AMERICAblog: Colin Powell may endorse Obama on Sunday
PeteWa
· 1 year ago
So, Obama might get an endorsement from the DISGRACED Colin Powell?
bluestockton
· 1 year ago
After his Chicken Little speech to the United Nations, Powell can hardly be called unassailable on his national security creds.
Rob Mule
· 1 year ago
Colin??? "Coy"??? Come on???
EmGD
· 1 year ago
Yeah, I gotta go with PeteWa on this one. Colin Powell's name hasn't meant a whole lot since that little UN presentation and subsequent Bush Administration work trashed his reputation. Secondly, way for Powell to go out on a limb, didn't he want to wait until the day after the election? I don't think it really means much.
I'll believe it when I see it. Don't forget how he just finished making an ass out of himself again by being a character witness for Stevens in his corruption trial.
Older_Wiser
· 1 year ago
Colin Powell lost all credibility long ago. Let's hope he doesn't endorse anyone and keeps his vote secret. Shameful sellout. Obama doesn't need his endorsement.
cosanostradamus
· 1 year ago
. Maybe he's looking for a job. Obama could send him to Iraq to clean up his own mess. Or Afghanistan to stop the renewed traffic in heroin. Or Pakistan to get Bin Ladin. Or Crawford to arrest Dubya. I'd say old Colin would have a full karmic agenda, like Earl. Only, not so funny. .
smiling_dog
· 1 year ago
I'd love to know why Americans trust Colin Powell. He sold the country down the river when it mattered most. It seems like a faux sincere, "statesman" appearance is enough to inspire confidence, no matter what kind of B.S. comes out of someone's mouth.
TampaZeke
· 1 year ago
Can someone tell me WHY people trust this lying sack of shit who carried Dick Cheney's water to the UN and lied through his teeth to promote the war knowing FULL WELL at the time that he was pushing false intelligence?
I once respected him but he has long since been thrown on the pile of Republicans who sold their honor and soul to the Republican dogma, deceit and slime merchants.
I'm glad he sees that we need a new direction from the disatster that he VERY MUCH helped to build but I'll never trust him or respect him again.
lucky hussein
· 1 year ago
"america trusts colin powell.."?? I certainly hope not... how can anyone after his UN fiasco..
kladinvt
· 1 year ago
"America trusts Colin Powell."
Is this the same Colin Powell who went before the Security Council of the United Nations and LIED his ass off in order to start a needless, distracting, and wasteful war? THAT Colin Powell? Personally I hope he gets what he deserves for selling his soul to the dark forces.
Older_Wiser
· 1 year ago
Breaking! SC rules FOR Ohio...
aquarius2
· 1 year ago
Link?
Older_Wiser
· 1 year ago
Just heard it on MSNBC...something about "private citizen" cannot challenge Federal law as outlined in the Rethugs' complaint. Otherwise, no comment from SC.
I'm watching Palin right now on Cnn .com She has toned it down. Calm...even tone.
gumbygirl
· 1 year ago
Maybe they tranked her dumb ass up. (tranqued?)
aquarius2
· 1 year ago
I have to agree with the majority of the comments. Powell lost his credibility when he gave his UN speech and what little he did have left, he lost by testifying as a character witness for Sen. Ted Stevens.
An endorsement from Powell would mean little to me. The only thing positive is it would, for a few days, knock McCain off of page 1.
HereinDC
· 1 year ago
There are Righties out there that have no idea that Powell lied.....and if they hear he supports Obama......who knows.....it may make a difference. It may make them NOT even go out and vote for McCain.
jebauer
· 1 year ago
I don't buy this. Powell will endorse McCain. He's proven over and over again that he's a puppet of the Republican party. He's going to shore up Palin for them. He was just in Alaska testifying for Stevens. Obama campaign better prepare themselves for his likely endorsement of McCain and have something to say for themselves. And sorry, but I also find it hard to believe the Republicans are in the dark about what he's going to say. They practically feed the man his lines whenever he shows up for something.
chrisnyc
· 1 year ago
we're about to get rickrolled - he's endorsing mccain. the mccain camp planting that it would be great for them to get it means they think they're getting it
CPL
· 1 year ago
I think you may be on to something, Chris. If Powell endorses McCain, he'd better turn in his African-American card cause that will be the end for him as far as Black America is concerned.
And I say that as an African-American who thinks Powell has no business endorsing anyone for POTUS because he shat on his credibility going as far back as the My Lai massacre, followed by toting Bush and Cheney's water to the U. N. and lying his ass off, and finally, giving character testimony for the super-corrupt Ted Stevens, who's state governor is McCain's VP that is a bigoted ho who wouldn't spit on Powell if his ass were on fire.
I think Obama can do without Powell's endorsement because even if he got it, the ReThugs would find a way to USE IT AGAINST HIM.
michaelt
· 1 year ago
he was a puppet, and he knew it. he went out there and soul'd out anyway. he means nothing to me.
Milli
· 1 year ago
Fox's excuse will be that Powell is only endorsing him because he's black.
Crittergm
· 1 year ago
Fuck Powell, he deliberately sold his soul. I'm a pragmatist, and I understand the benefit of the endorsement in getting elected. But at some point, democrats need to take a principled, progressive stance or we just become the latest power hunger with the correct propaganda.
The speech that launched Obama was gorgeous, He stabbed me in the back on FISA. (An issue so blatant and one of the few I've written furious letters over.) Yes, I hold out for a post election ass kicking, as one does need to get elected first. But it hasn't just been 8 years of bad economics.
Powell directly lied and contradicted the very reason Obama was thrust into the national spotlight, with a contrary message. A thanks, but, no thanks, would be the best approach.
At some point, when IL 14 is voting against the milk king, it's wiser to admit the king is naked and everyone sees it. Not because the base will abandon ship, but because the recognition is that the undecided are thirsting for something other than the pagentry of an election.
It gets tiring to see progressives continually shoot themselves in the feet for lack of balls and hand wringing over electability. Granted, Bush isn't impeached due to Nancy's complicity, but the excuse offered for why progressives shouldn't pick up pitchforks and torches is pathetic.
Conventional wisdom is always turned on it's head by people not swallowing bullshit and being outraged.
And really, what holds back our outrage, especially now, in such a pivotal moment?
Wolfsinger
· 1 year ago
I agree with jebauer.
Powell has not demonstrated "maverick-i-ness" within his party. He is on the other hand, a good soldier FOR the REPUBLICANS -not America. He does what he is told. Even when they repeatedly use him and throw him under any bus they choose. I too, doubt that the Republicans don't know what he is going to say. They are playing for drama. Nothing more. Rove playbook page 101.
Would it benefit Obama if Powell endorsed him? Yes. With born-again Republicans who are authority driven and do what THEY are told.
As the old saying goes, I'll believe it when the ink is dry.
Indigo
· 1 year ago
We are amused but waiting for Condalezza Rice's endorsement.
BroD
· 1 year ago
Who?
jeffg166
· 1 year ago
Colin Powell is past tense. He squandered any legitimacy he had years ago.
EllaDisenchanted
· 1 year ago
Look, this sounds great on the surface, but wouldn't it suck if all this hype is in the direction of Obama, just to see him Endorse McCain.
That would be far worse than just expecting him to endorse his party and being "surprised" (October surprised?) that it's Obama.
lynchie
· 1 year ago
Obama needs Powell like my ass chews bubblegum. This man who carried the day to convince the world to attack and invade Iraq by lying about WMD is also responsible for the deaths of a million odd Iraqi citizens and almost 5,000 of our men and women in uniform. He is complicit in the thousands of maimed and wounded. He sat on his hands and let his troops enter a war zone without adequate armor on their vehicles wearing poorly designed bullet proof vests, without adequate forces and without the necessary training for an urban war. His Powell doctrine for engaging a foreign force has been the outline for all conflicts since Vietnam. This man who allowed the U.S. troops to be forgotten after using them for the capricious wishes of Bush, Rumsfeld and Cheney will do and say anything to get a pat on the head. This poor excuse for a human being who wrote a book looking for some sympathy is a disgrace and his endorsement should be not only rejected by Obama but condemned by every veteran in this country.
CPL
· 1 year ago
Who cares who Colin Powell endorses? I don't give a rat's ass because in a time when honesty, dignity, and courage was needed to tell Bush to go to the U. N. and sell that crap that turned out to be the Iraq War, he caved like a house of cards.
I still can't forget when Bill Clinton offered him a Cabinet position in his administration, where his expertise would have been welcomed, Powell turned up his nose and dissed Clinton like he was a piece of dogshyt he stepped in wearing his Cole Haan loafers.
And after giving character testimony on behalf of the super-corrupt Ted Stevens, I would say that his endorsement Obama can do without.
BarrieT
· 1 year ago
Powell is more potent as dirt on the Republicans than he is as an endorser of Obama. Start tearing him down now, before the appearance. There is more to gain than lose.
annatopia
· 1 year ago
while i agree with every single comment here about powell having lost his credibility years ago, let's plese put ourselves in the shoes of the undecideds and leaners. powell has not lost credibility with those people. think about it: a large chunk of america still thinks this guy walks on water. if he endorses obama, that is a GOOD THING because it will certainly move some leaners and soft Rs our way. it won't mean jack to us, but it WILL mean a point or three in the election.
but frankly, i agree with chrisnyc. i think we're being punked.
NO2WAR
· 1 year ago
Colin Powell has no credibility. He should be put on trial with the other members of the BUSH CRIME FAMILY.
Oldnovice
· 1 year ago
I fear he could endorse McCain, instead. I haven't trusted him since I learned of Mai Lai (sp?). He's black, but he's also Republican.
RevDrBillyBob
· 1 year ago
Obama should refuse this endorsement, if it comes. Powell is a liar and a moral cripple, who LIED about all those weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. He knew what truth was, and he LIED about it. He ALWAYS knew what he was doing. He was ALWAYS in full support of the war. Now -- since things aren't going so well -- he is pretending that he has "long had doubts about our policy in Iraq". NOPE: He helped PLAN that policy in Iraq. The guy is a cockroach, a parasite, and a scumbag. ... sorry to sugar-coat this folks.
okojo
· 1 year ago
If I were Obama, I wouldn't exactly want a Powell endorsement. Given he gave one of the most infamous speeches in American History with his UN WMD speech that was a shade or two from Senator Joseph McCarthy's 1950 Wheeling West Virginia speech.
Obama doesn't need Powell. If Powell resigned after the 2002 elections, he would had still have a reputation.
cowboyneok
· 1 year ago
Powell has proven what bad judgment he has. I don't know if I would want his endorsement, either. I also don't trust him. It would be just like him to lead everyone on and then be a bastard and endorse McThesulah.
katjam
· 1 year ago
Under no circumstances will Powell endorse McCain so quit worrying on that issue. He has wanted to endorse Obama for some time now but the pressure from Republican friends to remain at minimum at least neutral has been enormous.
This could be a needed act of redemption for Powell. He gave into pressure last time. He was the "good soldier" back then but if he had instead fallen on his sword and war had thus been averted ironically it might have resulted in a different kind of fall from grace for him. First he would have been shunned by almost every Republican and many Democrats as well. History from that point would have taken a different path. The disastrous war of the last five years might have been avoided but other possbily tragic events might have occured instead. What if, having in a sense helped Saddam stay in power, Saddam had ended up funneling a dirty bomb to terrorist who attack us again. Powell would have been seen as complicit. We just don't know. We are judging him by what did happened and have found him wanting. I would suggest we all listen to his statement and explanation on Meet the Press.
I have it on very good authority he is going to endorse Obama on Sunday. If it helps Obama in any way we should be grateful. We cannot know the future but readers of this blog have good reason to fear the election ofMcCain/Palin and the continuation of Republcan rule. Without knowing that version of our future we cannot judge the value of Powell's endorsement helping Obama to win.
I have one last thought as well. The disastrous consequences of this war could have already marked the beginning of an irreversible decline for the US or it could be the beginning of a return to a better America. We have been stunned to see ourselves of late: the hubris but not the honor and grace to justify it; the confidence not justified by our blantant shortcomings, the realization that the America we thought we lived in is riddled with inequities, ineptness, and a growing unwillingness to strive to be the best in science, education, and leadership. We have had a major comeuppance these last few years, but maybe this trial will be our renewal. Maybe the enthusiasm that is being tapped into by Obama is a widespread desire and willingness to regain our place in the world and in our own eyes. If we are willing this time to choose a man who not only strove for the best education, but is proudly erudite as well as profoundly practical, a man who is willing to use power wisely not merely covet it, who tells us without hesitation we too must work hard and be our best selves, then maybe the wake up call of these last 7-8 years will be seen as the trial that allowed us to move beyond the dangerous complacency of recent years.
CPL
· 1 year ago
Katjam, love your comprehensive post. I agree with what you said, but I hope you don't mind a wee bit of skepticism on my part, because how many times has Powell been a "good soldier" fell on his sword, took one for the team and Bushco continued to sling him under numerous buses each and every time?
He's screwed either way. He endorses Obama; he can kiss his ReThug Pals "Good-Bye".
He endorses McCain, the Black Community will revoke his Black Man Credentials.
Talk about a man without a Country...
falloch
· 1 year ago
The only way I could accept a Powell endorsement is if he APOLOGIZED for his role in beefing up the arguments for the Iraq War. If he just states his support for Obama, then what? we've got a potential war criminal endorsing Obama. It's not that I still don't think he's a war criminal, but if Powell apologised, the tenor of his endorsement would be different. However, I expect to see hell freezing over before I see that.
jebauer
· 1 year ago
Here's a little tidbit I dug up... makes me think he's going for McCain
How, again is this a big deal? Colin Powell ruined his reputation forever in doing Bush & Chaney's dirty work at the United Nations, and telling flat out lies.
I'm not sure if it wouldn't be advantageous for him to stick with the Republicans.
irishdave3
· 1 year ago
Seems like the O'Bamas people are to smart to count their "chickens" before they hatch...3 days for the suspense, then the Big Colon dumps on America ...Again...Bomber McCain ...Whee!
Mark217
· 1 year ago
Colin Powell can bite me. I will never forget what it felt like to be a gay man in the U.S. Army, getting shot at in Somalia. Powell went before Congress Armed Service Committee and said what pieces of shit gay people are and that gay troops would ruin "unit cohesion." I wasn't good enough to get killed for my country At least I still have my personal integrity intact. Powell dishonored himself by his association and complicity with Bush war cimes and lies. I imagine most Americans have some sort of visceral respect for Powell. But his endorsement won't gain or lose any more votes for McCain or Obama than an endorsement from Madonna. Kiss my ass, Powell.
All Comments
http://thesebastards.blogspot.com/
Don't forget how he just finished making an ass out of himself again by being a character witness for Stevens in his corruption trial.
Maybe he's looking for a job. Obama could send him to Iraq to clean up his own mess. Or Afghanistan to stop the renewed traffic in heroin. Or Pakistan to get Bin Ladin. Or Crawford to arrest Dubya. I'd say old Colin would have a full karmic agenda, like Earl. Only, not so funny.
.
I once respected him but he has long since been thrown on the pile of Republicans who sold their honor and soul to the Republican dogma, deceit and slime merchants.
I'm glad he sees that we need a new direction from the disatster that he VERY MUCH helped to build but I'll never trust him or respect him again.
Is this the same Colin Powell who went before the Security Council of the United Nations and LIED his ass off in order to start a needless, distracting, and wasteful war? THAT Colin Powell? Personally I hope he gets what he deserves for selling his soul to the dark forces.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/17/11...
She has toned it down.
Calm...even tone.
An endorsement from Powell would mean little to me. The only thing positive is it would, for a few days, knock McCain off of page 1.
It may make them NOT even go out and vote for McCain.
And I say that as an African-American who thinks Powell has no business endorsing anyone for POTUS because he shat on his credibility going as far back as the My Lai massacre, followed by toting Bush and Cheney's water to the U. N. and lying his ass off, and finally, giving character testimony for the super-corrupt Ted Stevens, who's state governor is McCain's VP that is a bigoted ho who wouldn't spit on Powell if his ass were on fire.
I think Obama can do without Powell's endorsement because even if he got it, the ReThugs would find a way to USE IT AGAINST HIM.
The speech that launched Obama was gorgeous, He stabbed me in the back on FISA. (An issue so blatant and one of the few I've written furious letters over.) Yes, I hold out for a post election ass kicking, as one does need to get elected first. But it hasn't just been 8 years of bad economics.
Powell directly lied and contradicted the very reason Obama was thrust into the national spotlight, with a contrary message. A thanks, but, no thanks, would be the best approach.
At some point, when IL 14 is voting against the milk king, it's wiser to admit the king is naked and everyone sees it. Not because the base will abandon ship, but because the recognition is that the undecided are thirsting for something other than the pagentry of an election.
It gets tiring to see progressives continually shoot themselves in the feet for lack of balls and hand wringing over electability. Granted, Bush isn't impeached due to Nancy's complicity, but the excuse offered for why progressives shouldn't pick up pitchforks and torches is pathetic.
Conventional wisdom is always turned on it's head by people not swallowing bullshit and being outraged.
And really, what holds back our outrage, especially now, in such a pivotal moment?
Powell has not demonstrated "maverick-i-ness" within his party. He is on the other hand, a good soldier FOR the REPUBLICANS -not America. He does what he is told. Even when they repeatedly use him and throw him under any bus they choose. I too, doubt that the Republicans don't know what he is going to say. They are playing for drama. Nothing more. Rove playbook page 101.
Would it benefit Obama if Powell endorsed him? Yes. With born-again Republicans who are authority driven and do what THEY are told.
As the old saying goes, I'll believe it when the ink is dry.
That would be far worse than just expecting him to endorse his party and being "surprised" (October surprised?) that it's Obama.
I still can't forget when Bill Clinton offered him a Cabinet position in his administration, where his expertise would have been welcomed, Powell turned up his nose and dissed Clinton like he was a piece of dogshyt he stepped in wearing his Cole Haan loafers.
And after giving character testimony on behalf of the super-corrupt Ted Stevens, I would say that his endorsement Obama can do without.
but frankly, i agree with chrisnyc. i think we're being punked.
Obama doesn't need Powell. If Powell resigned after the 2002 elections, he would had still have a reputation.
This could be a needed act of redemption for Powell. He gave into pressure last time. He was the "good soldier" back then but if he had instead fallen on his sword and war had thus been averted ironically it might have resulted in a different kind of fall from grace for him. First he would have been shunned by almost every Republican and many Democrats as well. History from that point would have taken a different path. The disastrous war of the last five years might have been avoided but other possbily tragic events might have occured instead. What if, having in a sense helped Saddam stay in power, Saddam had ended up funneling a dirty bomb to terrorist who attack us again. Powell would have been seen as complicit. We just don't know. We are judging him by what did happened and have found him wanting. I would suggest we all listen to his statement and explanation on Meet the Press.
I have it on very good authority he is going to endorse Obama on Sunday. If it helps Obama in any way we should be grateful. We cannot know the future but readers of this blog have good reason to fear the election ofMcCain/Palin and the continuation of Republcan rule. Without knowing that version of our future we cannot judge the value of Powell's endorsement helping Obama to win.
I have one last thought as well. The disastrous consequences of this war could have already marked the beginning of an irreversible decline for the US or it could be the beginning of a return to a better America. We have been stunned to see ourselves of late: the hubris but not the honor and grace to justify it; the confidence not justified by our blantant shortcomings, the realization that the America we thought we lived in is riddled with inequities, ineptness, and a growing unwillingness to strive to be the best in science, education, and leadership. We have had a major comeuppance these last few years, but maybe this trial will be our renewal. Maybe the enthusiasm that is being tapped into by Obama is a widespread desire and willingness to regain our place in the world and in our own eyes. If we are willing this time to choose a man who not only strove for the best education, but is proudly erudite as well as profoundly practical, a man who is willing to use power wisely not merely covet it, who tells us without hesitation we too must work hard and be our best selves, then maybe the wake up call of these last 7-8 years will be seen as the trial that allowed us to move beyond the dangerous complacency of recent years.
He's screwed either way. He endorses Obama; he can kiss his ReThug Pals "Good-Bye".
He endorses McCain, the Black Community will revoke his Black Man Credentials.
Talk about a man without a Country...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/08/08/colin-...
I'm not sure if it wouldn't be advantageous for him to stick with the Republicans.