(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.
From CNN Politics
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General Powell, I know your decision was a hard one for you to make to go against your party but I still respect you and your decision. You are an honorable man sir.
Check, and, Mate.
I was not surprise at Powell endorsing Obama, 99% of all blacks are supporting Obama weather he is experience or not. Powell mention experience neither Obama or Palin have experience to run this country.
I pray that all Americans will stop looking at what divide us but rather focus on what unites us & what we have in common with one another. Let us focus on the fact that we are all Americans & let's be thankful for that!!! The world is looking at us for leadership, please let us not focus on race & negativity, but close your eyes on focus on the character & words of each candidate & ask yourself, who would be the BEST candidate to lead the Free World & improve our Global image at this critical period in our nation's history.
Who cares, it isn't as if he has had much to say since his perfomance at the un.
It does not suprise me.. It is obvoius that Colin Powell a Rebuplican, would be endorsing Obama.
This race unfortanely has clearly not been based on a person's character ,honesty or track record, but rather on rhetoric ..and of course, the color of one's skin.
It is an unfortunate time for our country.
Thank you Gen. Powell. You waited long enough that your endorsement should be given some weight – you watched the behavior in the primaries and the election, and had a chance to carefully weigh each candidate's words against their behavior and their ability to lead their campaign.
I'm not sure this endorsement will translate into any real votes for Obama, but symbolically at least it is significant. Powell is a respected hero of the first Gulf War and painfully personally experienced the hysteria coming out of the Oval Office in the lead-up to the War in Iraq. I think many independents consider Powell a consummate professional, a rational, fair, man of integrity, so his endorsement may resonate with independents.
I think this is good news for the Obama camp.
He has made a wise choice that he will not regret and the world will not regret it either. Well done Colin...one informed choice.
Now there is a man who truly puts his country first!
Wellcome General!!! There is no sitting down and watching Sir, Please speak to your friends and tell them the qualities you have seen in Barack and implore them to join Barack Obama.
WOW!!!! Amazing. A man with a 84% approval rating, republican endorsing Barack. It says alot about where america needs to go!!!
Obama/Biden 08
So much for McCain acting like he has the military vote. Never in history as so many people from the other side endorse a candidate. Wake up people, we need someone who can move forward.
Gen Powell is a man who TRULY puts his country first!
What a fantastic endorsement. It shows the seriousness with which this decision should be taken. Much respect to Powell – inspirational leadership indeed! Thank you!!
Hear Hear!
Thanks a MILLION
Its the RIGHT time
McCain's lost
Powell's just a Bush yes man!!!
THIS IS HUGE. Colin Powell is a well respected National Security personnel in the Republican Party.
His reasons for the endorsement speaks to the character of Obama and the remarkable campaign that he has been running.
Kudos t you Colin Powell.
Smart man, smart man!
Powell articulated, better than I ever could, why I am voting for Obama.
It was a thoughtful, rational discussion of why Powell was voting for Obama, not telling everyone who they should vote for.
So What!!!!
A very inspiring endorsement. WOW!
I was already going to vote of Obama, but Powell's speech today, just really touched me.
So much that, today, I'm even going to church with my mother. Lol
Obama/Biden 08/12