(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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wow, there's a shock!
Bye Bye McSame – it's been fun.
Powell should shut his mouth, he's in enough trouble already.
I finally regained the respect for the man that I lost a long time ago.
GOBAMA 08
Go Obama!
Just another moderate republican leaving an extremist party behind.
Yes we can !!!
This could possibly be the nail in the coffin for the election! But don't get lulled to sleep! We still have 16 days left with work to do!
GO BARACK GO!
is he giving McCain the finger? its about time someone did
This makes the "experience" argument no longer valid!!!
Finally someone we all respect has told the truth about John McCain and Sarah Palin.
Nice!
A great American. Sadly, there will be many people in those red states who say that Powell's endorsement is racially motivated. The country still has a lot of growing up to do.
I feel Mr. Powell is a most honorable person & agree with his choice especially in the way he so clearly explains it.
Thank You General Powell for your clarity & honesty.
Game Over...
Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina have large military populations and retired miltary.
As bad as the McCain campaign has been, even McCain cannot throw mud at General Powell.
Obama 08!
I am happy to see that Colin Powell is finally standing against the party he knows has gone in the wrong direction. Thank you, Powell!
Not a surprise.
Great endorsement ! This should boosts Obama in these critical final weeks and get the American people the Landslide we need !
Go OBAMA/BIDEN 08"
That was one of the most powerful endorsement I have ever heard.
I wonder how long it will take before the Republican party questions his patriotism over this . . . . . . .
Awesome! This makes Mccain's claim that Obama does not have any foreign experience look lame. Of course, selecting Palin also made him look lame, but this does so even more.
Wise decision Powell
priceless
Powell just told the republican party (his party) to kiss his butt.
This is what they call a 'game changer.' The fact that even a loyal, respected, lifelong Republican can see Obama is the better candidate speaks volumes.