October 24, 2008
Posted: 05:50 AM ET

From
CNN

Watch McCllellan on D.L. Hughley Breaks the News.

(CNN) — Scott McClellan, the former White House press secretary who sharply criticized President Bush in his memoir last spring, told CNN Thursday he's voting for Barack Obama.

"From the very beginning I have said I am going to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done and I will be voting for Barack Obama and clapping," McClellan told new CNN Host D.L. Hughley

McClellan, a onetime Bush loyalist whose scathing critique of the president sent shock waves across Washington last spring, has long hinted he was leaning toward the Illinois senator.

"It's a message that is very similar to the one that Gov. Bush ran on in 2000," McClellan said in May about Obama's campaign.

McClellan isn't the first member of Bush's inner circle to express support for Obama. In 2007, former Bush strategist Matt Dowd also said he had become disillusioned with the president and said Obama was the only candidate that appealed to him.

The full interview will air on D.L. Hugley's new show, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. Hughley is also a guest of Larry King Live Friday at 9 p.m. ET.

Filed under: Barack Obama


Aaron in Charlottesville   October 24th, 2008 9:08 am ET

Another GOP supporter jumping the fence? Surprise, surprise, surprise. I don't hear about many Dems going GOP-side. I wonder why…

Joe   October 24th, 2008 9:08 am ET

You need to do more than this to repent your sins of supporting W –

Let's see you continue to work for the good of the country.

Maybe volunteer to testify at his impeachment?

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   October 24th, 2008 9:08 am ET

No surprise here; McClelland was thrown under the bus plenty of times. Sent out to the podium to lie like a rug for the Bush Cabal! Powell finally had enough of being dishonored by this crowd and quit. Don't be surpised if Powell emerges in the Obama Administration as Secretary of Defense, and why not, he has the expertise for managing the Asian undebelly having managed it before in the military!

Jim   October 24th, 2008 9:06 am ET

More proof that McCain is not at all like Bush. In fact, if you switch ideologies, Obama is more like Bush than McCain. Extremist, inexperienced, arrogant, elitist – these are all words that could be used to describe Obama or Bush, but not McCain.

Mike O   October 24th, 2008 9:04 am ET

I suppose all the Pumas voting for McCain are showing 'independence of mind' as well.

Bill,ca   October 24th, 2008 9:03 am ET

The year 2008 will be remembered in the whole world, as americans
finally overcame racism, religerous divisions and hate for one another
by electing Barack Obama for president.

GO OUT AND VOTE, MAKE AN END WITH FAILED POLITICS
AND WITH MCCAIN'S DISHONORABLE CAMPAIGN.

Obama / Biden 08

joe smith   October 24th, 2008 9:03 am ET

all the boys who bankrupted the country with inflated housing prices/low interest rates tried to save their a– by pushing high oil, now ,really find themselves in a catch 22; and of course, as been said, there's a sucker borne every day..we need to do what the Amish do, keep our money in an old coffee can, and away from people like the madison avenue crowd..

Praetorian   October 24th, 2008 9:02 am ET

More and more people are slipping away from a GOP and DEM only point of view.
Reality–or economic credo, our foreign/domestic policy credo–is upside down for most adults right now. All of the tangible truths that led to our core beliefs–are being disproven.

More of us believe now, more than ever, our country really needs a bold newcomer with a fresh viewpoint and a mandate from the people–to create a vision that is truly of and by the people–not just two polarizing points of view.

Rick CT   October 24th, 2008 9:01 am ET

Big deal. This is over anyway. Can't wait to see how big Obama's deficits are.

Am in VA   October 24th, 2008 9:01 am ET

Scott McClellan was betrayed by Bush on the Valerie Plame matter. McClellan will now not stand idly by while John McCain tries to pick up the Bush reins. My hat's off to the men of character who are willing to stand up to such deceit and incompetence.

Fatal Blow   October 24th, 2008 9:00 am ET

JB20834

You are not making sense!!!

Joe Liebermann is voting for McCain, is this a case of "White blood" being thicker?

Your theory is also being discounted by the fact that there are numerous White people, both old and young voting for Obama, so your divisive attempt to be noticed is not resonating..Thankfully

Bible Spice wears $5000 lipstick   October 24th, 2008 9:00 am ET

Too funny!
We need a landslide victory for a mandate!

We can unify and heal this Nation!

tg   October 24th, 2008 8:59 am ET

and i bet, so is c-rice, she just can't admit it openly, i can see her now behind the curtain smiling, pulling the lever for Barak….america embrace it Obama/Biden 2008/2012….thanks to the hillary/edwards supporters who stuck to the issues and not the hurt of their candidate loosing…we all will win at the end…

JIM HAWK   October 24th, 2008 8:59 am ET

GREAT SCOTT !!!!! PEOPLE THAT TELL THE TRUTH ALWAYS COME OUT ON TOP…GOOD FOR YOU SCOTT…

JB20834   October 24th, 2008 8:59 am ET

You….are an idiot. The end!

FrankSmith   October 24th, 2008 8:59 am ET

"Mr. Limbaugh,is this racism too?" I echo what some one just wrote!

Chad Kew   October 24th, 2008 8:58 am ET

One loser endorsing another Loser….

AT   October 24th, 2008 8:57 am ET

I think it's because he's Black.

Matt, Manchester, CT   October 24th, 2008 8:57 am ET

Wow, his book sales must have dipped dramatically.

Larry   October 24th, 2008 8:57 am ET

You are emotional WEIRDOS

soundbyte   October 24th, 2008 8:57 am ET

In Limbaugh's view, everything is about race. I come from a small town, and I know lots of the people who would never vote for a colored person no matter how bad a choice the alternative is. Yet, they do not think themselves as racists. We may have come a long way, but the matter of fact is racism still exists today. The only way to correct it is to educate our young to respect people of all colors and all religions.

And please, go out and vote no matter who you support. Polls mean nothing, only the votes count.

Sue R.   October 24th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Obama can do without Powell's or this guy's backing. He has been doing all right. So let's not get too worked up about these endorsements. In my view, neither Powell nor McClellan had the b…. to stand up to what was wrong when we needed them to, so their backing or not backing my guy now don't impress me at all. I guess they are doing it because they are feeling guilty and by supporting a democrat, they feel like they can be repent of their previous sins. Yes, I do have a degree in psychology.

BJ, Texas   October 24th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Yeah, and so is Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck according to ACORN.

Deacon Blues   October 24th, 2008 8:55 am ET

Looks like more rats are leaving the ship

j williamson   October 24th, 2008 8:55 am ET

Scotty we hardly knew ye!

Shay   October 24th, 2008 8:54 am ET

The Republicans are so studpid that it is pathetic. One thing for sure no body knows how stupid she is until she answers questions. Yes wait til Washington meet Sara. Well John Washington has met Sara and they aren't too happyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Now what is you plans now since you can't seem to have a plan?

Deacon Blues   October 24th, 2008 8:54 am ET

Looks like more rats are leaving the ship….

Phil, Ashburn, VA   October 24th, 2008 8:54 am ET

Let the Tsunami begin. Obama 08

Ken in Pisgah Forest   October 24th, 2008 8:54 am ET

I just hope the venom the McCain campaign has spread will dissipate by inauguration date and that for the good of the country all Americans will stand tall behind President Obama. McCain has run a low road campaign managed by the same people who dissed him eight years ago. It's amazing how low these guys will go when they are behind and desparate. Hopefully the real McCain will rise from the ashes of this as a supporter and not detractor from the winner.

Kelly from Florida   October 24th, 2008 8:53 am ET

The revolution will be TELEVISED on November 4!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08 & 12!

indepentent08 for obama/biden   October 24th, 2008 8:53 am ET

You've got that right : No Way No How No Mc cain

Good luck on your new show D.L

You Need to stress the fact that we all need to get out and vote!!!

only 11-days left

NO WAY NO HOW NO MCCAIN

GET OUT AND VOTE

alpha   October 24th, 2008 8:49 am ET

From the very beginning I have said I am going to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done and I will be voting for Barack Obama and clapping," McClellan told new CNN Host D.L. Hughley
Mcllelan is the sole discretion of his decision. Mccain and bush are total failures.
OBAMA/BIDEN 08!

Gene   October 24th, 2008 8:49 am ET

That's a surprise.

Christopher   October 24th, 2008 8:49 am ET

If I were GW Bush I'd be voting for Obama too. Considering that he curently holds an approval rating lower than the trash that McCain has been spewing and that is legacy as it stands it certian to be one of the absolute biggest foul up's in presidential history, the one thing that could get him some positive press is if he actually endorsed Obama.

Michael D. from Colorado   October 24th, 2008 8:49 am ET

Way to go Scott! I see courage where others may see weakness. We need to stand up for what is right, and I believe you are walking the walk. Thank you. Obama/Biden is a ticket that will change Washington because it is a campaign about us (the main street). Go USA!

adkakad   October 24th, 2008 8:48 am ET

Does it seem strange to anyone else that the republicans that are backing Obama seem to all come from the Bush camp. Could it be that the same Big Business people that helped get Bush elected now want Obama elected so that they can run our country further into the ground and then take their money and leave? Or better yet by everyone sharing the wealth it will keep anyone who may be able to eventually cross the $250,000 mark in their place. This way the rich stay rich and the poor can never aspire to be rich.

wwf   October 24th, 2008 8:47 am ET

jb20834: and white blood is not? Get a life.

Chut Pata   October 24th, 2008 8:47 am ET

I guess Mr. Limbaugh remembered that McClellan was a white guy, so he has not accused his endorsement as racism, like he referred to Powell's endorsement as racism.

Republican for a Better Country   October 24th, 2008 8:47 am ET

Like I said before; racism is alive and well. I have not seen racisn like this since the ealry 60's and that I only read about or saw on documentaries as I am from the late baby boomer era. When I read your comments I can tell the blacks from the whites. But when I watch the news here in Atlanta all I see from the black news casters is racism. The Athens paper talks about "Blacks voting for Obama because he is Black" and I quote. Check it out for yourself.

Stacey   October 24th, 2008 8:47 am ET

@JB20834; What about the white republicans who are jumping ship and voting for Obama? Statements like yours are the reason your party is losing. Most of America does not want another four years of Bush's failed policies. If your candidate's campaign had ran an honorable one based on real issues and not attacks against Obama the polls just might be looking a little different than it does now. Based on your statement about "Black Blood being thicker than water" I doubt seriously if you would have voted for Colin Powell.

TJ   October 24th, 2008 8:46 am ET

As the cartoon "Johnny Test" would say, "Didn't see that one coming!"

Eric   October 24th, 2008 8:46 am ET

An other one leaving the sinking ship. I do have to say, for them to wait until they are sure Obama is winning is a bit coward but hey, we'll take it.

Beside that, I wonder why CNN does not do a better job analyzing the different polls. There was this weird AP poll showing a dead heat. Thing is, their survey comprised 45% of evangelicals. Haha!

Now for the ITT poll. McCain was winning the young vote by a huge margin in that one. Haha. The job of a news network is to give proper information and to present polls without enough context about the methodology is not information, it is only to convey false informations.

tha ref`   October 24th, 2008 8:45 am ET

the clear choice for president barack obama.
the smart choice for president is barack obama.
you know who i love though?
republicans who are broke.
why would they think the republican party cares about them when they have shown us time and time again that the top1% is their base.
if you make less than 250,000 a year and you are a republican you are killing yourself by party affiliation.
i can't wait to see what a fresh face in the white house can do for our "country first" and the world second.

carol   October 24th, 2008 8:45 am ET

It's great that Scott McClellan is endorsing Sen Obama….but I feel the same about him that I did with Colin Powell….I just wish they had both had the strength of character to acknowlegde that what they were both promoting was based on a lie!!!!!
Granted, at first maybe you felt it was based on truth…but as time went on and it was proven to be anything but the truth….they should have both resigned on principle and in my mind they would both have more credibility now.
Still, that being said we can't afford anymore of this ridiculous Republican rule and it's time for them to be shown the door and God willing we will see Sen Obama sworn in as the new President.

BHO FTL   October 24th, 2008 8:44 am ET

thats old news this guy wrote a book bashing bush and the administration he was a part of… hes a loser

Lillian   October 24th, 2008 8:43 am ET

I'm not sure who can answer, but what do the candidates tell their children about lying? Cindy McCain and Sarah especially when they say Mr Obama voted against the troops when in Mr. McCain did also. They did it for reasons important to them but wanted things included or omited from the wording. There are so many ourright lies I can't believe they can go home at night and face the family or friends. Is it really worth it and why do the "people" have to pay for these lies. A hand shake, your word were these not the basic fundamentals that a person could believe you? So sad!

Irma in North Carolina   October 24th, 2008 8:43 am ET

Boy that shows you something when an aide of Bush is voting for obama. My prayers go out to Obamas grandmother that she recovers again and can see her grandson being president of the USA. If the Mccain camp had any decency they would be saying something about this, they are just too busy attacking and spreading lies, this will all come back to haunt them.

grahame   October 24th, 2008 8:42 am ET

There's a very good reason for this. Scott McClellan, for many reasons, has become disenchanted with the Republican lies presented by President Bush and Dick Chaney, Carl Rove etc;

John McCain and Sarah Palin are just further examples of this. Just like the Bush inner sanctum they all exhibit petulant childishness based on rampant egomania when they can't get their own way.

In order to achieve their own ends as exhibited by the McCain Palin campaign they lie just as Bush did to Scott McClellan. That is why he, along with Colin Powell and the vast majority of US voters, are backing Barrack Obama and Joe Biden

Mark in NC   October 24th, 2008 8:41 am ET

I like Obama he seems like a nice, personable fellow. But I don't think he is right for the country because of his policies and his views. So I am voting for McCain and Palin.

Thank you.

anon   October 24th, 2008 8:40 am ET

I find it interesting that suddenly in the news it a woman being attacked by an "Obama supporter" (no proof he was, nor is there any evidence to back that) but there was never any talk about the man that got shot 3 times because he was wearing an Obama T-shirt!

Republican Voting OBAMA   October 24th, 2008 8:40 am ET

Scott, you are doing the right thing and joining the winning team. I see that you have been watching this close as well.

Vote Today or Vote Early Obama/Biden 08/12

Change we can count on……..

Daniel   October 24th, 2008 8:39 am ET

Looks like he's not a waste after all. I imagine working under Bush would sour just about anyone on the GOP.

ChristineCT   October 24th, 2008 8:39 am ET

It's refreshing to see partisanship put aside for what people think is best for our country-what a novel idea.
I would ask that for the sake of other bloggers, people please keep racism and offensive remarks out of their posts. It's fine to express an opinion, without being crude.

We are, and will remain- ONE NATION

whoiamnow   October 24th, 2008 8:39 am ET

Mr. McClellen is very brave to speak his mind on this. I applaud him.

republicans hate america   October 24th, 2008 8:38 am ET

even McCain will vote for Obama

Betty   October 24th, 2008 8:37 am ET

No cries of "racism" from the republicans? Oh, yeah, the guy is white…LOL Obama/Biden '08!!

Judy from PA   October 24th, 2008 8:35 am ET

So Obama spends all his time linking McCain to the Bush Administration and now he has the backing of the Bush Administration. Maybe Colin Powell will lead us into another war when he is on Obama's Administration.

mike   October 24th, 2008 8:35 am ET

Hmmmmm….it seems like everyone from "old washington" is supporting Barack Obama. I just don't see that "change" coming.

Kenneth M. of Flushing Queens   October 24th, 2008 8:35 am ET

This is all part of Operation Chaos.

Doug R.   October 24th, 2008 8:35 am ET

Why would anyone vote for McCain/ Palin?? They have offered nothing except hate and smears and lies and hypocrisy.

November 5   October 24th, 2008 8:34 am ET

Ding Dong. The GOP is dead.

It's time to vote for Obama.

Robert   October 24th, 2008 8:33 am ET

Who cares? He was on the podium day in and day out lying to the American people.

Then he writes a book about the lying, idiot president and we are to forgive him.

JDC   October 24th, 2008 8:33 am ET

Surprise! Surprise! McClellan has been anti-Bush since his contentious comments about Iraq. He probably thinks he has some crediibility with the American people…who can barely recall who he is.
And same for Colin Powell…who went to the UN and told us about all the WMDs in Iraq. He was part of the problem, but now, hitches his wagon to Obama…probably wanting some appointment in January

Ted   October 24th, 2008 8:32 am ET

You betcha! I'm begining to believe Scott when he said that he was dissapointed with Bush.

rm   October 24th, 2008 8:31 am ET

The Obama campaign needs to have him do an ad quickly!!! This endorsement speaks volumes. Can't wait to hear the republicans try to discredit this guy like they did Powell. I guess he will be called a racist too?

SHELLI13   October 24th, 2008 8:30 am ET

The Republicans that are truthful about the Nasty campaigning of McNasty and Failin Palin are coming over to Vote for Senator Obama in Droves. Horray!!!!!
$150,000.00 for outfits and Neiman Marcus is the worst thing that they can do. And they had the gall to talk about Obama going to see his sick Grandmother but nothing about when McShame flew in a campaign plane to see Mrs. Reagan.

BOB   October 24th, 2008 8:28 am ET

WHAT A WASTE!!!

Leslie   October 24th, 2008 8:26 am ET

Good for you, Scott! I voted for Obama two days ago.

Purple Nurple   October 24th, 2008 8:18 am ET

The last dieing death throws of the GOP baby. It our turn…and we will get this country on the right track.

VON BISMARK,Vienna.   October 24th, 2008 8:06 am ET

Mr. Limbaugh,is this racism too?

Independent from PA   October 24th, 2008 7:58 am ET

Yes we can!!! Thanks for your vote! The republicans are jumping ship like rats in a burning house; and yes, McCain has run a dishonorable campaign. I starteed out feeling I could live with him even though I was moderate. Now, no way; no how, no McCain!

JB20834   October 24th, 2008 7:37 am ET

And I would have voted for Powell if he was running for the Presidency

JB20834   October 24th, 2008 7:36 am ET

About Colin Powell's endorsement:
Black Blood is thicker than water …

Dawn   October 24th, 2008 7:23 am ET

Looks as if they think that the Republicans are full of it. If you go on Teamsters and what McCain wants to do to us as workers in the United States…Scary and Halloween is really early. One is to weaken OSHA. So if it is unsafe at your job, tough! No over time for workers? There is many more

Second McCain wants your insurance company not to pay for contraceptives… Lets put it this way; I hope that in the budget that they have enough money for the CDC…

Think about that before you vote.

Obama/Biden08/12

Kasio Mutuku   October 24th, 2008 7:16 am ET

This show one's independence of mind as per as these campains are concerned.

Stephane MOTq   October 24th, 2008 6:16 am ET

DLH Express award of the clumsiest endorsement :

"It's a message that is very similar to the one that Gov. Bush ran on in 2000," McClellan said in May about Obama's campaign.

(tough game for McClelland, who couldn't confess he was dumb enough to fall for Bush back in 2000)

williefloyd   October 24th, 2008 6:01 am ET

Why bother to make a comment?? If it isn't what you want to hear, you don't post it anyway. I'm avoiding CNN ecept for J. Cafferty-he's the only thing of worth on your network.

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