Sunday
Oct192008
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama-- Is Powell Moving from Foggy Bottom to the Pentagon??
Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 11:17AM The Blogmother
Well since I broke my weekend posting embargo to put up the SNL sketch where a poor moose meets his maker, I might as well put up some substantive news. Colin Powell just endorsed Barack Obama:
Poor Colin Powell, his reputation and standing in the world ruined by carrying the water for an administration where he was marginalized and ostracized. Does this mean he might be headed from Foggy Bottom back to the Pentagon. How cool would that be? You can say what you want about him falling on his sword, but the last war he ran, was run competently.Y'all remember competence? That thing where people actually DO a heck of a job!
“I truly believe that at this point in Amserica’s history we need a president who will not just continue ... basically the policies we have followed in recent years,” he said. “We need a president with transformational qualities.” Colin Powell
Poor Colin Powell, his reputation and standing in the world ruined by carrying the water for an administration where he was marginalized and ostracized. Does this mean he might be headed from Foggy Bottom back to the Pentagon. How cool would that be? You can say what you want about him falling on his sword, but the last war he ran, was run competently.Y'all remember competence? That thing where people actually DO a heck of a job!
Don't forget to like our Facebook Page. We shut down our NING network. My book More Than Words is now available for download for $3.99 | 37 Comments | Share Article
37 Comments | Share Article tagged Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Uncategorized in Uncategorized
Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Uncategorized in Uncategorized
Reader Comments (37)
Going to the pentagon (Sec of Defense) would make more sense than the two options offered in the interview by Tom Brokaw. I didn't know we had an Ambassador for Africa. I thought that the ambassador positions would be for individual countries in Africa ... not the whole dayum continent.
The other option offered by Brokaw was envoy to the Middle East.
Both of those seem like subsets of Secy of State (which Powell has already done).
Anyhow, I think it would be cool to have Powell as Secy of Defense.
Thank you, Colin! There's nothing wrong with being a Muslim. I wish Obama had the sense to say the same thing.
Lets be real the Gulf war and this Iraq war are two different things.
They went out of their way to stay out of Iraq back in the Gulf war to avoid this exact mess were in now.
Now if "Johnny Come Lately's" endorsement for the "front running " candidate with less than three weeks before the election, makes people feel good than feel good.
But I am not impressed by some one who stood on the side lines, kept his mouth shut, turned the other cheek, and looked the other way while his country was getting shafted.
The cards are already played who ever wins it was meant to win it from this point.
No words from the candidates or midnight hour endorsements are going to change the minds of voters.
I was very glad to hear all that Powell had to say. Although is kinda late in the game for me. I thought his statement about being a Muslim was huge. I agree that Obama needs to say "so what". This year of political campaigns has shown us how 'fear and smear' statements are used to win a campaign.
The racist statements go back way before Mcinsane went into all out hate mode. I wondered if any of the pollies were bothered by it several months ago?
clnmike there you go with your political immaturity. First, I think it is perfect timing with weeks to go.
this ain't high school. It does help to roll our endorsements over time and in the waning weeks of the campaign.
second, I think Powell is troubled by some of the things he is seeing at the rallies.
last, this election ain't over. Polls are not votes. But I do agree that there are a tiny number of people who have not made up their minds
regarding the two wars being different. That was my point. The two were waged differently because of the people running them
Sorry clnmike, "politically immature" was a bit harsh.
What I meant to say was that timing isn't always up to the endorser. Powell has been pretty laudatory throughout the campaign.
Heck Jesse Jackson "endorsed" a long time ago and look how much of a help he's been.
"clnmike there you go with your political immaturity."
My Political Immaturity?
What election have you been watching?
Maturity went out the window during the primaires.
"First, I think it is perfect timing with weeks to go."
No one's mind is going to change because Powell decided to crawl out of his hiding place and say I like Obama.
There are no undecided voters waiting for the right words to sway them what you have are people unwilling to tell you who they are going to vote for.
"second, I think Powell is troubled by some of the things he is seeing at the rallies."
Really?
As opposed to being troubled by his former boss running the counrty into the ground these past 8 years?
Didnt hear a word out of him than.
He has been playing a better game of politics than anyone else with out ever getting elected to office.
We had a name for the football team about the guy who's jersey was clean after every game.
We called him bench warmer.
Thats who Powell is.
Cln mike if you go back and watch Powell's appearances over the course of the campaign I can assure you that he was a LOT more laudatory than Tavi Smiley and Crew at their state of the Black folk's union last year when they were whining because Obama was not at williamsburg.
So seriously, Get over it. Powell has been a lot more helpful over the campaign than Jackons, Sharpton or the Black Elite Establishment has ever been.
Thirdly, Obama is now looking to his transition team and cabinet. you don't know what assistance Colin Powell is giving Obama. Powell is the highest ranking Black man in US history. Condi certainly ain't giving up the 411, so Powell is a good ally to have.
PS. I SAAAAAID sorry for using the phrase "political immaturity," but you are one to hold a grudge!
...what a refreshing, courageous and well articulated POV by Colin Powell!
I was done typing before I saw the sorry.
So soooorrrryyy.
And I aint getting over nothing, too many clowns get a pass for their actions and not having to own up to it.
As for Tavi Smiley and Crew there not off the hook either, but they sure wasnt on Bush's pay roll or waiting till the midnight hour to drop by.
This aint about them it's about Powell.
Now as much as I dislike Powell's tatics I did not say he would not be good for a cabinet post.
I am not opposed to that.
He is qualified and could be an asset if he shows a backbone.
Im just not going to do a dance for him.
Who is doing a dance. You are such a curmudgeon mike. You know you wanna dance. dance. dance.
If I cared more, I would go back and pull up all of Colin Powell's statements over the course of the campaign about Obama. Powell has been laudatory throughout. Unlike the Black Elite Establishment.
Dance. Dance. Dance.
That was a very genuine and thoughtful endorsement.
I've often wondered how republicans of color have felt in these past few weeks looking at the type of hate that is happening at rallies and the racial "coding" that's coming from the McCain campaign, particularly Sarah Palin. As many people as she has excited, she has also alienated. There's a difference between inspiring and inciting and I know I would feel very uncomfortable in a rally with people shouting some of the things I've heard or holding the banners I see waving in the audiences. I would find it very hard to be associated with a group of people who take issue Obama because of the color of his skin. Especially considering, mine is the same color.
Colin Powell would be a great asset to Barack Obama and this country as an advisor of some sort, but if he has any sense, he'll stay in retirement and enjoy a private life.
I appreciated that fact that he used the term "intellectual vigor" in describing Obama and his team. There's something to be sad for intelligence and critical thinking. Since when did being smart and striving to be smarter make you elite? I appreciate a president with intellectual curiosity, who's not just interested in managing government, but wants to think critically about the fundamentals of government and tackle big ideas and challenges. I, like Colin Powell, also appreciate the fact that Obama does inspire. Having a leader who engages people in the political process is part of what makes a strong democracy.
Clnmike. DId you listen to Powell's endorsement? did you listen? Iman is right it was an eloquent and thoughtful endorsement.
Might I add that Powell is one of the most "articulate" surrogates that Obama has other than Michelle. Sometimes when I am watching people on TV, I am like "was that supposed to be helpful?"
Clnmike did you see that Powell is now being attacked ... by people other than you.
Yes I watched it, and unlike every one else I didnt swoon like a high school girl in front of her favorite pin up singer.
Eloquent and thoughtful endorsement?
What does that have to do with him biting his tounge in the past?
Or him showing up now?
What he is "well spoken"?
So what?
That dont change jack.
And who is he kidding?
Did he wake up today and just now found out that republicans play dirty racial politics?
Where has he been?
This is standard tactics since the reagan era.
I aint buy that kool aid he is selling.
And as for Rush attacking him so what?
Rush would attack Jesus if he came from the beach with a tan.
Here is an article written by a black Repub of DC. It is from his point of view. I am interviewing next week for a radio show. Should be interesting now that we have Powell's break with the GOP on Obama.
Good reading.
http://www.afro.com/tabid/456/itemid/1758/Nothing-Grand-about-this-Old-Republican-Party.aspx
Powell said in a few minutes what clearly needed to be said. It was a excellent verbal surgical strike. Nicely done.
The GOP haters wont quit, but it was another smart move by Team Obama to step on McCain's news cycle.
I expect Team Obama to keep stepping on McCain right up to election day. This reminds me of the difference between teams that run out the clock and those that continue to run up the score ....
Colin Powell has been supportive of Obama this entire time. Think about it, as a republican it would have been no surprise for Colin Powell to endorse McCain as soon as he was nominated. He did not. He's been meeting with Obama throughout his campaign.
I think the timing is excellent and for people who are on the fence (and they do still exist), this gives them a green light. Outside of the black community (tied to the democratic party as if they've helped us in the last few years) Colin Powell is very well respected. He's a moderate republican, much like Bill Clinton was actually a moderate democrat. And, I think he's probably has the ears of quite a few in the middle (those ever important independents).
@Gem
You were right about Joe the Plumber. He was on Huckabee tonight and guess what the discussion was...average guy Samuel Joe "W".
Single father, planning to buy a plumbing business. He was outside playing football with his son and they realized Obama was in "their" neighborhood that day. He went down and asked a question and has been harassed every since.
Working stiff maligned by bloggers, Obama supporters, and media outlets. Wow! You called that one.
It was not only a great endorsement but a necessary call to attention of the despicable behavior from those in the Republican party as of late. And yes it really needed to be said that Muslims are just as American as everyone else. The malcontents will always gripe about something but for everyone else I hope they read the transcripts and listen to him. He is so eloquent and carries himself with dignity. It must have weighed on him that he helped the Neo-Cons when he is much more diplomatic. It would be a triumphant return to office if he was appointed by Obama. He was an amazing General.
Wow.... now so many people ae ad mouthing Powell. Unbelievable, yet this is America where people like Powell have fought to maintain that freedom for us.
Powell like many people I know, is unhappy to see the way Republicans have changed. Not for better, for worse. It's sad that because of his endorsement, now so many are saying that he's just another liberal nigger.
He has balls. He has inteligence. He's sacrificed his life. But that isn't enough for alot of these weak, febile minded, jealous fools. Sure attack his choice for President, but to come out and attack his mental stability, his career and his contributions to our society is ignorant....
Somehow these same people were not as pissed when Lieberman endorsed McCain. Somehow that's accepted without confrontation.
Vote for whom you want. Don't try to tarnish the military career of a fine countryman.
Joe likes the spot light. It's better than the light from a microscope. What a way to take advantage of a situation. But I probably would do the same in this faltering economy.
I find it irritating when McCain/Palin contin to use him as their new poster person for America. He doesn't represent the America I live in.
I can't wait until the focus can move to the new President and all that he's doing wrong.
What I find annoying is how often racism and sexism among liberals/democrats goes ignored.
I’m not making any apologies for the ignorance and blatant racism displayed at McCain/Palin rallies. But I resent the notion that conservatives are more racist than liberals; and I think racism among democrats often goes ignored as the media is more often than not left leaning.
A few examples of racism among liberals:
-Rev. Jesse “Hymies in Hymietown” Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton are both known for making anti-Semitic remarks.
-Liberals depicted Rep. Michael Steele (R-VA) as a Sambo
-Robert Byrd former Grand Dragon of the KKK- he’s still a senator you know (D, WVA). Chris Dodd (D, CT) in 2007 described him as a great leader for any time. Really? Remember how Byrd opposed the Civil Rights movement and helped recruit members to the KKK? Great leader…anytime...?
-Liberal publication the New Yorker described Michelle Obama as being “too black” and thus a detriment to Barack Obama’s campaign.
-Clinton supporter Andrew Cuomo tells Barak Obama that he can’t “shuck and jive” with the media
-Joe Biden- Obama’s running mate- once described him “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." Ok, so what does that say about the rest of us?
Let’s also not forget how racist AAs can be toward other AAs and the Democratic Party’s very racist history in this country. When confronted with this information many liberals/democrats will make excuses for it or outright dismiss it all the while throwing Rep. to the wolves. I find that galling.
My point is, is if a perception of racism is your litmus test for choosing a party to affiliate with, than there’s no party you can affiliate with. Both parties are guilty. Maybe we’re better off registering independent as opposed to consistently voting with the 90% block.
I’ve heard some try to make the argument that because the Democratic Party places a BM as their presidential nominee it excludes them from racism. I say so what. Bush has had the most racially diverse cabinet in the history of presidents – more so than the so called first Black president Bill Clinton – but Republicans are still regarded as being more racist.
I don’t support Obama in the election because his policies are too far left for my liking; I’m a fiscal conservative. I also dislike the Democrat party’s reliance on government as a savoir as opposed to personal responsibility- I am a strong advocate of personal responsibility. If that makes means I’m not respected in my community, so be it. I’m comfortable being an outsider; but, I’m going to stand my ground and vote my principles. That’s much more important to me.
I have the utmost respect for Colin Powell. I think he made some very valid and important points in his case for Barack Obama. Irregardless of the timing I think his endorsement is significant.
@Zabeth
I agree. I do believe both parties have fallen short and do commit blatant acts of both racism and sexism. I also feel that the democratic party has gotten waaaaay to comfortable in their expectations of getting our vote and no longer worry about which way we'll vote.
They pander to every group around us, hispanics, white females (Clinton Supporters), white males (except Joe), Jewish voters, etc.
I think they're a little too confident. Though, I can't say the Republican party has tried very hard either. But, it may be that they're also sold on the fact that we're always going to vote democrat.
Politics is ugly. Many start out with great goals. They make promises and compromises that they may want to keep as well. But few things are decided by one vote-we'll leave that to the VP.
My hope is that people will take this year's experience and vote in local/state elections, making a difference in their own communities as well.
I'm a registered Democrat but I've voted across party lines whenever I've felt like it was the best choice. I'm not ashamed to admit that.
I am sorry I thought this was about the relevance of Powell's endorement.
I agree with a lot of what Clnmike has said about Powell. I consider him to be a war criminal. Just because he is black, I take no pride in his actions; I cannot allow his blackness to mask the atrociousness of his decisions. All he is now, in my eyes, is a retired practitioner of war.
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien: Obama's New Advisor Stands By His War Crimes
Sorry, I thought that the link for the article about Powell, "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien: Obama's New Advisor Stands By His War Crimes" would appear. Here it is:
http://www.chris-floyd.com/component/content/article/3/1633-non-je-ne-regrette-rien-obamas-new-advisor-stands-by-his-war-crimes.html
@redcatbiker
"I agree with a lot of what Clnmike has said about Powell. I consider him to be a war criminal."
Wow!
---------------------
Although I'm a fan of Colin Powell, I'm hoping he's out of politics. Or, maybe it's because I'm a fan of Colin Powell that I hope he's out of politics.
I actually hope he decides he won't be a part of a new administration, even an Obama administration.
Let the new crowd decide the new direction. Quietly advise, if the need arises, but leave the spotlight to those who clamour a bit more for it. I never really took Powell as that type.
Yme,
Yes, Wow! Kind of harsh, I must admit. But he is one of many war criminals. He did a lot of the dirty work for Bush and Cheney, and he knew it. Powell was a good soldier: Follow any and all orders given, without question. Cheney knew that about him when he appointed him to the post of Secretary of State. He knew that he could count on Powell to blindly follow orders. He got up in front of the UN and lied about weapons of mass destruction being in Iraq. He helped it be so that thousands and thousands (I forget the exact number), never did nothing to hurt any of us Americans, Iraqis are now dead, and perhaps, ten times more are maimed, disabled, displaced and homeless. (Iraqi women are now in Lebanon, unable to earn money any other way, except by prostitution.) I don't know about you, but that, our treatment of the Iraqis, is nothing short of just plain ole ugly--looks like war crimes to me. I don't love blackness that much, I am not loyal to blackness that much, that I can, because of racial loyalty, dismiss inhumane behaviour.
@redcatbiker
"I am not loyal to blackness that much, that I can, because of racial loyalty, dismiss inhumane behaviour."
No, I can respect that...it's why I'm struggling with my decision to support Obama.
@redcatbiker
Not because of inhuman behaviour, but because I don't like most of his policies.
Yes, Powell is "clean and articulate", but at the end of the day, he sold his soul to the devil, as did Condi. He told the UN and the world that Saddam had WMDs. The UN said "no he doesn't". Powell and Co. said, "yes he does".
He blames faulty intelligence. That's what I'd say.
Due to most people's short term memories, Powell's endorsement of the O-ster will help him with independents.
Long live the O...
Yme --
I am not an Obama supporter.
I am not a McCain supporter.
I'll tell you this: I've decided that I will no longer compromise my values by voting for the "lesser of two evils."
Obama is nothing but proud to have Powell's endorsement. He is proud to have the endorsement of a man, Powell, who sold his soul to the devil for personal career advancement. Powell sits now, an old man, in relative comfort, while Iraqi civilians and reluctant American soldiers continue to die because of the lies that so easily rolled off of his tongue to make sure that this nation invaded another that caused, never had the intention or the ability of causing, us any harm. Obama is proud to have Powell's endorsement! Why? Obama proves, yet again, that a "hero ain't nothing but a sandwich".