I served under Colin Powell on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I thought he was an idiot then and I continue to hold that belief today.

I bet this guy and Condolizar Rice will vote for Obama because they are just racist as like many other Blacks. They vote for the color of the skin. Obama got their color, so they will vote for him no matter what!. That's just sick!!!!

NO Obama (Osama)/ Biden (Bin Laden) '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

to me a non vote for mcain says it all by a well respected man.

Colin Powell was indeed thrown under the bus by BUSH and the CIA who concocted absolutely false evidence on WMD. As Secretary of State Powell was forced to sell this dog and pony show to the United Nations. When he realized he was dealing with a totally incompetent Republican Government and was no longer going to be a "yes" man he quit promptly. He replacement was a lethargic "yes" woman Condi Rice who is another international joke.

Sadly, tragically, Sec. Powell joined up with the wrong side! Bush/Cheney/McCain/GOP………. threw Powell under the bus, when they had him make that statement in front of the UN, prior to the Iraq war! You could tell by looking at Powell he was pained, he KNEW his statement was base on…………….LIES. It was sad to see a great man, ruined by Bush & GOP!

Mr. Powell, this is your chance to get some dignity back! Support the candidate you think would be best……….. speak up!

Lis, deception and sexist card…………… In presidential race without regard……………….. To the truth for a people and country as a whole……………….Hence, the McCain Campaign as the story unfolds……………………Ads that distort and mockery led………….. Lies being told about something said…………….Laws abused on a field called change………………"Vote Obama/Biden Law Rules, Right Game

I thank Powell will support Obama, not because he's BLACK but because he know what John McCain is all about.

Mark,
Unlike you and the GED crowd many of us will vote for Barack Obama because he is the candidate who shares our views on the issues. I am so tired of people saying that blacks will vote for Obama just because he identifies himself as black. No one complained when the earlier options only consisted of two white males. Who were we voting for then because of color?

Come on Colin, from crying out loud we all know you're really a Democrat, and that you'll vote for Obama. Will you finally grow a pair, stand up for what you know is right, denounce the Bush gang that have led this wonderful country astray, and just say it!

Powell will endorse Obama because Powell knows that John Mccain is soft in the head. If you support John McCain, then you are soft in the head too.

Powell, you got us in this Iraq mess !!!!!!!!!!!! Do you think we care about what you think now???? Just think of all the innocent lives lost , Americans and Iraqis, I hope this haunts you for the rest of your life.

Get off the stump Powell. What do you mean you have not decided? You are intelligent, a former cabinet member and you can't decide.

LIAR!

Colin Powell…yah gotta love him. He has served his country well and doesn't rry to hide behind his military service when confronted w/issues. McCain…it's constantly crammed down our throats…he's a POW…that is so yesterday!…his service was greatly admired…but he needs to fast forward to the future. Powell was thrown under the bus by the republican party. He has seen firsthand the damages done to the american people and the economy by the republicans. I'm sure his decision will be well thought out…and either way…he still has my respect.

Powell has no spine. He did not then, when she should have resigned
and spoken out over the Iraq war, and he does not now. He has
become irrelevant in my opinion.

Its because of the silence of people like him, the poll is hanging on a balance. I think he should lead the nation right by telling us his pick. I know he will make the right judgement, he needs to lead other to do so too.

Landslide Obama/Biden!

Landslide Obama/Biden!

Landslide Obama/Biden!

First they went after the liberal media, said they couldn’t be trusted, so I didn’t trust the media.

And then they said you couldn’t trust scientists – it was all theories and opinions – so I didn’t trust science.

And then they said I shouldn’t trust community organizers, because they don’t really do anything, so I didn’t trust community organizers.

And then they said I shouldn’t trust eastern elites or those who live in cities, especially if those cities are Washington, so to be safe I didn’t trust anyone east of the Mississippi or west of the Andreas fault.

And then they said that I shouldn’t trust the people, because 18 million of them cast votes for a guy who has never run anything and has no experience, so I didn’t trust the people.

And then they said, "… these little facts don’t really matter," so I didn’t trust the little facts.

And then they said, "You can’t trust the fact-check organizations," so I didn’t trust the fact-check organizations.

And then … after awhile … there was no one left to trust but them.

WAKE UP AMERICA. YOU ARE BEING HAD!

I'm sorry, but I refuse to fall for the same trick twice from anyone in the former Bush administration. Before Powell made his Iraq WMD presentation to the UN, he was the only one in the Bush administration that opposed the invasion. What this did was give him a huge following among anti war democrats, and more importantly, independents that were still on the fence. However, when Powell shifted his views (based on false data), it made a lot of these independents shift with him, which IMO turned the tide for the invasion. A lot of people believed that if Powell was convinced that Iraq was a major WMD threat then we could not afford to wait any longer.

Powell doesn't hold the same influence he once did, but I wouldn't doubt if the same trick gets pulled twice………..get as many people on your side by pretending that you may support a democrat, and then come out 2 weeks before the election and tell your supporters why it's not a good idea to vote for Obama. Its the same trick Don Imus used when he pretended to endorse Kerry, but then switched one month before the election!

I have deep respect for this man and I wish that everyone would take his advice and wait to make a voting decision until you hear the debates. So far both parties have done nothing but toot there own horns and preach to their choirs.. See how they do in the debates, then make your decision. Unfortunately, I think most people have already made up their mind who they are going to vote for and that is too bad. Because you can't really know the candidates until you see them battle it out.

Yeah, but what does he know? He thinks Iraq has WMD.

Look out Powell, you are about to come under some unfriendly fire from Repugnicans for not endorsing McSame.

He's not undecided - he's republican and doesn't want to openly go against his party.

The greatest and smartest Republican(along with Reagan) in modern times supports Barack!
Hmmmm… who should I vote for?

Barack and Jo in 08!

Mr. Powell your country needs you please come out and back Obama. The current administration betrayed you and the Republican party needs to be held accountable.

WHY IS HE STILL UNDECIDED. WHAT ELSE IS HE WAITING FOR….BY NOW HE SHOULD KNOW THAT McCAIN HAS NO SOLUSION TO ANY PROPLEM WE ARE FACING.

PERIOD.

Even if his endorsement doesn't carry any weight, one more vote for Obama is always a good thing.

Powell is a sellout to george w, who finally came to his senses and left the administration.

He still had a very strong hand in selling that illegal war, so he should be on trial with his fellow warmongers(bush, cheney, rumsfeld, rice) for war crimes.

Powell gets no respect from this army, navy mom

I respected General Powell for standing up to Bush & Cheney.

I suspect he will put country first by endorsing Barack Obama.

Mr. Powell, please give your support to Obama! We need you on our side. No way, no how, no McCain!

Who cares .. he lied.

Mr. Powell is a gentleman and a good person. He knows who could be a good leader to lead this country at this juncture.

By NOT endorsing his fellow Republican, McBush (aka "McHoover"), Powell has i-n-d-i-r-e-c-t-l-y ENDORSED OBAMA !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Exactly. One smart man supporting another. He understands that voters need to stop dumbing down our government!

There are more undecided voters than the estimated 10% by the poll of polls. I am waiting for real-time debates, in which no advisers can give any help on stage.

Colin, just don't want to make a call to soon. But Colin is really pulling for Obama. See Colin was smart to get out of the Bush administration right away!! I believe the Bush administrations will be coming up on some charges after they get out of office!! That's why they don't want Obama in office as President because somethings will be exposed!!

It's pretty clear that Powell supports Obama. After knowing McCain for thirty years, he can't see a reason to vote for someone in his own party?

He's probably not saying because SOME people will just say "Oh, he's voting for the black guy."

Same goes for Dr. Rice.

No worries Mr. Powell. You are one of the many de-illusioned Republicans about the Republican Party this year. It's obvious to some of us Obama-supporters that you are strongly leaning towards Obama, but perception is everything.

If Colin Powell were to endorse Obama, many of the so-called "conservative Republicans" would start branding him a sellout or in the tank for Obama because of his color.

Same for Condoleezza Rice arguably the most powerful woman in the world who has not publicly complained once about the sexism and racism (I'm sure she has experienced) as NSA and Sec. of State.

But yet many Republicans express the phoney accusations of sexism against Palin in her new national spotlight.

Well said Powell. We need to hear about issues. Not half truths and "gotchas".
I'd be very suprised if you supported McCain.

hmm…it was powell who advised bush and mccain to not invade iraq. bush had powell looking like a fool when powell was lying to the un. and afterwards powell left the gop foolishness. so after that bad experience i'm thinking powell doesn't support mccain.

The Problem here is very Clear. Let's Talk about this "wonderful" Obama. He's a wicked Phony!
He says he's Black. He's NOT! He's bi-Racial. This sector exists and a strong Leader SHOULD in fact Recognize it! He's trying to take credit for being the first African American Presidential Candidate and possibly the President. He's stealing from the true black people we think of in this country. This guy didn't grow up on the South side of Chicago, not in Atlanta or even Compton or anywhere else that is predominantly Black America. There are plenty of qualified people in these areas who do not segregate themselves as this Obama is doing. He claims he was raised by his single Mom. How unique in our country today… duh. Yet in his ad or some propaganda crap i saw he visited this little village in Kenya, where his father, who was never around for him was from. Why not the little town in Kentucky or Kansas where he Mom, he praises so much was from. WAKE UP PEOPLE! His running mate if it had to be an athlete would be Walter Peyton or Michael Jordan, good picks, but why not Larry Byrd or Mia Hamm? His wife is also black, why not white or Chinese or Hispanic? This guy is not true to all of us and he will not win as a result, this will become very obvious i hope. Why not Hillary? Dumb democrats. She is the one! …..

Aaron - while I understand what you're saying about partisanship & people picking their sides early on, I think some people are just so committed to their side of issues that it would be hard to give the other side a shot. I'm a Dem who really respected John McCain in 2000 & hoped he would be the Rep candidate back then. I figured, if Gore didn't get it, I could stand behind McCain because he was moderate. This version of McCain disgusts me, though.

As someone who's socially liberal but fiscally moderate, I AM open to more independent figure heads like Colin Powell and John McCain '00. But I don't see that in this election cycle. So I'm going with the side I agree with more - the Dems. How anyone is still an independent at this point really surprises me.

I have full confidence in Powell's judgment. He will vote for Obama because he is an intelligent man and has seen first hand the damage that Republicans can do to this country. Unlike McCain he is a TRUE patriot, not someone who will sell his soul and his country for an election.

If John McCain continues to say what he feels is the truth but goes back and changes it because him campaign people told him to clean it up. Powell is an intelligent man and won't side with someone who thinks like that. There are some people out there who think of that saying "when the least of us suffers".

He is a smart guy, and he has already made up hi smind!
He's still looking for reasons to vote for McCain? I believe it's a nice way to say, "I don't find any reason to vote for McCain, I know who I'm going to vote for, I'm just not telling it now".

Sorry, Mr. Powell.

America doesn't need 'electrifying'.

It needs a President.

That President will be John McCain.

Barry can go back to the South Side and be electrifying there.

Same old Powell, spineless, oppportunistic murderer. Goes along with bush and knowingly lies to the UN, advocates and approves torture, can't back a candidate - he should be brought up on war crimes trials with his murderous white house friends.

Powel needs to either do his thing or get off the potty.

Thank you General Powell, as always, well said!

Powell, please back Obama/Biden.

I love the way everyone knows more about Ret Gen Colin Powell's decision making process than he does. Do not put words in his mouth. The one thing this country loves to do is twist people's words and make it appear that they said something they didn't. I would vote for him which is something I cannot say about McCain or Obama.

Man you Obama staffers are showing your true colors again. McCain never said the economy was strong, he said the foundation was strong and it is. How about you guys get your quotes right. Then again it's like factcheck.org said regarding Obama "He stuck to the facts, except when he stretched them."

This is a former general and former Secretary of State. He should have as good a read on international situations and who is best to address them as anyone. The fact that he has not already backed McCain, his party's nominee, speaks volumes.

Don't forget that Powell jumped off the Bush bandwagon in 2004 because of the Iraq War.

FOR ONCE I WISH POWELL WOULD MAKE A DECISION, STICK TO IT, AND TELL TEH TRUTH.

HE IS FOR OBAMA AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT. GUESS HE MISSES BEING IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

Yeah right, you and Donna Brazille — "Gee, I don't know who I'm going to vote for."

With all due respect Sir, Americans aren't stupid and can see right through this.

Republicans think Americans are dumb as dirt.

Well maybe some are ask all democrats that supported Hillary voting for McCain. They can't get over the fact that she lost and would vote someone in office that admitted he knows nothing about the economy. The economy is the number "1″ issue not the war. You can't change their opinion because the republicans are right.
We are as dumb as dirt.

Wow…to blast McCain for not being able to use a computer because of his war injuries is just…low. He can't tie his own shoe because of them, so how do you expect the man to type? Hey lets make fun of people who fought for our freedom and came back with war injuries, that'll make us look "smart" and "intelligent" and people will listen to us and who we tell them to vote for. Less bashing more issues, and as far as the economy goes, its been run the same for decades, so was it "poor" when Clinton was president, was it "poor" last quarter when it was the highest its ever been? The thing about economies are they go up…and wait for it… they go down too! What a concept. The president doesn't tell businnesses how to do business, thats the whole point of capitalism and not communism. if you want our government to take total control of the economy join the socialist party (we have one).

oprah,powell,condi rice- all are for the brother.and they call others racist.

technically, Obama is, in fact, an African-American. He has African descent, whether its 100% or not, mixed with regular ol' American descent.

I was an admirer of Gen. Powell but lost all respect for him when he stood in front of the UN and lied to get the US and others into an illegal war. I couldn't care less now who he supports.

It seems to me that George Bush has always had the safety of our country as a top priority. He's had to make tough decisions on security and put up with bleeding hearts too. What if we were not in Iraq and Afghanistan? Wouldn't the terrorists have killed and destroyed more over here in the USA? Have so many of us already forgotten?????
Why have so many turned against our president?
As for our economy, it's insane to believe that our president has so much control of that. Why not put the blame where it belongs. Greedy banks, greedy investors, Congress, the Senate, House of representatives, all of us. We all want our cake and eat it too. We have been living way beyond our means for at least two generations and now we are all paying for it. Get real…….stop using our president as a scapegoat for all our problems………………

It could go either way with Powell as he is the one who went in front of the country saying we had to go to war because of all the evidence…..he is not above suspect……..always had respect for him and said he should have run for president…..obama is no Powell…he is a disrespectful, hateful, sexist, bigoted, racist pig….without lipstick

Powell should have been the first African American president of the United States. He would have had my vote in a heart beat. Right now I am undecided. I like the Right's moral convictions, but the Left's view of economy. I wish there was a middle party. Heck, I might even vote for Ron Paul if I still can't come to a decision.

The republican party keep telling us that Palin is ready to become vice president. The republican party is protecting Palin from the media. They are not allowing Palin to be confronted with tough questions. I have one question….How can Palin be ready to lead our country and face foriegn leaders when she is not ready to face the media?

I like Colin Powell. It seems to me that he might vote for Obama. It's apparant that he's thinking about the welfare of the American people and the choosing a candidate that can bring about true change. i don't think that person is John McCain.

One thing I know, If Mr. Powell ran in this race he would have had my vote. I admire the fact he refuses to be caught up in the frenzy of who he is voting for, as that really is a personal issue.

I would have rather had first black President Powell than Obama any day. At least Powell is qualified and not a pompous jerk.

Powell's despicable performance in front of the U.N. with his phony illustrations of mobile bio-weapons labs in Saddam Hussein's mythical WMD arsenal has forever tainted him in the eyes of the world. Who cares who he endorses. His endorsement of a fradulent war that has led to the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of millions from their homes and country is what really matters. America needs a war crimes tribunal.

Mark, why is it that you and people with your mindset continue to say that black people are voting for Obama because he is black. First of all he is BIRACIAL (half black and half white). Second, how come black people did not vote the same way for Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton? Maybe this time they see a person who can ACTUALLY make a difference.

Why don't you guys get off this black/white thing and look at the issues. The state of our country is in need of help. If people would sit down and listen to BOTH candidates you will be able to see a clear distinction. We hear sound bites and think that's it. What about the whole context of a comment? What about looking past someone's skin color and looking at there character based on their own actions? No I guess that just seems too much like right.

God help us……

PHOENIX–Thank you for those unbiased comments. I too consider myself a black conservative. Deep down I think we do have our religious values and do not want government to take over my every move of my life…However, I am truly with you when it comes to just wanting ta "fair" OPPORTUNITY to do better for myself and family. Wonderful comment.

this is why Powell would be a horrible President, cannot make a simple decision and have guts to tell people how he actually thinks, it has been, a long, long, long time since Powell had to make a hard decision (unlike Petraeus!)

For the Nation's sake it has to be McCain

Mark, you're right - the truth always comes out. It shows itself up in every sentence you write

Come on Powell STAND FOR SOMETHING before you leave this earth. Stop being afraid. People like you are like a piece of paper blowing in the wind. Where ever the wind blow you will find Powell. STAND FOR WHAT YOU BELEIVE IN YOUR HEART!

Sec. Powell was so misled by the entire Bush operation that he disgraced his fine record in front of the whole world by claiming a case for invading Iraq. Why would he now consider even talking with the Republicans again?

Certainly his support would carry much weight, would move some fence-sitters to view the election from the perspective that Powell's support would indicate. He either outright supports McCain at this point, or his silence is shown as support for the other side, the Democrats. So far, it's been support for the Democrats, and that is a very good thing.

Powell for VP. Wait that's taken.

Powell for President. Wait that not an option.

Powell for the smartest guy in the US………….No doubt. He is a true hero and someone that I greatly admire.

Colin is also a great pick to be in the OBAMA administration, he has excellent insights on Nation Security, and a wide view on foreign policy. He is to be greatly considered..

Go ahead Powell. You are black and you are going to vote for Nobama.
This is about race and you are no different from the other 99% of blacks that are voting for Nobama just because of race. Its evident that Nobama should not be our President but black people don't care about experience or leadership. Nobama is going to lose because people are voting for him for the wrong reason. The truth always comes out.

Mark you forgot to mention all the biggots who won't vote for obama because he's black.

If Sec. Powell knows both candidates very well, and can't decide between them, how are voters supposed to decide? Would he really go against his intimate knowledge based upon one or two debate performances? Or does he really think that the sincere soclalism of Barack offers promise for America? Colin Powell has been a great public servant, but a practiced life long loyalty to whomever is in power appears to have suppressed his capacity for judgement of who should be in power. Or maybe he is an honorable admirer of Barack but doesn't think he is ready to govern.

Or is he waiting for a job offer? If he would disavow any role in any incoming administration, his credibility would be stronger, should he ever make up his mind..

Timing is everything. Colin Powell will wait until the momentum is right and then announce his support for Obama. ( Possibly very close to the election) He couldn't possibly support McCain. Powell is too rational a man.

It is time for Democrats to clean up the whitehouse. The world is tired of America chosing uneducated presidents like Bush(Macaic) to lead us

Blue eyes September 16th, 2008 7:03 am ET

what is the world take on the two candidates? the world known America to be the world peace head, yes. the world vote say that Obama leads with 85% to John mc cain 13%. BBCUser Poll Results

Well, unfortunately for Obama, they can't vote, can they?

I prefer Winston Churchill's words:
Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.

SEXIST!

I Wish powell could of been vp i like joe but powell is great powell you know what the republicans have done to this country, and the american people and powell you know john mccain will continue more disaster so come on powell endorse obama vote for him so we can save our future and our childrens future!

Powell is correct. Enough of the "lipstick on the pig" stuff. It's about the issues.

I would be extremely disapointed to see Mr. Powel back Obama. It is ashamed the GOP could not have Mr. Powel as their candidate…… and this would not be an issue…..

What do you think about when you lock your doors at night?
What do you think about when you see your children sleeping peacefully?
Are 9 11 and the invasion of Iraq related?
How many Iraqis have been killed since 9 11?
How many Iraqi women are prostitutes now?
How many children are orphans?
How many Iraqis were forced to leave their country?
How would Americans feel if what happened to Iraq happened to us?
How did the current administration convince Mr. Powell to go against his concerns (USA Today) prior to his infamous speech?
Do most of the American people understand our invasion was legal racism for oil?
Do the American people understand there can't be victory in Iraq, only murder and genocide for oil? Can someone explain that to Senator McCain and Governor Palin?
How did the media get away with not reporting the facts?

he sells this (his) country into a war for "W", he should stay silent.

I respect Colin Powell to the upmost. However, if he has not decided by now then tell me who did he cast his vote for in during the Primary?

Obama/Biden 08

To Mark and his Nobama comments (real original)
You say that the truth will come out. There may be some people that are voting simply based on race, however, my guess would be that they are people like you. People would would not vote for Obama BECAUSE he is a black man. Wake Up People!

There are so many people that I talk to that say I vote based on one issue only-Abortion! I frightens me to think that people are not concerned with the real issues, the issues that will affect their everyday lives. The Economy, Gas Prices, Childcare, Heath Care, their children's Education. These are the issues that will impact everyone for generations to come. I agree abortion is a horrible thing, and I am anti-abortion and personally would never ever consider it as an option, however, I am pro-choice because I do not think that I have the right to tell my neighbor what she can do with her body. Should Gen Powell decide to back Obama, maybe just maybe its because he believes it is in the best interest of this country, not simply because he is a black man!

…….and BRUTUS WAS AN HONORABLE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For Mark,
Your comments show your ignorance and insult every African American. Are you suggesting that African Americans can not think for themselves, that African Americans are not intelligent enough to make a decision based on policies ? John Mccain is more of the same failed Bush policies. It is obvious he wont offer anything different than the same failed policies of the last 8 years. Some "black" people will vote for Obama because he is black just as some white people will vote for Mccain because he is white but you should not imply that Obama is only getting the black vote because of the color of his skin. You need to grow up! Jesse Jackson ran for president and did not get the kind of support from African Americans as Obama. Stop with the sterotypes. If Powell supports Obama, just maybe it is because he is tired of the same old politics and really wants change. Or because he is black, he can't make an informed decision?

He's a smart man that was used to spread Bush's propoganda/lies. I'm sure he'll make the right choice and vote for Obama/Biden. He's much too smart to risk putting Palin in the oval office.

Maybe Colin Powell should call Iraqi leader and ask about this:

Obama held a 2 hour meeting with Hoshyar Zebari in Iraq, and now calls him a liar. Who do you believe?
Why would Zebari make something up? Obama met with him he does not otherwise know him. This NY Post article is not something slapped together from some anonymous source. The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari, WENT ON RECORD with this.

Obama’s request for a delay (of withdrawal) was a major theme of his talks with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad in July, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in an interview with the New York Post. Obama insisted that Congress should be involved in negotiations on the status of US troops - and that it was in the interests of both sides not to have an agreement negotiated by the Bush administration in its "state of weakness and political confusion." (In other words, he was saying "I'm in charge now"). Obama also tried to persuade the U.S. commanders, including Gen. David Petraeus, to offer a “realistic withdrawal date,” the Post reported. The commanders declined, the newspaper said.

Obama/Biden is obviously the best choice for the presidency of this country. He is bi-racial and represents the american dream for unity, peace and progress. If americans want war, war, war and fight, fight, fight - see mccain's acceptance speech for dooming america!

What's Powell waiting for? How on earth could an engaged poltical animal like Powell not have m ade up his mind yet?

I can not stand the media. They keep pumping out the demo agenda Nd act like they haven't drank the koolaid. The attack McCain and Pallin and treat Osama with kid gloves. They think most people are going to fall for it. Osama keeps saying that Mc Cain has changed and has lost his honor, I don't see that at all. Osama keeps talking about McCain using bad tactics and going astray but he keeps throwing mud and says nothing when his liberal media does too. He is a hipocrite and a racist. Where is the coverage about his negatives? Even when some are shared they are always painted ina favorable light. Where is the digiing into Bidin's locker? Did you see the hearing when he talked down on one of the Supreme court candidates? " I have a higher IQ than you" ….. It was disgraceful and was full of lies. Where is the "unbiased media of CNN and family?
You have few strong speaking Rebublician on your show and stack them against mellow to weak defenders. We all know where Collins real loyalies lie. He will vote for Osama for one reason. I hope all these liberal media networks go down the tubes after their false messiah loses.

To mobiusinformer:

Oh now I get it! When a biracial person is not in the public eye, he is African-American, BUT when he is in the public eye and about to make history for African-Americans, then he is biracial.

What a stupid comment!!!

The dems need a person like Powell to weigh in and support Obama. It would have a greater effect than Lieberman's defect and the timing would not be the blantant disrespect of an appearance at the convention. Vote for Obama 08 and 2012.

I've seen so many comments that refer to "race". The only people who actually bring it up are in fact racists. I'm going to vote for Obama (I'm 100% Irish. About as white as you can get) because I believe that he can take our country in a positive direction. I Believe that he has the ability to renew our friendship with the rest of the world. Right now every other country hates us… thanks to the republicans and war. If Powell chooses McCain it's because he believes in his goals. Same if he voted for Obama. Enough with the race nonsence.

Who Colin Powell picks should not have any effect on who the rest of America votes for. H e has 1 vote like all of us but he has a national stage to endorse who he feels is the best choice.

Colin Powell is not relevent at this time. He has not been in the spotlight for too long. Their are a lot of people who don't even know who Powell is. I have 6 granddughters who ask who he is and what he did. He needs to be more visible and be more active in the countries affiars if he wants to be listened to.

To Mark:
You are an ignorant piece of work. If "99% of blacks were voting for Obama because of his race" then why didn't they vote for Jackson or Sharpton?! You're just as ignorant as a box of rocks. If Obama were Republican hollering the same thing as McCain and vice versa, my guess is many blacks would not vote for him. But because you do not want to give credit for a successful, intelligent and honest candidate who obviously truly wants to help rebuild America and help you help yourself, you are playing the race card. Fear! MS has spoken.

He's a conservative but he cannot deny that he'll prefer Senator Obama to win, and make history as the first African American President, it'll be the start of a new era, where ALL children and young adults can start to dream big knowing that they can one day be the President.

Colin Powell was used by Bush and it is too bad.
I do not think he will endorse anyone, but hint that what way he is leaning.
Now did anyone see Mccain on the Today show this morning…even with a "soft interviewer " he did not answer the questions presented to him, did not offer any concrete ideas,,just repeated the same tired worn lines that he has been saying over and over. Wake up America..he has not offred any answers, refuses to directly answer questions with what he plans to do, and has done nothing but negative campaigning.
Time for a Change.

Instead of trying to bring down the other party and nit-picking, the 2 parties should be telling the American people how they will turn the economy around and how they will improve their world standing. That is more important than finding out each other's faults, pointing fingers at each other and behaving in a boorish manner. Because at the end of day, whoever sits in the White House will have to deal with all the economic, unemployment, etc. , problems, and the people have the right to know NOW how all that could be solved.

Colin Powell served as secretary of state in president Bush 1st term Republican Party, if he still have Confidents in Republican, He would not have been finding it difficult whom to Choose when his Party Flag Bearer is there A life.

Irabor
Nigeria

I like Colin Powell but I will vote for I who I think is better for the country and not who he does! I don't really care what he thinks. I am undecided and will be watching the debates. I have leaned at times to BO and McCain and it is a tough choice.

mobiusinformer - You're saying Obama isn't an African-American? His father was African, and his mother was American. How else would you describe him other than African-American?

Come on! Let's all take one guess at who Powell will be supporting. The racial component of this election will eventually be all he cares about. Never mind experience, etc. If Powell thinks he will surprise anyone in the country with an Obama endorsement (like anyone in the country cares who he endorses) then he is as simple minded as we all thought he was! Powell is simply a man with no core principles - otherwise he would come clean with his "pick" instead of claiming he has not made up his mind. What a joke!

Colin Powell vote 3rd-Party! After your misguided allegiance with Bush for his illegal war in Iraq, you need to redeem your sense of judgement in many Americans' eyes!

Baldwin/Castle 08!

This is a man with great respect. I wish he was running for President. I feel he has more knowledge of whom would make a better President and it looks like he is not supporting the McCain/Lipstick ticket.

In reply to Mark:

What a racist comment. It's the same as sayiing that all women will vote for Palin because she's a woman. NOT SO! We are all Americans and race and gender should not play a part in this election. We must do what is right for our country that is in deep trouble. That would be Change! Not 4 more years of the same.
Obama/Biden '08

To Mark: What you just wrote is so ignorant. To say that black people don't have a mind of their own to vote for a candidate that has what we, yes we, I'm a black woman is looking for in our next president then to say we are voting for him because of his skin color. Colin Powell is a well respected person that will vote based on issues and not just because someone is black. I can say the same thing when it comes to why McCain have a lead when it comes to white women it's because they are for him because a woman is on the ticket, call it for what it is. This type of thinking is why our country will continue to not move beyond race and other negative ways of thinking. Then you have those who may think he is the best person to be our next president but won't vote for him just because he's black, let's talk about that. People are tired of the last 7 years and are looking for something different. Our current president suppose to have had "experience and leadership" but look at what experience got us. I will rather take my chances on someone like Obama, not because he's black but because he's the best person to be our next President!

Powell will vote for McCAin because of Leadership skills - are you sure he did not mean electrifying = scary !
We know who put in place the laws that allowed Wall Street to go crazy legally - it was in the 90's the reduction of regulations happened.
Jack Carlson
Seattle WA

How about covering McCain's B-Day party with Raffaello Follieri? How is it that McCain meeting with a man who posed as Vatican chief financial officer in order to win friends and investments not news? I guess it is not news when McCain chooses to celebrate his 70th birthday with someone who plead guilty in a Manhattan district court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, eight counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering.

Mr. Powell gets my respect and I am a republican from a battleground state and I will be voting Obama/Biden 08 this is a family issue and we are losing jobs left and right here in Ohio and they pollsters are not speaking to people like me. Bring it on

Why was Michelle Obama absent from the 911 ceremony with her husband and Mr and Mrs McCain? ?
Why did CNN not report this, it again shows how patriotic are Obama,s? So disrespectful. Obama's snorty faces show it all the arrogance and hate they have about common people.
CNN dare to post it.

Sorry Mr. Mark LaMonte, Colin Powell can't stand McCain. And who could or should…McCain is a fraud. Colin Powell would never be his VP candidate.
Powell will privately endorse Obama for President.

I am an Independent and I have written Mr. Powells name in twice for president during the Bush Sr. campaigns. If Powell were to select Obama it would be proof to me how wrong I have been about this man.
No one in my opinion can selcet Obama, during this time of war and economic stress who is truly a patriot, period.

Byron — In case you missed it, America had some of it's most prosperous times in the 80's and 2000's. Where have you been?Obviously you don't know that in the world economy we are in, there will be good times and bad times. Conservative doesn't mean you are for yourself and no one else. It just means you would rather work to solve your own problems than have the government do it, unless extremely necessary. If you are doing things like working in soup kitchens, letting homeless people stay with you until they get back on their feet, helping people find jobs and other things like that, or if you are homeless, then you have something to complain about. Other than that, quit whining and do something to help improve things. It shouldn't matter whether you are Democrat or Republican, you should be helping solve problems instead of whining about it.

It seems to me that Colin Powell is just like Donna Brazile, pretending to not be in the bag for Obama.

His undecided comment speaks volumes.

We already know he will vote for Obama and that he is trying to be coy is the joke.

Powell lost any credibility with his little dog and pony show at the U.N..
I wouldn't trust or listen to him if he told me the sun rose in the East and set in the West.
A Republican, or worse, a political hack.

@Mark

Your comments are so idiotic. Just like you, I've been voting for white candidates since the 1970's the question to be answered here is why are some white Americans having such a difficult time voting for an African American candidate?

Or is it that I am wrong. Should I be voting for or supporting only African Americans candidates in the future?

As a black woman, I am puzzled at how many blacks consider Obama a representation of us. Personally, I find him just a young man out to prove his worth after such a troubled childhood. If you look back through history, that has always lead to disaster. Hitler chose Fascism and Stalin chose Communism. Obama is chosing Socialism and I chose none of these three.

My vote goes to McCain but I will hold him to his word on cutting spending. I just cannot trust Obama with our budget. He spent and spent during his brief time in the Senate.

Colin, don't you think it's time to get off the fence? McCain is an idiot and you know it.

At this point I think he already knows who he is voting for. Sadly America is only confused because one man is black otherwise this race wouldn't be so tight. For those who think that isn't true read an email from a friend of mine who lives in Florida.

My dad and I ran into some vicious racism this past weekend at the flea market. I can't believe how small minded and narrow thinking some people are. For the first time I'm afraid that Obama won't get in and I'm sick inside just thinking that. My god, I can truly say that this man made me ashamed of my race. He was so racial my dad wouldn't tell the man who he was voting for (lied and said he hadn't made up his mind yet, course I already told you who we were voting for)….

I hope the north is pushing hard because if this is any indication of how the majority of southerners are slanted we may have some real big problems on our hands.

I would be shocked if Colin Powell didn't back Obama. It is payback time after the Bush Administration threw Powell "under the bus" and used him for the infamous speech in front of the UN Security Council that was packed with lies about Iraq's involvement in terrorism and the attack upon the US on 9/11. If it were only a matter of who deserves the White House based upon performance and honesty, no question the Republicans don't deserve squat. But now with the economy being so messed up and in danger of getting worse, I cannot accept Obama's proposed economic "cures" to get us back on track. But as time goes along, I'm nearly back to where I was four months ago in rejecting both these candidates because of the sleezie campaign both are running. Too bad Colin Powell isn't the Republican candidate because he's have my vote in a heartbeat.

People are voting for Obama because they are tired of the lies brought forth by the republican party…McCain thinks the economy is in "good shape", yeah, maybe by his standards..this country is in the worst financial shape it has ever been in. Obama & Biden have a better grasp of what is going on around them, they don't live in a fantasy world.

McCain meant the American Worker is fundamentally sound and the best workers in the world and thus we will come out of this….for pete's sake when are they going to stop twisting words into something others have not meant. He said it was a crisis !
WHEN WERE MORTGAGE REGULATIONS RELAXED AND SO MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WALL STREET & MORTGAGE COMPANIES? During the Clinton Adm folks and when was Nafta created - during the Clinton ADM. Blame those who put the strategy in law.

I KNOW AS I HAVE 21 YEARS IN THE REAL ESTATE, MORTGAGE, APPRAISAL FIELD. We sent letters and no one listened……

Who has control of the Congress for past two years and who is the Chairmans of the Banking and Financial Committees. - oh yes Dodd And Schumer - oh that's right they have been getting very low interest loans from Countrywide.

Who is the # 3 receiver of money from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
Obama folks.
Joanne B
Minnesota

Its crystal clear that he will vote for OBAma, its the power of Race over party,
ITs unfortunate that people like Powell clearly demonstrate this kind of behaviour,.
Powell is where he is due to the GOP, It should not be debatable on who he should vote for?

rap

The only people apt to vote for McCain/Palin:
- people who will gain financially from a Republican in the White House (ie. the rich)
- people who think the GOP actually stands for moral values (when in reality it's only focus is getting rich, but pays lip service to evangelical aims to gain support for it's money making schemes).
- people who live their lives filled with hate for others not like themselves.
- people who's only source of information comes from NRA pamphlets/hate radio/evangelical literature.

A McCain/Palin win would signal we've gone back to the 1930s, with an ultra conservative court, a powerless legislature, and an airhead in office (since its likely McCain will not survive his first term)…can anyone say Great Depression part 2?

This is why I'm glad (Powell) is not on anyone's ticket. He can't seem to make up his mind without seeking popular opinion. Why is it that he has to wait to make EVERY decision. Powell needs to stand for somthing or he'll fall for anything. That's NOT true leadership. He's a true follower….

I would vote for Collin Powell because he does not want European Socialism for America and believes in a strong Defense of our country and would not weaken the Armed Forces as Obama would and Clinton did. Collin Powell has the integrity and sense of duty and sacrafice that Obama does not have.

We are all bi-racial on some level, mobius.

Obama is African-American in the literal sense, since his father was African and his mother American.

McCain has compromised his positions to appease his party and his party is corrupt and worst of all, cruel. I used to admire John McCain and even thought last year about voting for him if HIllary wasn't nominated. Not now, though. He's clearly too old, too out of touch and too easily led by his party.

I'll vote for Obama this year. Over the last months I've found that I'm actually proud of him. I can't say that for the other.

The silence exhibited by both Powell and Condolezza Rice proves that Obama's presidential run is fueled by the simple notion of electing an the 1st black american president. Powell and Rice have political beliefs that are the complete opposite of Obama. But they struggling to put these differences aside for the sake of history. Translation if Obama was white they wouldnt even consider him for 1 second.

Get off the fence and star the leader you are before Bushed triked you to lay ! With all due respect.
"The paramount issue" of this years election is the Economy and only one man has provided any strategic response to get the US out of the mess of the republican party created.
Obama, has been calling for more help for struggling morgatge owners to jump start the economy and if he was listened to and Bush did the right thing like he listened to him on the other pressing issues, it would have saved alot of pain !!.
It made economic sense to help stop foreclosure and thereby saving the giants!! But now look at this!!!

I always thought Colin Powell would have made an excellent president. I still think he would. Unfortunately, too many people would not want to forget that he was part of the Bush administration. I think it is very clear that both Powell and Condi are supporting Obama but are keeping quiet so they don't piss off their party. Fear of reprisal: another reason our party system is flawed.

The folks who make claims that blacks will vote for Obama just because he's 'black' are the same folks who argue that women will vote for Palin because, well, she's a woman. PLEASE. As a woman I'll vote for whomever I think is most capable for office.

Obama/Biden '08

Not a question in my mind, here we go again, prejudice against the very people that got him where he is. Let them rule and they will not be nearly as nice to us as we have been to them. I have never denied them anything, but guess what, they still hold on to the hatred their parents have taught them, which is hate us!!

THAT is as close to (and as good as) an endorsement as you are going to get out of Powell. This man's honor and dignity are the only things keeping him from backing Barack after the Bush Admin. threw him under the bus presenting their lies to the UN.

Of course it would electrifying,
Radical change needed and there is only one person that can bring change to Washington, and that is senator Obama

Since when is a biracial person not African American?

@Mark
You say, "Go ahead Powell. You are black and you are going to vote for Nobama. This is about race and you are no different from the other 99% of blacks that are voting for Nobama just because of race. Its evident that Nobama should not be our President but black people don't care about experience or leadership. Nobama is going to lose because people are voting for him for the wrong reason. The truth always comes out."

I say, "Mark, you are an idiot! — back to your trailer!!! You are probably one of the Bubbas who would never vote for anyone outside of your race and gender!!! ~ It's the economy stupid!!!"

Obama/Biden '08/12 With you or without you!!!

Colin who?

Oh yeah, the guy who sold his soul to the Devil in 2003.

Tell me this election is not about race. Electifying? Give me a break. For years, we have heard MLK and JJ say to look past the color of ones skin. Now that there is a candidate of their color, all that matters is the color of their skin. What gives? You can't have it both ways. This is what is wrong with this country.

This entire election process needs a common sense, independent minded person involved. If there is anyone who doesn't respect Colin Powell, despite his mistakes under the Bush Administration, they don't understand the internal conflicts of a good soldier.

I would like to see him inject himself in an independent way in this current election process.

I don't think Powell would have considered being VP for McCain because he would have felt like he was being a token. Unfortunately, Palin isn't smart enough to recognize that she is being "tokenized" as well.

90% of blacks are backing Obama, so if Rice and Powell di, it wouldn't be surprising. At least Powell says he is waiting for the debates to hopefully get some specifics to how to fix things from the candidates. All McCain and Obama do is whine about each other and picking on them. Obama keeps blaming McCain for everything when he is a sitting Senator, just like McCain. Yet he doesn't have any answers to fix things. Can't wait for the debates

to mark: typical rep trying to put race or insults into everything that seem not to go their way.your win at all cost is what got us where we are today.this is not fantasyfootballllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll…………….

Powell says Obama's win would be electrifying but he must vote for who would do better for the country. Translation: He's voting for McCain!

Powell would have won the presidency in 2000 had he run and been the first black president, and he knows it. People forget his family (his wife) did not want him to run for the job back then. He also would very doubtfully have accepted a VP nomination for the same reason. It's my understanding he's "off the table" for that sort of thing. Powell is a great American but I have been less of a fan since he left the position of SOS. I do know a secret sevice agent who covered Powell and then Rice. Without really saying anything he implied Powell was kind of full of himself but did not stop raving about what a neat lady Rice is. That confirmed what I already thought. I wish the media talked about what a great lady Condi is. They would if she was a dem!

Colin Powell will endorse Barack Obama for president. If he wasn't going to, he would have back his fellow Republican Mccain already.

Powell.
I belive you.Yet Iam not decided .

The election of an African-American president “would be electrifying"
THATS CORRECT POWELL IF YOU RAN FOR PRESIDENT WE WOULD VOTE FOR YOU BUT NEVER OBAMA HE HAS NO EXPERIENCE.

Unlike most of the members of the Bush group, Powell was intelligent and highly respected. It must have hurt him deeply to be duped by Li'l Bush to go to war. In the long run, he will realize the only choice for a better America is Obama.

you people are morons

Republicans have themselves to blame if they don't get Powell's endorsement. If they didn't talk him out of running for president in 2000, they would've had their "elecrifying" moment. Can you imagine how infinitely better things would have turned out if Powell were president during 9/11?

What's best for the country? Has he been asleep for the past few years since he left the Bush administration out of disgust with the whole administration? Speak up Mr. Powell, don't be afraid. You know who the right choice is. We had enough LIES for the past 8 years. No more. Wake up America.

So, a black peson can completely ignore his conservative beliefs and vote for the most liberal candidate ever, just because he's "black", but a white person who doesn't vote for BO is considered a racist. No double standard here.

You would think that after being an integral part of lying to the American people and the world he'd be smarter than to even open his mouth! There is no way to forget his holding that little bottle of white powder to make a point in front of the UN. His hands have blood on them too and there's no contest. The US needs McCain like they need a dose!

A lot of people give Gen. Powell grief for going along with Bush on the WMD fiasco, and justifiably so. On the other hand, I respect this individual for being a great "Soldier" and "Patriot". He was not meant to be a Secretary of State, although he did a good job. He should have been Secretary of Defense, as that was in his blood. I for one took away a subtle message when he did not come out and immediately endorse McCain, and everyone else should think about that. Gen. Powell has proven himself to be a diehard conservative, who has towed the party line at great personal expense. For him to even consider Sen. Obama over Sen. McCain is noteworthy to say the least.

I am a retired U.S. Army 1SG. There is no doubt in my mind that John Mc Cain will have us in war after war. He somehow wants to prove that he can fight the world. Maybe it is his way of payback for the years that he was a POW. Mr. Powell, your endorsement of Sen. Obama could very well save many of servicemembers and their families from what a John Mc Cain and a Gov. Palin ticket would launch them into, WAR.

to all those that can not see through mccain/palin and all their lies,wake up and smell the coffee. they have been fying all the time.palin never went to iraq,never visited ireland(fueling stop)supported the bridge to nowhere now wants a airport for a town of 100 (must own vacation property there)mccain/ palin are really TIM CONWAY AND TINA FEY ARE YOU ALL TOO BLIND TOO SEE.

OBAMA 08/12 THIS WILL BE A DAY THAT CHANGES HISTORY .

YES!!! I think Colin Powell is a brilliant man. I pray he endorses Obama and helps put this country back on TRACK and puts AMERICA back in the RESPECTFUL AND HONORABLE COUNTRY, not just in America but around the world!

Vote for the ole Playboy and TV Sports Reporter. Oh, I am sorry…journalist,
Sports Journalist.

His clue is..what's best for America…