(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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The international opinion of the U.S. is in no small part Powell's fault. He was at the forefront on the push to invade Iraq...
Collin Powell endorsed Barack Obama not because of his principles or judgment of Obama's capability but by his race. But I think Americans are mostly white which will decide this race.
Powell words when endorsing Obama says it all. Thanks for not putting politics over reason. You were a good general who was misled by the Bush administration regarding the Iraq war. And if Obama is lucky enough to win maybe you will serve in another adminstration.
The reality is that Powell really likes and respects McCain, but he cannot support Pailin. She is simply not capable. Look folks, we may be Independents, Republicans, and Democrats, but we are ALL Americans first! Pailin was simply a horrible pick by John and Powell has pointed that out.
A resounding endorsement from an exceptional elder statesman, who has the utmost repect of a great majority of both the left and right.
I am honored to be a part of this historic time in our nations history.
Obama/Biden, 08, 12
All I have to say is don't forget to vote
.
Two faced is all you can say. Well said Colin.
Had he chossen McCain, you guys would be tearing him down.
We Dont Need Four Years of Hussain!
to sick & tired of it:
I SECOND THAT EMOTION. General Powell has indeed put country first!
Go Obama
I FORMALLY ENDORSE SENATOR BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!
Come on Patraeus!!!
Very good endorsement in my book. Go Barack.
Country First!! Yes We Can!!
WOW!!!! Powell was inspirational and eloquent in his reasoning.
Obama/Biden '08
Listen to Powell words..... It's not his endorsement that counts its his
words that stick and matter. That is with us all.
thank you CNN and your bias coverage of the elections
Oh boy, Powell endorses Obama – now that's a real shocker. Is there really anyone out there that didn't see that one coming?
How are the Obama followers going to put aside Powell's role in the war during the first four years.
I thought i was the only one who realized that the republicans were calling muslim americans unamerican.We are all americans regardless of our beliefs.Read our constitution.I'am a demacrat but i have always admired Collen Powell and would have voted for him had he decided to ran for president.
. . . I agree with General Powell. The job of Vice- President is to be
ready to be President. The qualifications for vice President are the Same
as the qualifications for President. Sarah Palin is not qualified for
either Position.
Is this REALLY the time for her to appear on Saturday Night Live? Even
though this venue is more befitting of her?
Finally the truth spoken from the top of the ladder. They don't come more qualified and intelligent as Colin powell. I think this sealed the deal, although I Obama has it wrapped up anyway.
It would be sad to see the McCain camp go negative on Powell for speaking his mind, which meant going against his own party. Doesn't this make him a maverick? How can John McCain argue that?
Rob – More of the same is NOT Barack Obama, it's John McCain. You are just not listening. Anyone with an ounce of sense can see that . Did you listen to all of Colin Powell's interview? He reluctantly endorsed Barack because he knows McCain will be more of the same Bush tactics. America must get back up and go forward, the world is changing and America MUST change with it for the greater good of all its citizens, not just the Rich, Fat, Bloated Republicans, the Party is OVER.
thank you merci infiniment Monsieur POWELL ! vive Barak OBAMA pour les Etats Unis et pour le monde aussi sans oublier l'Europe et la FRANCE !!!!
I Loved this Point......The question is not if Obama's a muslim, which he's not, but if he was so WHAT....being a muslim does not make one un-american......Think about the soldier that died for America, his mother weeping, his family heartbroken...his grave marker depicting all the awards that he won while fighting and dying for his country....and he's a muslim....and when all is said and done all that should matter was that he was an AMERICAN.....
Anyone that has kept up with politics know Colon Powell always want to to what is right. Everyone need to stop and listen. Do McCain really have your best interest at heart or does he have his own pocketbook interest at heart? Learn to read between the line and do what is best for the country. It is not a good feeling that people are being judged on the color of their skin. We deserve to make the right decision for the benefit of our future and our kids future. We were all getting along just fine until the recent attacks of hate, which is trying to cause division among the American people. Now is the time we need to unite.
SWEET:)