(CNN) – Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign."
"I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Sen. Barack Obama," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Powell said he was concerned about what he characterized as a recent negative turn of Republican candidate Sen. John McCain's campaign, such as the campaign's attempts to tie Obama to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.
Powell, a retired U.S. general and a Republican, was once seen as a possible presidential candidate himself.
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Colin Powell chooses race over national security. Colin Powell has endorsed Obama, an individual with which he has almost nothing in common particularly in regard to national security. Almost all of the ridicule Obama levels at McCain in regard to the war in Iraq he could equally direct to Powell. It appears that the primary commonality between Powell and Obama is that both are children of mixed marriages. It may also be a personal grudge against McCain for not choosing Powell as VP. Has Powell ever been a real Republican?
I hope that means Powell will get a cabinet position in an Obama White House. This is a real respected man and I think this endorsement will carry weight with independents and undecided voters.
This is the prime example of how alot of people are feeling. You have a republican that is tired of the negative campaigning and links to terroists that have no relevance whatsover to the election. People just are ready for a change and it crosses all racial barriers. Obama 08 baby!
The remarks leading up to his endorsement were profound.
Like nobody knew this was coming. I lost all respect for this man when he questioned John McCains integrity in an interview over the summer.
Good Powell, Obama is only who can bring change in USA. He is smart, and USA need Him. Powell did the best choice
OBAMA/BIDEN 08-12
This will never make up for Powell's cheerleading for the invasion of Iraq, but it helps.
Just as important, he repudiated the radical talking points of the GOP.
Obama/Biden 08
Priceless...
I had a feeling he was going to endorse Barack Obama. He's a smart man (Colin and Barack.) I can definitely see Powell in Obama's cabinet.
Thank you Colin Powell. As a fellow Bronxite I have always been proud of you and this endorsement only adds to this long list of proud moments.
So who cares? These guys that sit on the fence are waiting to see which side to jump off on thats a benefit to themselves. A person like Powell with his knowledge should have been able to make an informed decision many months ago. Obama doesn't need his endorsement now to win this election.
Outstanding news!
Powell is following the unfortunate trend among African Americans to blindly endorse a candidate based on race. Obama's views of the military are polar opposite of Powell's. It say something about what racism really is when appr 40% of whites support Obama and 95+% of blacks support him.
Now it is George W. Bush's turn to endorse Barrack Obama.
OBAMA-BIDEN 08-12
I agree, Colin Powell!! Barack Obama has met the standard to be a successful president!! With Obama and Biden, America is headed in the right direction
Wise man, very wise man.
Ain't No Stopping Us Now!!!!!! Thank you General Colin Powell for your endorsement....
Obama/Biden
I really liked what he said about the Muslim Issue....Colin pointed out that there are muslim Americans who have given themselves to their country and even died in the Iraq war but the rest of the "Christians" are so busy condemning people who practice Islam. I am a Christian and it has bothered me for a long time to see many so called "Christians" give the suggestion that there is something wrong with people who do not believe what we believe. If that was the case, Jesus would never had died for us and how will they know the truth if we do not show Love? Only Love can bring people to christ...not trying to make them feel like there is something wrong with them.
This is great news...... thanks a bunch !
Obama\Biden 08'
I guess in the end it all comes down to this key question: Is America going to fall for the Politics of Fear or for the Politics of Hope ?
There is an old Dutch saying stating: Fear is a bad advisor.
I trust America still is the land of Hope and new horizons. So Go Americans Go !
this is a great day for the obama campaign first we find out we raised 150.000.000!wow ! and now this colin powell endorses barack obama wow !wow! wow!
What a mature observation and statement from Colin Powell. America doesnt need any people that cause divisions for their own self interest.Well done Powell !
I wached him in Meet The Press, and I really appreciated his expertise and the way he put it, then how he finally endorsed Obama!
Thank you General!
This is absolutely wonderful. Looks like McCain/Palin is definately finished in this General Election. The republicans are finished. Gen. Powell stated that he was very concerned about the Palin pick as well as McCain's erratic behavior.
Thanks Gen. Colin Powell. You've made the best decision possible.
Crystal