CLEVELAND - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell crossed party lines yesterday to formally announce his endorsement of Democratic nominee Barack Obama in his quest for U.S. President.That's huge.
Powell, a Republican and former U.S. general was also once a potential candidate himself for the nation's highest office. He has been friends with Obama's rival, Sen. John McCain for twenty-five years.
"It isn't easy for me to disappoint Sen. McCain the way I have this morning, and I regret that," said Powell. This came at an outdoor press conference after formally announcing his support moments earlier on Meet the Press.
Powell contrasted the two men to explain his choice. In Obama, he noted the Illinois Senator's "ability to inspire" as well as the "inclusive nature of his campaign." He went on to lavish more superlatives on him by calling him "a transformational figure" who displays an "intellectual curiosity and a depth of knowledge."
He expressed an unhappiness with McCain's campaign and took exception to the "negative turn" it has taken. He feels that his longtime colleague has "moved more to the right that I would like to see." Citing McCain's constant mention of 1960's radical and former terrorist William Ayers (and his link to Obama), Powell believes that this tactic has made the Republicans' campaign appear quite "narrow."
While Obama expressed his thanks and joy for Powell's endorsement, McCain downplayed its meaning. He did however, mention that he "respects and admires" Powell and said that his decision "didn't come as a surprise."
I personally feel that McCain needs to be shunned by as many of his party members and undecided voters as possible. His campaign has been nothing short of divisive and negative. He also tries repeatedly to justify it all.
Consider this latest endorsement to be yet another nail in the McCain-Palin coffin.
No comments:
Post a Comment