on their site… not sure why… ANYWAY!!!

General Powell:

Thank you Sir ! I have always admired General Colin Powell for his service to our country and as a man of integrity. I truly hope and pray that General Powell will endorse Senator Barack Obama ! That alone will bring our great country together and make a great standing on the world stage. Countries across the world love General Powell and so do we!

jasan   February 9th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

This miserable liar got us into the war in the first place with his "support" for the liar and chief, bush. I think that the Democratic Party will do just fine without this bottom dwellers support…

x32792   February 9th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

How many lives and trillions of dollars could this one man have saved if he had been a real Patriot and told the truth to the UN about WMD in Iraq?

Jen   February 9th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Pfffft. So what. Colin Powell has lost all credibility. Who cares about his opinion.

Earl, Ohio   February 9th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I hope whomever wins the presidency considers brining Powell back into the Executive branch in a capacity that is respectful of his abilities and does not belittle his opinions. He is one of the few great Americans left in the political arena. I think h would be part of a great cabinet which included him as Secretary of Defense and John Edwards as Attorney General.

kevin from alaska   February 9th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Who cares?

This guy is one of the reasons we're in Iraq.

He should've stepped up a lot bigger against the Bush machine. I lost a lot of respect for this man.

Joe, KC   February 9th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Hey, Mike from Houston. You should look up Abraham Lincoln.

SecularAnimist   February 9th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Colin Powell now says we need "a vision that reaches out to the rest of the world, that starts to restore confidence in America, that starts to restore favorable ratings to America. Frankly, we've lost a lot in recent years."

Indeed the USA has lost a lot of the world's confidence and has come to be viewed unfavorably in recent years, and Colin Powell has a large responsibility for that, from the time that he sat before the United States Security Council and unleashed a barrage of blatant, deliberate, elaborate, and sickening lies about what the Bush administration knew at the time to be a nonexistent "threat" from nonexistent "Iraqi WMD." Powell was right out in front trumpeting those lies alongside Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Rice, and thanks to the respect that many people had for him, he may have been the most effective liar of them all. Powell has the blood of tens of thousands of murdered Iraqi civilians on his hands, and is every bit as culpable for the Bush administration's criminal war of unprovoked aggression against Iraq as Bush or Cheney or the other principals of the Bush administration. But now he speaks of the world's loss of confidence and respect for the USA is something that "just happened" in "recent years" as though he had nothing to do with it.

Minda Lillie   February 9th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

The first thing Powell said was that he is a republican. If he were to support Obama, we know its for the same reason 88% of the African-American community is doing so. Unfortunately it seems that its O.K. for people to vote because of the skin color of the candidate, but not because of the gender? Give me a break, I am so disgusted that this implies if your black, you might actually support the black guy, just because he is black. What a farce. Maybe we should all just let the men keep the White House they sure don't do a good job, but after all they won't vote for a woman. That is so stupid!

We actually need someone who can do the job. We have had enough of feel good candidates who people want to have a beer with like Bush. What is it about this likability thing anyway. I don't even care if I like or don't like the Pres. What I care about is the policies they are trying to implement. The reason I am for Hillary and not Obama is not because of race or gender. Its because I think she is the most qualified for the job and I support universal health care, better education, steady foreign policy and better economic fairness and a rising tide instead of only the wealthy benefiting as in this administration. McCain is more of the same and Obama is too inexperienced and too vague, and frankly can't do what he says he wants to do. We all just can't get along because we all just don't agree.

Fuzz Leonard   February 9th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

All presidents begin their first terms with zero experience being president. This is a tradition that goes back to George Washington.

Obama has as impressive as resume as anyone his age. An age which the framers of the Constitution agreed was old enough to be president.

Kathy   February 9th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Actually, Mike from Houston, Lincoln and Bill Clinton both had less experience than Obama. Clinton was younger, too.

Nice try, though.

Jake, California   February 9th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

So people are bound to hate anyone who give even a little positive comment about Obama…I didn't think Americans could be this hateful and irrational.

I see the tired experience thing cropping up again, didn't we decide that this was not significant?

Do you think Bush was inexperienced when he decided to go after Al Quaeda?
Do you think Hitler was inexperienced when he decided to conquer Europe and the world?
What we should be looking at now is how good are a person value judgment, decision making power and his/her ability to amicably work with all manner of people.

For the presidency of the United States and any nation for that matter, these qualities are very urgent and should take precedence over experience. To say that experience should take precedece over them would mean that only former presidents should become presidents again since they would have the required presidential experience..which makes no sense so since none of the current candidates running has any presidential experience, no one should be blowing hot air about any experience at all.

There are jobs where experience can take precedence over value judgment…For example, a Doctor needs to know exactly what to do for his/her patient….A computer engineer needs to be crisp with accuracy etc so yes these areas would probably require more experience than value judgment!

We have had too many bad 'experiences' with experienced people becoming presidents to the point that experience can only be a plus not a necessity for this job.
Obama has held elected office for 11years vs Hillary with 8years and so has the necessary plus experience in addition to his superb value judgment and amicability !

Bill in Claymont,DE   February 9th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

TO JOE IN WILM.DE; It's quite obvious who Powell is going to back, but only if he is the Democratic choice.This country has been and will be for a long time to come,DIVIDED.The BLACKS have proven in the past that if a black man runs that's who they will vote for,just look at PHILA.And if you really want to see division then let Obama be the choice for the Democrats,thats just the way it is.I made my mind up who I was voting for before Obama got in the run.But if he is the choice I'm voting for him.McCAIN IS JUST MORE BUSH!

AB   February 9th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

I'm tired of hearing about experience, look at ALL the experience in Washington yet they voted the dumbest war in history. Its costing American's billions a month. Where was all the experience when this dumb idea was being put to the vote.

Dana   February 9th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

This is a man who could've been President, had he run. While I never liked his deference to Bush, he retained enough dignity to earn my continued respect. I look forward to hearing from him - it sounds like he' may support Obama.

George Nixon   February 9th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

I have held Colin Powell in esteem since first being exposed to him in the first Gulf war. He to me appears to be a man of impeccable integrity. When he left the Bush administration, I felt that it was because of an affront to this integrity. I know for certain now that my guess was correct.
I would welcome his inclusion into the soon to come new administration, be it Democratic or Republican, as a sign that real change is afoot and integrity based.

Veronica Ward   February 9th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

The point is, that while people are shouting that Obama is "inexperienced", why would Colin Powell offer him praise? I don't think Colin Powell has endorsed anyone, but it certainly sounds like if he did, it would be Obama. I think he likes Obama's style and he knew it took a "lot of guts" as a black man, to decide to run for office. Powell had that chance in 1996 and declined and I just think he regrets that choice. Powell could have been in Obama's shoes and no one would say, "oh he's all talk." Besides, the Bush administration made Powell look like a joke as he (as did Hillary Clinton) believed all the lies they told him about Iraq as well.

Braineel   February 9th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Colin Powell,

I am very glad to see you back in the public eye. The current administration did you a great disservice in my eyes. I hope your venture capital endeavors are going well. Thank you so much for adding your voice to the chorus of people excited to see Barack Obama's electrifying influence on this election.

Eric   February 9th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Mike,

I respect your comments. But what has experience got us in the last 7 years. Also what experience does Hillary have?

Can someone PLEASE tell me that?

Plus we need to think about electibility.

OBAMA '08

Rodney/Texas   February 9th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Thanks, for posting this. It should be forwarded to Bill Clinton. Rodney/Texas

Neal   February 9th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Did we not loose some of our international credibility through much of Powell's doing at the UN. Is this him trying to redeem himself for the mess he helped create?

john CA   February 9th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

HE WILL BE VOTING BECAUSE OF RACE. WAKE UP PEOPLE HE WILL ENDORSE OBAMA………

I AM YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN

steve   February 9th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Hi< "america;s best political teeam," I wish you could have spent sometime warning the people of the tornadoes that happened the past few days. If you did lots of lives I think would have been saved…..but as always you are in a ratings game and that wasn't important enough.

dynodem   February 9th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Colin Powell, the Bush salesman for the war in Iraq.

michael   February 9th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

obama should pick powell to be his running mate

shan   February 9th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Pres. = Barack Obama
VP = Colin Powell

(just imagine)

Jama   February 9th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

I believe Obama will be the "ONLY" candidate on this election that can unite the country and restore our dignity abroad. Experience is what made us invaders, corrupt law makers, valueless in human rights and list goes on and on. We need a credible CHANGE and only Obama can achieve.

Mauricio Galvao Anderson   February 9th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Gel Powell is a non-person after that speech at the UN about WMD. He should wear his pijama, and watch TV. Save us from your thoughts…

Rev.Richard Weaver   February 9th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

To whom it may concern,
I am most unhappy with the reaction people have to Senator Hillary Clinton.
I think it is remarkable that we have a woman and an afro american
interested in becomming president.
I think people should focus on the issues.I truly hope that is the future
direction we go.
The gender issues need to go away.Thank you
Rev.Richard Weaver rweaver@wcnet.org

Farrell, Houston, Tx   February 9th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Bush rewrote the meaning of experience so that's a very weak argument against Obama. Obama is simply the best.

ABC   February 9th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Obama is the only candidate that can pull voters across party lines.

Hillary's high negatives would push people to McCain, or just not vote.

If the dems want the white house, the nomination must go to Obama, else welcome President McCain.

jeff   February 9th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Colin Powell is a once distinguished voice silenced by his belief in WMD.

Jesse   February 9th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I was a Ron Paul supporter and have found that Barack is the next best thing and has an actual chance of winning this thing.

Silent Observer   February 9th, 2008 10:39 am ET

You know, if Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama win the Presidency, that must be the end of Affirmative Action, period. If a minority or woman can reach the highest position in the entire country, they are clearly not as disadvantaged as portrayed.

Just an observation…

JK Ashburn, VA   February 9th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Typical…. the CNN headline is not at all reflective of what he actually said. He said he'd support the best candidate. The headline creates sensationalism by hinting that he is against Republicans. He never said that. I guess I'd better start reading National Enquirer for fact-based news.

Richard, Ewing NJ   February 9th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Hey, don't forget that Colin Powell made his 2300 dollar donation to John McCain last year and he has yet to make any donation to the Democratic candidates.

Kevin   February 9th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Actually, Mike, I can think of another president who in fact did have less experience. He was a single term congressman who never held any other elected office except the presidency. His name was Abraham Lincoln. He seems to have done a pretty fair job.

Independent   February 9th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Please look at Obama's policies on his website. He is truly brilliant and have a great vision for America. All voters need to understand the vision is key. You need to have a vision first and then policy. Remember it takes many great minds to create policies and all of the greatest will want to be a part of Obama's historic presidency.

xc   February 9th, 2008 10:14 am ET

We all know Powell left the White House "team" because he was misdirected to by Bush and Chenney like the rest of us were.

It is no surprise that he would embrace a man of principle and courage like Obama.

twan   February 9th, 2008 10:14 am ET

To those of you that state Obama has less experience than anyone..you are flat out wrong!

Obama has more legislative experience than HRC…8 years in state Senate and 1 full year in Senate….

experience me..that is more experience than any current democratic nominee!

stop the lying….

Colin Powell understands the need for America to restore her image across the world and only Barack Obama can do that successfully…

Do any of your HRC lovers read "foreign newspapers"? Barack is loved all over the globe…highly praised even by some of our worst critics.

So, please stop the lying about experience…

When Bill Clinton ran for president..they said the same thing about him…not enough experience…..

When JFK ran for President they said the same thing..not enough experience….

The argument is so old and played out….it's ridiculous….

At the end of the day it's judgement that counts…and unlike your beloved HRC..she lacks judgement..she voted for the war…she is "more of the same"…..there is no difference between her and McCain..that's why in every poll she loses against him….our only chance of winning is with Barack…who beats McCains in the general election.

I am a independant and if HRC is the dem's nominee than McCain has my vote!

I am so sick and tired of the Bush's and the Clinton's…..time for some one with a different last name….

I voted for Barack!

jp/michigan   February 9th, 2008 10:14 am ET

PLEASE if your going to endorse someone, let them have integrity, a person with achievements and substance. Not just someone, who sells cloud like platitudes ,instead of policies.

Gabe   February 9th, 2008 10:10 am ET

“He has energized a lot of people around the world. And so I think he is worth listening to and seeing what he stands for.” - this sounds like praise.

benfactor   February 9th, 2008 10:10 am ET

benvictor,

Work on your reading comprehension. There's no endorsement there. He just shared an observation about how the guy is getting people interested in politics who normally aren't.

Nice try, though.

Frank   February 9th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Republicans and Democrats finally can agree on ONE president !

BARACK OBAMA FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

xc   February 9th, 2008 10:08 am ET

We all know Powell left the White House "team" because he was lied to by Bush and Chenney like the rest of us were.

It is no surprise that he would embrace a man of principle and courage like Obama.

ws   February 9th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Come on! tell me there is no race involed here! Ophra, Jackson, Powel..; and people are not allowed to say this! tell me what obama has done, and tell me what you know about him, this is not american idol contest, this is vote for president! you have to be serious, this gonna affect your stuff on your dinner table, or the house you live, you gonna choose the guy most qualified!
And Obama is not a sunshine boy either, he is still living in the house he bought from a slum landload $300,000 below market value! if you think he is one of you, try get a similar deal for yourself!

ash   February 9th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Humble request to all mothers, sisters and daughters - Please go out in big numbers and vote for Hillary. majority is gullible and it is a well known fact (Research substantiate it) that ladies are more reliable business/family partners. They don't easily fall for rhetoric but develop relationships steadily and once have confidence keep it.

Have-nots, burgeons, media barons, oil, pharmaceuticals, defence industry magnets have joined hands to make republicans win, and hence proping up Obama so that Dems are divided. If Obama loses with small margin in the convention, the result will be divided and bitter losers who will vote for republicans in national election as a protest vote (they will think their candidate is deprived of victory by Dems' junta…stolen victory etc.). This is well thought strategy. Bush is at 30% popularity level today. He is conservative republican. With his track record on economy, security, international relations, can a republican win as president. NO!
But yes, if dems are divided.

Stop this please and go out and vote for Hillary so that bitterness and protest votes later are minimised.

Brurus (relatives), friends, Muli Banji, I am not against our broher but do want Dems to be in White House come Janaury 2009, so will do what is in the best interests of dems and have-nots.

Hispanics and Asian brothers and sisters please do the likewise. Dems are for us and America!!!!!!

Alice   February 9th, 2008 10:07 am ET

benvictor - I agree - they are both African-Americans, and I hate to say it, but that probably is why an experienced statesman like Powell would endorse a silly little stars-in-his-eyes boy like Oprahma, which just gives more credence to the chanting "Yes We Can" hordes, who really are starting to scare me

I just wish Colin was running instead of Obarfa

Now THERE is charisma PLUS experience

Of course, Colin belongs to the wrong party

On the other hand, Colin never played the race card

He didn't have to

He is a MAN

j   February 9th, 2008 10:07 am ET

OF COURSE colin powell is happy with oprahbama…they know they cant beat hillary and can pound obama. how stupid do they think we are…there are no proof in their stupid polls of mccain beating hillary if she is nominated. colin powells endorsement of obama is proof of that. no way in hell he knows the GOP can defeat hillary. what fools the media paints us as

interesting   February 9th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Please stop promoting Obama in every article. Will you address Rezco ? Will you ask him about his attempts to forego debates even though we have had ONLY a single 1:1 debate?

Any positive-spun story on Obama is left on your site for days! Any negative-spun story on Hillary is left up for days.

Credibility is lost when you do this…

beckstone   February 9th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Check your facts Houston Mike. I think some unknown president named Abraham Lincoln has Obama beat on the most inexperienced president of all time. If you want experience by the way, you're in the wrong party. Just face it, Hillary's experience trump card will be a bad joke in a general election vs McCain. She's not 'experienced' either. This experience argument is so overrated since the best resume in the land to be president is sitting in the VP office.

John   February 9th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Hey Paul Angelique Hafner, don't you get it about Powell? He's black (duhh). I don't care what anyone says, 85% of the blacks are not voting for Obama because he's the best candidate and you know it - they got on the Black Bandwagon because they wanted to vote for a brother. When 85% vote for an Unknown then you know it's about race but just goes to show you the intelligence level of these people.

RAP   February 9th, 2008 10:01 am ET

aha……………talk about the race card………..here we go.

Lisa Hampton Newark, NJ   February 9th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Obama is a Leader, and Hillary is an administrator. Haven't we seen these two in the workplace? The administator type who knows all the company polices, very organized, and very competent, but many in the workplace can't stand to be around them. Then you see the one who is the really leader. He gets along with everyone, pulls the team together, makes you feel good to be at work and if he asks you to work extra hours to make things happen you don't mind? Just because someone has all the right creditials does not makes them the right person for the job.

Don't get fooled by Vision Inspiration   February 9th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Is Colin Powell still supporting Bush? If his judgment was right, why he left Bush administration? If not, why this time? Leaders mislead their people by illusions, such as vision, leadership, inspiration, and CHANGE. Lenin mislead millions Russian youths into revolution and Mao cheated millions Chinese into Culture Revolution. Bush’s leadership and vision lead us into “WAR” without ending. What are the results? People: Get Real, Judge by yourself.

Joann   February 9th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Powell said on the news that he hasn't made a decision yet and that he has back both parties before; yet see how he starts to "praise" Obama like he's done anything for anyone and like he has such a long record of change; You all know what this means - he's going to vote for the black man just because he's black. When 85% of the black vote went to Obama - this became about race - had nothing to do with Bill or Hillary Clinton's comments (which were taken totally out of context). this is how the Blacks cowardly got out of having to vote for Hillary, just to vote for a black man. When this election started, they said they loved Bill Clinton, the woman who said he was the "first black president" even betrayed him just to vote for a black man. Is this what our country has reduced itself to? Voting for you race or gender and not what they can do for you? No one even heard of Obama before this race but they have heard of Hillary, Mccain, Romney, Kennedy etc….I don't get you people. Powell is doing the same - he is setting the stage by saying he hasn't backed anyone yet and now starts to "praise" an unknown Obama and it will lead up to his vote. It that's the case then let the blacks vote for the blacks and the whites vote for Hillary and we'll see who wins this race!! This is what you've reduced this to.

Micah   February 9th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Mike in Houston, Abraham Lincoln had one term as a representative before running for President and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest if not the greatest President in the history of the USA. A graceful politician is a rare thing, those who have been president have been regarded as great presidents.

hillary 08   February 9th, 2008 10:00 am ET

OF COURSE colin powell is happy with ophrabama…they know they cant beat hillary and can pound obama. how stupid do they think we are…there are no proof in their stupid polls of mccain beating hillary if she is nominated. colin powells endorsement of obama is proof of that. no way in hail he knows the GOP can defeat hillary. what fools the media paints us as

Susan, MI   February 9th, 2008 9:57 am ET

February 8, 2008 8:33 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

I guess it would be difficult for Colin Powell to see that Obama is a fake. He had the same problem with some yellowcake uranium.

Still waiting! It is more than 12 hours later! What's the matter, CNN? Does this comment not support your obviously blatant bias for Obama? I swear, if by some act of God Obama is NOT the nominee after all the pro-Obama and anti-Clinton articles you have run and do run every time there is a primary, I will be submitting reminders of the fact to you for 12 months afterwards. You are a crooked media run by a bunch of journalistic cowards with absolutely no integrity.

david   February 9th, 2008 9:56 am ET

mm its called "headlines" to get your attention to read it.

PATTY   February 9th, 2008 9:55 am ET

YES, OBAMA MAY HAVE THE LEAST EXPERIENCE OF ANY PRESIDENT, BUT HE IS INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO SURROUND HIMSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERTISE IN DIFFERENT AREAS WHETHER IT BE WAR ISSUES, THE ECONOMY, EDUCATION. NOT ONE PERSON CAN BE ALL, BUT ONE PERSON CAN UNITE THE COUNTRY, IF NOT THE WORLD. HONESTLY, HOW WELL DO WE THINK HILLARY WILL DO SITTING AROUND THE TABLE WITH WORLD LEADERS, MANY OF WHOM THINK WOMEN ARE NOT TO BE SEEN?

SO, I'LL TAKE POWELL'S POSITIVE REMARKS TOWARD OBAMA IN HIGH REGARD.

Bonnie O., Raleigh, NC   February 9th, 2008 9:53 am ET

If Colin Powell had run back in the '80's I would have voted for him. He is an impressive, intellectual, articulate man. We would all do well listening to what he has to say.

Barack Obama does have the qualities this nation needs to heal and move forward. I'm exciting that he would consider running for such a thankless job.

We have become a nation of cynics; too ready to jump on the first person that stands up for what is right.

Yes We Can.
Obama '08!

Susan, MI   February 9th, 2008 9:52 am ET

February 8, 2008 8:33 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

I guess it would be difficult for Colin Powell to see that Obama is a fake. He had the same problem with some yellow-cake uranium.

Still waiting.

Susan, MI   February 9th, 2008 9:52 am ET

February 8, 2008 8:33 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

I guess it would be difficult for Colin Powell to see that Obama is a fake. He had the same problem with some yellowcake uranium.

Alice   February 9th, 2008 9:52 am ET

Let me try this again, since the original has been in Moderator Purgatory since midnight (probably due to the fact that the Moderator du jour is one of the mindless chanting "Yes We Can" Obarfa fans):

I am a die-hard Hillary supporter, but I would rather vote for Colin Powell than Barack Obama if I had my druthers

Hillary and Colin are experienced - Oprahma will be in a couple of years, and he'll have my vote then

In the meantime: Colin, WHY did you not run when you had the chance??????????????

GOD, you REALLY WOULD be a MUCH better choice for the first African-American President

You have the charisma AND the experience! You just belonged to the wrong party, and I never did get that

How COULD you be a Republican????????????

Though had you run even as a (shudder) Republican, you might have gotten my vote

Susan, MI   February 9th, 2008 9:51 am ET

February 8, 2008 8:33 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

I guess it would be difficult for Colin Powell to see that Obama is a fake. He had the same problem with some yellow-cake uranium.

Susan   February 9th, 2008 9:50 am ET

He did NOT endorse. This is not worthy of a headline. It's another example of the media exaggerations around Obama. Another example is an article in today's New York Times about how Obama's cocaine abuse didn't seem like that big of a deal to those who knew him. What is this? Cocaine IS a big deal.
Clinton may not be new and different but she's highly qualified and ready to lead. Let's not confuse celebrity-type media interest with substance.

Sal......Illinois   February 9th, 2008 9:48 am ET

It is unfortunate that Powell is one of the victoms of failed Bush policies in Iraq….He made a credible man like Powell look like a liar…..Too bad for Powell…I can name two more whoes credibility can be questioned as far as the judgement and the stance on this war…..John Mc cain and Joe libermann…..

Blayze Kohime   February 9th, 2008 9:48 am ET

Mike from Houston Texas, technically wouldn't George Washington have been the President with the least experience in history? Since there was no way to have experience at the time. I like how when people talk about history, they seem to be limited to the last 50 to 100 years.

deja vu   February 9th, 2008 9:46 am ET

Apparently he wants to redeem himself from taking part in the propaganda machine to go to war. His endorsement like so many others means nothing.

Peter, Illinois   February 9th, 2008 9:43 am ET

Every newly elected President of the United States of America has had the exact same level of presidential experience when they first enter into office. There are no excuses for voting against any candidate based on experience as president. Only an ex president has that experience and would you want any of them back? Also, if you look back at all of the presidential experience that George W Bush has then he should have been better as the years go on. But, after seven years, he still cannot get it right. He never has and he never will and this nation has paid a heavy price in our young men and women dying for his lies.

If you really read the article and not spewed your ignorance by flatuating, Powell says, “I will ultimately vote for the person I believe brings to the American people the kind of vision the American people want to see for the next four years”. That is exactly what every voter of this nation should do and stop this petty whining against anyone who wishes to see this nation UNITED and GREAT again.

If George W Bush has made this nation better, than why isn't any of the Republican candidates asking for his support or showing his face on a commecial? Not one of my conservative friends have ever liked McCain and with that all I can see is another Bob Dole experience. A "not a snowballs chance in hell". Why do you think he the front running candidate? They can blame it on him when he loses and it wasn't their fault. It's win-win for them, even if a democrat gets in office. I've lived long enough to see that their gameplan works best by blaming others. Never underestimate large numbers of stupid sheep/people.

Andrew   February 9th, 2008 9:43 am ET

Mike, Houston, TX;
Actually, Obama has more experience than Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin Roosevelt had when they were each elected President.

will   February 9th, 2008 9:43 am ET

First of all Mike from houston, apparently you must not know your American history because JFK was first term Senator and Lincoln was never a Senator just a one time U.S. Rep. when they went into the white house. Oh yeah by the way Bush had no Washington experience but I am willing to bet you voted for him!

Martin   February 9th, 2008 9:41 am ET

Colin Powell is a wise, honorable man with excellent judgement. I respect his opinion. Obama will be one of the greatest leaders of our time. He is already on track in accomplishing what no one ever has.

Stand up for Change with Obama in '08

Terry Mohn   February 9th, 2008 9:41 am ET

I agree that Colin has been around experienced people most of his life. He is, himself, very experienced. Had he run for President I'd have been the first person in line to support him.

I also have a great deal of trust in him and his opinions. "Experienced Persons" in positions of power are what have gotten us in the mess were in. Maybe it's time to give a supposedly inexperienced person the opportunity to help "fix the mess"!

I am a 62 year old white male with a professional career and like Mr. Powell, have voted for folks from both parties.

Paul   February 9th, 2008 9:36 am ET

There was a man from the state of Illinois who had served only one 2-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected president: Abraham Lincoln.

Lisa Gross   February 9th, 2008 9:33 am ET

I've always felt like Powell was thrown under the bus with the Iraq situation. He has redeemed himself in my opinion. He was used by the Bush administration. You go Mr. Powell, I too admire Obama!

Former Rightie   February 9th, 2008 9:31 am ET

Just like Powell, I witnessed the Bush/Chaney/Rush/Rove leading Neo-Cons hijack the party and country into closed minded "my way or the highway thinking".

Until the biased closed minded Neo-Cons and their hatred are gone, I will not be part of the "extremists" in the Republican party.

There is nothing McCain could say short of a full apology for the actions of the Republican president and congress to the world that would change my mind.

Obama or Clinton will get my vote only because a Republican will not. The "extremists" in the Republican party are becoming more dangerous than the "extremists" in the rest of the world.

N. Malhotra   February 9th, 2008 9:30 am ET

"Surprise, surprise. He has been surrounded with people of experience his whole life, yet will support someone with little experience and little record of accomplishment. Will he be truthful about the reason for his endorsement?"

Why don't you be truthful about your implications? Let me guess, a black man can't say anything positive about another black man without it being about race, right? Give me a break.

You're right, Colin Powell has been surrounded with people of experience his whole life…and look where that's gotten him in the last 8 years. Maybe, just maybe, he's looking for something (or someone) different this time around?

Note also that he didn't "endorse" Obama as you would like to think…he simply offered some praise and observation - and he said absolutely nothing different than political pundits (and they are white too! omg!) have been saying about Obama for weeks now.

So please, if you're going to call out anyone on being truthful - maybe you should start with yourself.

Lisa   February 9th, 2008 9:28 am ET

Obama will hardly be the "least experienced president in history," having the equivalent experience of at least two pretty good presidents — Andrew Jackson and a guy named Abraham Lincoln. The problem with Bush was not his lack of experience, but his lack of judgment, personal animosity toward Saddam Hussein, rank partisanship and tricky Dick Chaney.

BobW   February 9th, 2008 9:28 am ET

"Obama is exciting. Let's not forget however, that he if elected he would have the least experience of any president in history."

Our first president, George Washington, had even less political and legislative experience. Before the revolution, he was a land owner, farmer and militia leader. During the revolution, a general with a shaky military record and a lot of good people and pure luck on his side. He never held office before becoming president. So, experience was not a litmus test for his service in our highest office. What Washington brought to the office, was a higher ideal that eschewed the thought that America needed a monarch. He entered the office with a vision for a grand future and a desire to unify and heal the divisions of the revolution. In short, he was an advocate of change and innovation.

Sounds more like Obama to me. So is it truth or fact that Obama would be the least experienced candidate to ever run for president? Look at the resume of some of other presidents. We have had presidents from all kinds of backgrounds that were not political or legislative.

tmj   February 9th, 2008 9:27 am ET

I am a democrat, through and through. If I had my choice though, I'd cross party lines, I'd cross the world, just to vote for Mr. Powell's presidency. His endorsement of the Obama campaign would cement my vote. His direct involvement in his administration would mean the type of change Obama espouses is possible, that bipartisan cooperation is truly possible, and would establish credibility for a candidate with so little experience.

His endorsement of the Clinton campaign would be utterly and completely meaningless.

Eva   February 9th, 2008 9:25 am ET

my comment has been on hold for moderation for 8 1/5 hours now; my last 3 cooments have not been posted! What's going on here?

Lydia   February 9th, 2008 9:25 am ET

What Colin Powell stated in the interview is he was going to carefully watch each candidate and choose the one he felt was best for America. He offered praise for all the candidates except for Huckabee whom he does not know well.

It is quite pathetic that the Hillary supporters malign each African American who says a kind word about Obama as being racist but when whites endorse Hillary they are not referred to as racist and when women endorse her they are not called sexist.

That is the type of devisiveness we need to end in America. Hillary supporters on this blog are a strong indicator of the type of president she would be if elected - a devisive one. We need to pull together as Americans and the best candidate to do that is Obama.

Dems for Jesus   February 9th, 2008 9:21 am ET

It's official! Colin Powell has left Planet Bush and is now back on Planet Earth.

Welcome back Colin!

Zein   February 9th, 2008 9:21 am ET

bang!
Obama 08!.
Obama stands a good chance of defeating the republicans especially his race Makes him harder to knock out.
Look at what bill did in s.carolina ?It lead to his wife getting mere Votes.
The repubs would think twice before bashing and that Gives obama the edge and advantage.

Cnn Post this or i wont post again ..
None gets posted ! Why Why !

CA   February 9th, 2008 9:20 am ET

Hate to break your hearts, but Powell was probed for a response on behalf of Obama. Watch the video. I saw the full interview live on TV.

Jay   February 9th, 2008 9:19 am ET

Why, because he's black? Why can't black people praise whites as well? Why can't black people vote for the best candidate instead of voting for the person because he's black? If you want to be recognized as equals then act like the rest of us. The race issue should not be part of this campaign but yet the black population is making it an issue with overwhelmingly voting for Obama. So ridiculous!

maigoro   February 9th, 2008 9:18 am ET

Mr Powell's color is not the reason he supports Alabama. Is skin color the reason Bush supports McCain? I think Mr Powell has seen, been, socialized and worked with enough people in the world to able to make a sound judgment based on merits and ideas.

For those of you thinking otherwise, I would suggest you thoroughly undergo an analysis of your thoughts, motives and racial prejudices. Even though Mr. Obama is a semi-black candidate please keep in mind that his mother is white. I am considered Caucasian, I had a very black great-grand mother and a grandmother who would be considered black in the USA. I loved them both very much and I love all my black relatives and friends and I respect them for who they are.

Mike in Cleveland   February 9th, 2008 9:16 am ET

Mike, Houston, TX

Nope wrong, Bush had 4-5 years as Govenor of Texas the only political office that he ever held. Obama has held elected office for since 1996, which if you notice is longer than Hillary too.

nithi   February 9th, 2008 9:14 am ET

Here is the man who lied together with Bush to go for war with Iraq. He shouldf be responsible for thousands of death in Irag. Who cares about his support. He is a lost cause.

Philly Dave   February 9th, 2008 9:11 am ET

Benvictor- He didn't endorse Obama he just made an observation that he has energized lots of people and is worth seeing what he's about. Its more an observation, like when Obama said Reagan transformed politics and Hilary got all bent out of shape. Why don't YOU be TRUTHFUL and say that despite Colin Powell being a great American all you see is a Black man. I am 'white' and I approved this message…….

Geoff Smith, Clovis, CA   February 9th, 2008 9:09 am ET

Powell's legitimacy with me is in low standing until he shares more openly regarding the inner workings of the Bush administration in the lead up to war. Powell has been to loyal to Bush instead of to the American people.

Sandy   February 9th, 2008 9:00 am ET

What a dream ticket! Barack Obama and Colin Powell.

WOW!

Sandy

Rex   February 9th, 2008 8:58 am ET

Proof that Obama is truly a person who unites. Of course, already we have responses that suggest that it's only because both subjects are African-American.
That my friends, is racism.

Bruce   February 9th, 2008 8:57 am ET

Amazing how these public endorsements of support from more well-known people come every few hours. I wonder how staged is that? And, how can someone say they're not about the "establishment" when they fully surround themselves with exactly that.

And, even more amazing, is all this "Change", Obama says he represents. Just what does that mean? It could clearly be interpreted in millions of ways. Especially since he's actually NOT took stands on REAL issues in his Senate voting record! I don't feel he represents me nor does he care about the issues that matter to me.

I want someone ready to work for ALL of us from DAY ONE and that's HILLARY CLINTON. She's the TRUE CHANGE we all need!

Butters   February 9th, 2008 8:56 am ET

I heard the whole interview- he did just make an observation. He mentioned all the candidates for what they could bring to the table. He did not endorse anyone- he simply said he would review all candidates, listen to what they have to say. He said he has voted both parties in the past, and he would not let that stand in his way.

mm   February 9th, 2008 8:16 am ET

Yesteday a frontpage line read "Bush wants 'more of same'" in endorsing McCain. I read the article and nowhere did Bush say that he wants "more of same."

Here, it says "Powell offered praise" for Obama but it sounds like nothing more than him making an observation. I don't know the context in which it was said as the video doesn't show that part.

Paula Angelique Hafner   February 9th, 2008 8:15 am ET

Hey now, if Colin Powel is in there, then it must be something else.

Mike, Houston, TX   February 9th, 2008 8:12 am ET

Obama is exciting. Let's not forget however, that he if elected he would have the least experience of any president in history.

Joe-Wilmington, DE   February 9th, 2008 8:08 am ET

Barack Obama is clearly the logical choice at this time in American history, if not world history.

We cannot afford more divisiveness with another Clinton or Bush in the Whitehouse.

benvictor   February 9th, 2008 8:08 am ET

Surprise, surprise. He has been surrounded with people of experience his whole life, yet will support someone with little experience and little record of accomplishment. Will he be truthful about the reason for his endorsement?

toli   February 9th, 2008 12:11 am ET

vote hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike   February 9th, 2008 12:10 am ET

big surprise…just another one of the ol boys club

Eric   February 9th, 2008 12:10 am ET

I hope he joins the Obama camp….

Independent   February 8th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

YES! Proof is in the pudding, Obama brings support from the GOP!

Rob   February 8th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

This would sound so much better if he had resigned from the Bush Administration on principle rather than rehash their lies. That would have taken the air out of the run up to the war and given people a pause to think. "Gee, if Sec. Powell thinks this is BS, can it be real?" Many good men would be alive now.

Sadly, there can be no cabinet position for you in an Obama Administration, General.

ken   February 8th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

do you think he would agree to be his running mate?

vthai   February 8th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Yeah, Colin, I wonder who contributed to our less than favourable standing in the world? Maybe you should have voiced you're opinions on more important matters earlier.

never little o   February 8th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

another CNN obama-praise, big surprise….

OJ   February 8th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Ok - let's all pretend we are surprised if he endorsed Obama. What a joke.

Go Hillary   February 8th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Of course he was not asked about Hillary. The media is really trying to shove Obama down America's throat. Of course he would praise Obama, he is a nice guy, I would praise him too but I am not going to vote for him. The media is so desperate to roll out ANYTHING to get us to vote for Obama. If Obama sneezed and Powell said "bless you", the media would jump on it and say "POWELL GIVES OBAMA HIS BLESSING" whereas if it was Hillary that sneezed they would pick the most horrible picture they could find and say "OBAMA HAS EDGE ON CLINTON HEALTHWISE". It is scary how the media try to brainwash us. Don't get taken in, vote Hillary.

Mark, Chicago, IL   February 8th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Colin Powell is spineless… he let Bush and Cheyney walk all over him and did not stand up for integrity. If people want to make something of the Clintons lying - let's talk about how Clinton's lie only affected him, his wife and his family - and Cheyney, Bush and Powell's lie affected the entire country and world. A man of integrity would not have let that happen. I see him as a laughing stock… Why would I listen to him now?

diane, ringgold, georgia   February 8th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

go, Obama

Grant   February 8th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Where does Gen. Powell live again? Still in Virginia? Maryland?

Time to endorse I think…….

Stan   February 8th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

It would be awesome if the former Secretary supported Obama. It would be such a huge blow to the Republicans.

Go Obama!

Gorbashov, Long Beach, Ca.   February 8th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Wait until Dumbya is out of office and them we'll here the full story from Secreatary Powell about how incompetent and dysfunctional this current administration really is.

It we'll be a best seller!

Obama/Edwards in 2008!

ForHillary   February 8th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Don't do it Colin, endorse Hillary, she is the BEST candidate for the job

Ann   February 8th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Yeah, big surprise? Obama stands for excitement in politics, isn't it clear? Powell is the last person to listen to. Was he the guy who lied about WMDs in Iraq?

hal   February 8th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

I think Powell is one of Obama's informal advisors on military affairs. Of course he would be on the short list for Sec'y of Defense, if Obama is elected, so this unofficial endorsement is not surprising.

I think Bush liked the idea of having a black man as Sec'y of State, but he sure didn't pay much attention to Powell's opinions. Powell was against the Iraq invasion but Bush didn't even ask his opinion, according to Bob Woodward (the reporter who was given special access to Bush for over a year). Which was amazing, given that Powell was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs during the Gulf War.

Powell might be on Hillary's short list too. But if Hillary's elected, Bill will likely play a major role and will effectively be WH Chief of Staff, and a very active one at that (think of James Baker in Reagan's first term). Joe Biden mentioned last fall that he would have no interest in being Sec'y of State under Hillary, because Bill would certain to be her go-to guy on both domestic and foreign policy. John Edwards made a similar comment at about the same time, when Biden and Edwards were both still in the race.

If it's Obama, I could see him choosing Biden as either VP or Sec'y of State.

Independent   February 8th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

It is a fact that Powell admires Obama.

JohnS   February 8th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Those who think Obama should wait for 4 or 8 years, AFTER another Clinton dynasty are either really dumb, or simply blind to royalty as we see in the Bush folks.

The Clintons are not in this for you, me, Obama, or the this nation. They are paving the way for Chelese Clinton. The next time you get to be screwed up by the Clintons, they would talk you into it like this:

If a woman (Hillary) has done it, Chelese can do it!!! What would be your answer then? Given that the Clintons have had 8 years in office (and Hillary is still out there), common sense tells us that, like the Kennedys, they would have long stepped aside by now. But they simply won't as long as Chelese (the princess) is still out there growing up as a viable future nominee. This is what keeps Hillary going, like any mother would do (thanks to my wife for this insight)!!!!!

So people, wake up to some facts and realities of life!!!! The Clintons have and will continue to dupe most, though not all of the brightest people in this nation.

obamafan   February 8th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

I think what the democrats should do is to choose their running mate now and let that help decide the rest of the primaries.

Ann Independent FairMedia,PA   February 8th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

Don't be surprized if he endorses Senator Clinton. She is far more conservative than Senator Obama. Hmmmmm do we have a making of a Clinton/Powell Ticket?

kent   February 8th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

He is right. This is what real experince knows.
Obama 08

Gideon, Chicago, IL   February 8th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Obama/Powell '08?

We could only wish…

Murry   February 8th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Mr. Powel that sounds a lot like an endorsement to me.
The rest of the world would love for Obama to be President. Hillary will be as combative as Bush.

Sarah Smith   February 8th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Headline-support Hillary TODAY because she will GONE TOMORROW!

Colin Powell - TOO NOBLE to run for the Presidency.. wil NOT suport Hilly.

we are at a crossroads and WATERSHED historic time..

and Hilly is NOT it!

Smart Democrat   February 8th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

Sounds like a vote for Hillary!

Jen, Gainesville   February 8th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

I am not surprised by his praise for Obama. My husband, who has consistently voited for republicans for decades, is for the first time voting for democrate (Obama not Clinton). His father, who is a die-hard republican in his 90s, voted for Obama in the primary on Super Tuesday. Something is happening in America. Let's seize this moment!

william   February 8th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

Ok,

I saw this interview and CNN is quite clearly trying to spin it for Obama. However, I am not surprised as most of the liberal media is drooling over him these days.

D   February 8th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

It is sad this honorable man got caught up in the non truths of Bush and Cheny.
He should be the Secretary of State with full responsibility and not had been caught in the Rumsfield and Cheny disagreements with him.

larry   February 8th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Possible Secretary of Defense for Obama ?

Charlotte   February 8th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

A Clinton/Powell ticket would be awesome. A man of integrity,experience and smart enough to quit the Bush administration!

Even Colin Powell to endorse Obama?   February 8th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

It seems like everyone is getting behind Obama and wants to stop the war. Colin Powell knows more personally than anyone what a mistake going to war in Iraq was, so it would make sense that he would be considering supporting someone who was against it from the very beginning. I think Powell is saying to McCain - You want to challenge Obama's leadership ability to get us out of Iraq, think again - cuz then I'll be right behind him. Just another reason Obama is so electable.

Grif   February 8th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Colin Powel was made a scapgoat for the WMD's not found in Iraq. What can you expect him to do, when his own Party turned against him. The WMD"s were there, but the UN held up the invasion just long enough, for Russia to move them to? Yep you guessed it, Iran…

Grif

Jim673   February 8th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Too bad Powell didn't join the Democratic ticket to run instead of Obama. Powell, has the kind of solid characte and historyr, I could back. At least I know I can count on Hillary, to do as she says, she will do. We have that kind of history on her.

Susan, MI   February 8th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

I guess it would be difficult for Colin Powell to see that Obama is a fake. He had the same problem with some yellow-cake uranium.

Robert in Atlanta   February 8th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Very interesting remarks from Colin. I can't wait for the neo-cons to start to trash him regarding his remarks on repairing the image of America around the world….brace yourself Mr. Powell

DrFill   February 8th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

He lost most of his credibilty anyway, grandstanding that "intelligence" to the UN in 2002, and selling Bush's War.
He's going Obama anyway. I've heard him talk about him glowingly.
DrFill

mehrad   February 8th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

I'm glad Colin's made the right choice.

Bonnie   February 8th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

Colin Powell's possible support of someone other than McCain would come as no surprise. HUGE issue in this election is that the next President will likely have to replace 1-3 Supreme Court Justices during his or her term . . . I believe we need a better balance on the Court (Roberts and Alito will be there for a LONG time). I think Powell believes that too.

donna   February 8th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Sounds like Barack Obama can expect Colin Powell's endorsement sometime soon. Go Obama!

Amy in Iowa   February 8th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

If Colin Powell is both sincere and courageous, which I believe him to be, he will stand up for the unity of this nation and endorse Barack Obama. I really pray that he does what is right for this country.

Obamawillwin   February 8th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

YES WE WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VOTE OBAMA 08!!!!!!

Greg Jones Cleveland, Ohio   February 8th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Colin Powell was terribly used by the Bush Regime. He was the only positive person in the administration. His endorsement will mean a lot to the recipient.

Paul   February 8th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

I keep reading posts from people talking about how Clinton is the best because she is "seasoned", "knows how to do things in Washington". McCain will "Unite the Republican party", which I figure will just be more of ole' GW just in a different package. For me all I've seen out of the people running this country for the last 30 years is how well they can screw the average American, myself being one of those. To mention a few with Reagan we lost company paid retirement when he started the breakup of labor unions with the ATC group, and eventually created the "your on your own retirement" 401K plans that the individual has to contribute to even tho you're not paid enough to live paycheck to paycheck and can never withdrawl without the government and the banks getting their huge cut. The Bush(s), tax cuts for wealthy and Corporations, jobs leaving this country and too many other things to list. The Clintons with NAFTA, and all the scandles, lies and everything else they brought shame to the White House with.

Looking back on all this makes me think of a part of the Declaration of Independence that is so fitting to this time in our nations history.

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

For my part I think Clinton and McCain both are "such Government" and it's time for the New Guard to move in.

Obama '08

intellegant voter   February 8th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

COMMENTS LOOKS LIKE HE WILL CLEARLY SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA…….AND AFTER SATURDAY…..LOOK FOR JOHN EDWARDS TO DO THE SAME……..EVERYONE WE HAVE TO JOIN AND SUPPORT OUR BEST CANDIDATE TO BEAT MCCAIN…….BARACK OBAMA

shaun   February 8th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

All I can say is, "Oh…. my….. Gosh". I live in seattle, wa, and today I had the honor of seeing Barack Obama in person. I will remember this day for the rest of my life, and I'm sure the other 26,000 people will to. I stood in line for 3 hours in the blistering cold along with1000's of other supporters, and the spirit was that of unity, with the energy being electric. I've never been into politics because I don't trust our elected officials. It seems as if they always promise alot, but once there in office they forget the plight of those who elected them. Barack Obama however is different. It's just something about him that resinates with people of all backgrounds, ages, genders, races. He symbolizes what's good in america. A true champion of change both by words, actions, and judgement. Someone that knows real change doesn't start with those at the top, but by those from the bottom up. He's given a majority of his life fighting to help the forgotten; the little guy; and if he's elected he will remember you…He will remember me…and real change will restore americas past beauty. It will restore americas place in the nation, and it will restore americas respect in the world.

Sarah Smith   February 8th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

I ADORE Colin Powell.. I'm and OLD WHITE LADY.. and THIS EXPLAINS WHY I think Obama and landslide the Dems into the WHite House!!

but PLEASE Hill - baby .. Welfare Champion… cuckolded wife……. get out of the fray!! YOU ARE A LIABILITY!! Pls Acknowledge this!

GO Colin, Go Condolesa! GO Obama *I* am WHITE !!! SOS USA in DISTRESS!

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