(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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great news for Obama.
Colin Powell has proved time and again that he is above partisan politics and is a true patriot of our country.
POW WOW!!!.. In your face repugs! finally someone from a level headed history. Obama 08, 12
COLIN POWELL IS GETTING TOO LOW...
Mccain / Palin 08.
As General Powell is regarded as intelligent, this should come as no surprise.
I am disappointed in Colin Powell.
This should send a strong message to all Americans. It is about judgement and McCain's choosing of Pallin proves fatal judgement.
Democrats in 08
I knew I loved Colin Powell for a reason. Thank you, Thank you Sir.
Colin powell will not make any one change his mind,
He was never a person, people looked up-to,
Thank you Colin Powell for speaking the truth.
Obama/Biden '08!!!
I think thats awesome, I hope it brings some voters for Obama!
Powell's "defection" from the Republican party is a reflection of what is going on all over the country. More and more this party is being linked to dogma that favors those who have wealth at the expense of ordinary everyday citizens.
McCain is not the problem, the Republican party with the extreme right demanding their voice be paramount, is the problem.
And, our President, a man of very limited intelligence and less good judgment, is leading this effort.
Who cares? Powell is a rasist anyways.
This is GREAT!!!! I always knew Mr. Powell was a smart man!!
thanks Colin, once again you have shown good judgment.
A VOTE for McCain is a VOTE of Confidence in Palin as being qualified to be PRESIDENT!!
McCain's judgement towards IRAQ, the economy, and his VP choice makes him to risky!!!
Congratulations Senator Obama! You've earned this type of respect. Now Republicans should learn to play nice with the others.
Praise the Lord!
Thank you Secretary Powell!!!! I look forward to Obama putting together a team that is made up of all the best in the country.
Dan
Great news!!
Obama's Cabinet is definitely shaping up. General Clark as Secretary of Defense and Colin as Secretary of State. Colin I think would love to do what he never got to do while he was Secretary of State.
This is a great turn of events. Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama should ally the fears of many Americas that Obama is a socialist, a far leftist, or what ever slanderous comments will come from McCain over the next few weeks.
Here is a man I respect and think is honorable. I think the Republicans think that he is backing Barrack because of race, but he isn't. He has the leadership, and honor that few in the Republican party are blessed with. He may be the only honest member it has. Thanks Mr. Powell for you correcting the Republican party nasty negative campaign.
I think that this should seal the deal for some people. Powell has great insight into what is going on. Some of the few comments I saw on Meet the Press weren't surprising, but says alot coming from Powell. I hope that more people will take what he said, not just the endorsement, to heart. It is the examples that Powell used that are important. As my dad says from time to time, sometimes you need more than just a yes or no answer to the question.
Powell's endorsement confirms what I have said all along. If Obama was not black, Hillary would be the person campaigning for President of the U.S.
Thank you Secretary Powell!