Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama

And Obama's campaign announced that they raised $150,000 in September alone—which shattered the previous one-month record of $67 million ... set earlier by Obama.

I think you mean to say that Obama's campaign raised $150 million in September.

Game over.

It ain't over until the elephant lady sings. It is still about turn out.

They may capture bin Laden. If all else fails they will try to suppress the vote.

On a tangent: Did anyone notice Ronnie Agnew praising McCain for having <taken the high road and not built his campaign on race> when that is precisely what General Powell disparaged McCain for?

Is it not courting racism as long as they only hate Arabs or only spread a lie that <Obama pals around with terrorists>?

One wonders whether words mean the same as the used to? If this has been the high road that we have witnessed, I would hate to see what we would have been subjected to by the low road. One of my cousins in Wisconsin told me that he got a robo-call saying something about Obama being friends with a terrorist. Ha Ha. He was enraged. I comforted him with the thought that at least they are on the high road! We should all write or e-mail our thanks to the high roaders.

Peace.

Actually, Colin Powell's endorsement as well as endorsements by other moderate Republicans is a good sign for the future of the Republican Party. I am sure the wingnut branch doesn't see it that way. When you see the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, two very conservative publications endorse Obama, it is very significant. It may not be an earthquake, but sure seems to be evidence of a major faultline that is vibrating with energy.

If your base is white men without college degrees and white people over forty, the demographics of this country don't bode well for future success (even if they win this one --- maybe even MORE so) if it does not change course and diversify from simple themes such as: government is SO bad, tax cuts are ALWAYS the answer (even when we spend 1 trillion on war), and it's always us against "those people who don't see America the way that you and I see America" or who "hate our freedoms". When I hear Palin talking about the pro-American parts of America and the Anti-American parts, I am reminded of the Civil War. Maybe I suffer from an obsession with secession also.

Perhaps Republicans such as General Powell, Chuck Hagel, Richard Lugar and Susan Collins of Maine (real high roaders) can wrest control of it back from those stuck in the past and reestablish relevance to the future.

I watched the video of the endorsement (go here to see it), and I think what moved me the most was when he brought up a certain soldier from New Jersey who died for our country at age 20 (more details here):

"Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no. That's not America. Is there something wrong with a seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing he or she could be president? Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion that he is a Muslim and might have an association with terrorists. This is not the way we should be doing it in America.

I feel particularly strong about this because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay, was of a mother at Arlington Cemetery and she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone, and it gave his awards - Purple Heart, Bronze Star - showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death, he was 20 years old. And then at the very top of the head stone, it didn't have a Christian cross. It didn't have a Star of David. It has a crescent and star of the Islamic faith.

And his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan. And he was an American. He was born in New Jersey. He was fourteen years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he could serve his country and he gave his life."

Go here to see a picture of the tombstone.

That should make even the hard core wingers pause for reflection. Let's hope and pray.

Obama's response to the endorsement:

Barack Obama welcomed the endorsement of Colin Powell at a North Carolina rally on Sunday, linking the decorated veteran to soldiers serving today.

"With so many brave men and women from Fayetteville serving in our military, this is a city and a state that knows something about great soldiers," he told the crowd, according to remarks released by the campaign. "And this morning, a great soldier, a great statesman, and a great American has endorsed our campaign to change America. I have been honored to have the benefit of his wisdom and counsel from time to time over the last few years, but today, I am beyond honored and deeply humbled to have the support of General Colin Powell," said Obama.

Obama benefited from some of Powell's wisdom on Sunday morning, when the two spoke for about ten minutes. Robert Gibbs, a senior aide to the senator, said Obama told Powell that "he looked forward to taking advantage of his advice in the next two weeks and hopefully over the next four years."

At the rally, Obama also cited Powell's leadership as an inspiration for a spirit of service and community that transcends old divisions -- which Powell discussed as one of Obama's strengths during his Meet The Press endorsement.

"General Powell has defended this nation bravely, and he has embodied our highest ideals through his long and distinguished public service. He and his wife Alma have inspired millions of young people to serve their communities and their country through their tireless commitment and trailblazing American story," said Obama. "And he knows, as we do, that this is a moment where we all need to come together as one nation - young and old, rich and poor, black and white, Republican and Democrat."

It seems the whole world is for Obama rather than McCain or, in a very interesting way, people are really FOR Obama.

Under Bush and his radicals, America is only against things, and against virtually everything, but never really FOR anything.

It would be so good to have an America that's really for good things in the country and world, and not just an all-inclusive super-hater of everything.

"McCain's Black Relatives in Mississippi Support Obama." I didn't know McCain's ancestors owned slaves or that McCain currently has Black family in Carroll County, Mississippi. I thought this was an interesting article from today's South Florida Times.

http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2041&Itemid=42

Thanks for the link, HardTravelin.

The author of the article says that McCain have never attended any of the family reunions that they've been having at the plantation for over 15 years. Even McCain's brother has been to one. Also, one of McCain's cousins mentioned the McCain slaves in her book, and, well...

Novelist Elizabeth Spencer, another white cousin of John McCain, noted the slaves the family owned in the family’s memoirs, Landscapes of the Heart. Sen. McCain has acknowledged reading the book, but claims to have only glossed over entries about their slaves.

I understand if McCain has negative feelings about this portion of his family history, but I don't think that ignoring it will help matters either. I don't see anything wrong with connecting with the descendants of his great great grandfather's slaves if they are willing to connect with him and it doesn't bother them to do so.

Greeaattt.

We still got to watch out for the elephant in the room that could rear its ugly head at the polls.

Moreover, Obama today saying he will offer a role to Powell in his administration; and Powell having said yesterday that he would consider a role if asked, speaks volumes to me in terms of seeing how Obama might would reach across traditional barriers to find new solutions to problems. aka. change.
Seeing this interaction gives you the warmy & fuzzies as just just feeling "right."

Rush Limbaugh: Powell endorsed Obama only because he's black.

Despicable, even for Limbaugh's standards.

I saw Buchannon (the man) talking about how Powell had betrayed the republicans after all they had done from him. I assume he's talking about them making Powell a respectful and accomplished black man by passing over more qualified whites. Surely, Powell's ability played no role. I finally saw Bay Buchannon too or at least figured out who she is. She's scarier than Palin. I'd defect if Palin, Bay Buchannon, Anne Coulter, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Elizabeth Dole or the likes got to be president or vice-president. I'd defect before they sent us all back to Africa, finally accomplishing something their male counterparts only dreamed of.

Powell would make a great adviser to Obama or anyone else, not withstanding that force job Bush Cheney casted upon him several years ago with the unnecessary war.

Rust Limpbaugh knows blacks for sure. He makes millions denigrating them for his receptive and agreeing audience.

What is wrong with Ronnie Agnew at the CL.? Does he not hear what he heard or does he not see what he saw?

Could there be that much job pressure there at the CL that he would be expected to write such a pitiful article based on his own fears and not facts? I just wonder!

Pumpkin, McCain is not trying to stop these racist, hatefilled, lies against Obama. He thinks that this is the only way that he can win and if a bullet lands in the skull of Barack - This is their real: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Think about it: Isn't this the same kind of racial climate (McCain/Palin Rallys) that existed during the assignations of JFK, MLK, BK, Malacolm X and the list goes on and on?

Think about it!

Meantime, McCain has asked Russia for a campaign contribution, and it is refusing:

Russia's permanent mission to the UN has received a letter from U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain asking for financial support of his election campaign, the mission said in a statement on Monday.

"We have received a letter from Senator John McCain with a request for a financial donation to his presidential election campaign. In this respect we have to reiterate that neither Russia's permanent mission to the UN nor the Russian government or its officials finance political activities in foreign countries," the statement said.

According to Ruslan Bakhtin, press secretary of the Russian mission, the letter dated September 29 and signed by McCain, was addressed to Vitaly Churkin, Russia's envoy to the UN, and arrived on October 16.

The ambassador's title was not included in the letter, and was not clear why the letter had taken over two weeks to arrive.

Enclosed was a request for a donation of up to $5,000 to McCain's election campaign to be returned with a check or permission to withdraw the money from the donor's credit card until October 24.

<What is wrong...at the CL.?>
The message is: Don't believe your lying eyes and ears.

George Will also surmised that Powell endorsed Obama because he is African American.

(sarcasm on) Humph, the nerve of THOSE people, we gave 'em a free boat ride over here and now this?

When Rush Limbaugh, George Will, et al, endorsed the circus clown George W. Bush for president it was just to give another poor white boy a leg up in the world.

McCain's asking Russia for campaign money is the reason I knew the RNC stands for Real Nasty Commies. I be thinking!

Could Ronnie be one of those uncles? Even Frank questioned Ronnie's committment or knowledge of self and like kind. I saw Ronnie at church yesterday and it took all I had to keep from going over there and asking him if he were an uncle. He looks like he can fight though and that might have had something to do with my reluctance to confront.

I wouldn't mess with him if I were you Walt. He is from my part of the state (northeast MS). We come hard from up that way...like in that old Ohio Players Song..."You best not be trippin', comin' from far east Mississippi chile...". (sarcasm off)

That Af/am guy in Wisconsin who was whining, almost crying (please mr. McCain, Please save us Mr. McCain...kiss, kiss) makes Ronnie Agnew look like Farrakhan. ha ha

Where is he and you from? What town and county? I'm from the Louisville/Noxapater area, but I actually grew up about 10 miles from both places in the country. No one wanted us to be from their town or area so we named our neighborhood after our church - Mt. Calvary.

So, does Gen. Powell's (R) endorsement take him off the Uncle Tom list?

Powell was never an uncle Tom?

There are some legitimate republicans who are actually and proudly black. Unfortunately, too many are crum-grabbing uncles willing to sell the whole race just to be a black person in a white crowd. Kind of like black independents too scared or too chicken to choose a side. Know what I mean!? LOL.

No, I don't.
Can you be specific?

Colin Powell was on the Uncle FU list. That is exactly what George w., Carl Rove, Chaney and several others, who made up the Bush Killer Company, did to this man (Powell) and without regret. They continue to try to justify our presence in Iraq.

You know the saying about shoes, don't you? If they fit, wear them! No more specifics are necessary! But I do know how to be specific. You know this man!

As to Powell, I never lost much respect for him. I was surprised and disheartened he would allow such closeness, benevolence and comfort to Bush and Cheney so as to be used in a way detrimental to him and us too it is now clear. He should have turned down that job as Secretary of State. Condoleeza was coming down the pike later and was quite willing to accept that historical appointment and do almost anything told to do.

I do, indeed, Walt. Just make sure you don't get it twisted.

I only ask because I've browsed several websites this morning such as Democratic Underground and Free Republic seeking opinions on the Powell endorsement. Right-wingers, predictable, are smearing him with terms such as "traitor" and "ungrateful". Left-wingers are a bit more forgiving, but a few "Uncle Toms" and "sellout for Bush" attacks also could be found.

In the end, the man made an endorsement based on his opinion on who best will lead the country. He has seem what neocons like Bush and his lies have done to bring the country down economically, morally, and spiritually, and he is willing to cross party lines to say ENOUGH.

Great commentary, Jeff. You're a good independent. I'm an independent too but am registered as a Democrat. If you don't believe me, let the Democrat go crazy just as the republicans have already done and watch what I do to try to make them pay dearly.

I hope Condi Rice will one day too see what an error it was to ally so closely and blindly with republicans, especially the Bushes and Cheneys. She lies about as well as Alberta Gonzalez, a lawyer who ought to have been a more skilled liars. He must have missed school alot.

I would like to be independent, but often we are not given enough choice to be really independent. That is one of the errors of the Repubs going so negative. They made themselves such that certain types of people could not stomach their high road tactics. I am staying off high roads as soon as I figure out what constitutes one.

Walt, I grew up in West Point, but also lived in Columbus and ended up graduating from Aberdeen (state b-ball champions! -- go bulldogs). Golden Triangle baby. Why they call it golden I don't know. My father once pastored a United Methodist church out in the country from Louisville. At least Colin Powell is an example of a decent Republican who realized that Palin and "Country First" are not synonymous.

Charles Evers is a prominent African American Republican who is very much knowledgeable and proud of his ancestry who was on the Obama bandwagon very early. It is too bad that he used some of his political capital on a certain wacky local figure. We all make mistakes!

If you have never listened to his show on Wednesday nights on 90.1, then you have missed out on a unique discussion!

I know West Point well, Whitley. One of my college buddies, Lewis Blair, is from there. That United Methodist Church just might be the one half my relatives on my mother's side attended if it right off Highway 25.

I think independently but had to join the Democrats when I learned what comprised the republican party, personally, politically, socially, culturally, financially, et al. If hell is any uglier than the republican party I just can't stand the notion of ending up there.

Charles Evers is in a party well known to certain Blacks in this community: It's called who can put up the most money the fastest. Charles makes no bones about the fact that his first love is "God" his next is "Money" and the last is "Women."

One thing that disturbs me about Charles is the fact that there is no loyalty. Ex. He was one of the main contributors in exposing Frank Melton. He now says that he is supporting Frank and thinks that he should run for another term as Mayor.

The discussion, for the most part, is laced with so much unintelligable comments from under-informed African-Americans. This is so sad and some nights I just cry for my people.

On Evers show: I find them extremely humorous, although I can certainly understand that some might be offended or at the least, irritated! He tripped me out when he said he told Haley Barbour that "I'm gon' support this young black man, Barack Obama. Ya'll support each other...".

Walt, the United Methodist church off of 25 we attended was Pleasant Grove.

Jess, I have followed Charles Evers' career all my life too. I like and despise him at the same time, but there is one thing I know for sure; he's out for self and as full of crap as any Christmas turkey. I find him more comical than serious-minded or heplful.I enjoy listening to shows on his station for the passion and humor they bring for the most part. Some of the callers certainly express some of the passions and sentiments of the black community. That stuff about Frank being a victim of the white establishment or any establishment beyond Frank makes me cry laughing. Frank is a victim of self destruction, delusions of grandeur and nutdom.

Whitley, my grandmother, grandfather, uncles, aunts, and cousins on my mother's side attended that church. I have many relatives in the graveyard behind that church. My roots run deeply in that area.

Thanks Walt. As Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) says, "I need someone to talk me down."

CNN: McCain concedes Colorado:

The McCain campaign is looking at an Electoral College strategy heading into the final two weeks that has virtually no room for error and depends heavily on a dramatic comeback in Pennsylvania, which hasn't backed a Republican for president in 20 years.

While Iowa, New Mexico and Colorado are still officially listed as McCain target states, two top strategists and advisers tell CNN that the situation in those states looks increasingly bleak. Iowa and New Mexico always have been viewed as difficult races, but the similar assessment of Colorado reflects a dramatic shift for a campaign that had long counted on the state.

"Gone," was the word one top McCain insider used to describe those three states. [...]

The McCain strategy depends on holding a handful of Bush '04 states that are now rated tossups by CNN: Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri and Nevada. It also depends on keeping Virginia, which CNN now considers leaning Democratic, in the GOP column.

But even if McCain won all six of those states, in addition to those in which he is already favored, he would still be shy of the 270 electoral votes needed to claim the presidency.

Which is where Pennsylvania and its 21 electoral votes come into play. Most polls show McCain trailing by 10 points or more in the state, but one top adviser told CNN on Monday, "The election hinges on Pennsylvania. We'll win Virginia and Nevada in the end, but lose without Pennsylvania."

This hilarious. Look at the pictures of all these conservatives and Republicans endorsing Obama because they are, er, black.

Nice.

Interesting. What's wrong with Rushbo? Anybody seen Coulter? Even Sean Hannity's game is about to run out.

Listening to Rush's show yesterday just reinforces why the GOP has lost touch with so many Americans, especially independents and moderates.

The GOP has lost its way, and they are simply looking for someone or some group to blame.

... and the meaner they get, the more votes they lose. And to keep the ones they have—the "base"—they believe they have to play mean.

That would be that little space between ye old rock and ye new hard space. They went "all in" on the hate card, and here's where they are now. Very sad, but predictable.

Change will come to the Republican Party. I will predict now that, once it plays out and they flush out the crazies (which could take years, especially if they mistakenly embrace Palin as a new leader; a big favor for Democrats), they will once again be a party worthy of mentioning Lincoln in the same name. They'd better get to it, though, or it will be a new party as yet unnamed that takes its place.

The sad part is they are now turning on the one man I suspect became a Republican precisely to help change them from within, to give them a conduit to reach out to minorities by showing them that some blacks could embrace their party if they would drop all of the race-baiting, gay-bashing, and anti-intellectualism crap that they always seem to play to divide the electorate.

Interesting. What's wrong with Rushbo? Anybody seen Coulter? Even Sean Hannity's game is about to run out.

posted by Walt on 10/21/08 at 03:26 PM

Where are Rumsfeld, Condi Rice, Pearle, Wolfowitz, Gonzales, et al...? There should be subpoenas and warrants out.