Colin Powell to endorse Obama....developing

[notverycrucial]

(Photo choice courtesy Matt Drudge)

Colin Powell might endorse Obama - Politico.com

Retired Gen. Colin Powell, once considered a potential running mate for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), now may endorse his opponent, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), according to Republican sources. But an air of mystery surrounds Powell's planned live appearance Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," and no one is sure what he will say.

What do you all think? Is Colin Powell still a respected figure? Will this endorsement matter?

 

[hmanvolfan]

What do you all think? Is Colin Powell still a respected figure? Will this endorsement matter?

Absolutely, on all counts.

 

[notverycrucial]

Absolutely, on all counts.

I think it will be perceived by media elites as being something really big. Personally, I find Powell reprehensible after watching him basically lead us into Iraq in 2003 on false information that he later admitted he knew was shaky. He, more than anyone, had the power to stop it, and after his speech to the UN, there was no way we weren't going in.

 

[BigPapaVol]

What do you all think? Is Colin Powell still a respected figure? Will this endorsement matter?

Colin Powell is a politician through and through. He has never taken a stand on anything. Just ridden the fence his whole career.

That's why he never had beyond a 2 star command. He wasn't that style leader. He was a politico for his whole military career. That's why Schwarzkopf was the tropp commander and Powell was the DC ass kisser.

It will matter, but it shouldn't. His elevation to CJCS was garbage. If he were Shalishkavili, nobody would care. His race makes him an issue and that's pathetic.
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[hmanvolfan]

Colin Powell is a politician through and through. He has never taken a stand on anything. Just ridden the fence his whole career.

That's why he never had beyond a 2 star command. He wasn't that style leader. He was a politico for his whole military career. That's why Schwarzkopf was the tropp commander and Powell was the DC ass kisser.

It will matter, but it shouldn't. His elevation to CJCS was garbage. If he were Shalishkavili, nobody would care. His race makes him an issue and that's pathetic.
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Bingo!!!!

 

[notverycrucial]

Colin Powell is a politician through and through. He has never taken a stand on anything. Just ridden the fence his whole career.

That's why he never had beyond a 2 star command. He wasn't that style leader. He was a politico for his whole military career. That's why Schwarzkopf was the tropp commander and Powell was the DC ass kisser.

It will matter, but it shouldn't. His elevation to CJCS was garbage. If he were Shalishkavili, nobody would care. His race makes him an issue and that's pathetic.
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I agree that he is one of the biggest suck-ups to ever put on a uniform. But I don't think his race is that big a deal (in terms of this endorsement). It's not like black people need Colin Powell to bring them out to vote.

I think Powell's biggest strength is in his PERCEIVED national security authority. That could go a long way in convincing some republicans (ironically? mostly white) that Obama's an acceptable c-in-c... now that MilitarySuperGeniusPowell is vouching for him and all.

 

[Sabanocchio]

No matter how you spin it, this is yet another blow to the McCain campaign. You have the Chicago Tribune, one of the most right-leaning publications in the entire nation, coming out and endorsing Obama - the first democrat they have ever endorsed in their 150 year history, and now, a man that is well-respected by many and a perceived conservative supporting the Democratic candidate. It all spells doom for the McCain campaign, and I fear it will grow worse over the next two weeks.

From the Tribune:

On Nov. 4 we're going to elect a president to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose.

The strongest candidate to do that is Sen. Barack Obama. The Tribune is proud to endorse him today for president of the United States.

 

[BigPapaVol]

No matter how you spin it, this is yet another blow to the McCain campaign. You have the Chicago Tribune, one of the most right-leaning publications in the entire nation, coming out and endorsing Obama - the first democrat they have ever endorsed in their 150 year history, and now, a man that is well-respected by many and a perceived conservative supporting the Democratic candidate. It all spells doom for the McCain campaign, and I fear it will grow worse over the next two weeks.

From the Tribune:

On Nov. 4 we're going to elect a president to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose.

The strongest candidate to do that is Sen. Barack Obama. The Tribune is proud to endorse him today for president of the United States.

if you're going to pretend Powell is some indicator of a conservative military guy supporting Obama, you're lost.

Stick to crayons and pretty pics.
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[Sabanocchio]

if you're going to pretend Powell is some indicator of a conservative military guy supporting Obama, you're lost.

Stick to crayons and pretty pics.
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I never said that. I simply said he is a respected individual whose endorsement will, admittedly on the part of the McCain camp, strike a blow to the McCain campaign.

Stick to doing absolutely nothing.

 

[SavageOrangeJug]

Colin Powell is a politician through and through. He has never taken a stand on anything. Just ridden the fence his whole career.

That's why he never had beyond a 2 star command. He wasn't that style leader. He was a politico for his whole military career. That's why Schwarzkopf was the tropp commander and Powell was the DC ass kisser.

It will matter, but it shouldn't. His elevation to CJCS was garbage. If he were Shalishkavili, nobody would care. His race makes him an issue and that's pathetic.
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Never more than a 2 star command? Powell was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. That's not only a 4 star command, but is the nation's highest ranking military officer. He answered only to the Commander in Chief, the POTUS.

All of you should read General H. Norman Schwarzkopf's book, It Doesn't Take a Hero. He explains just how well Powell's political skills worked in tandem with his military stategy. Some of you may not be impressed with Powll's leadership. In his book, Schwarzkopf has a different opinion. I'll trust Stormin' Norman's word on it.

That being said. I don't care if Powell endorses Obama. I wouldn't vote for Lil' Hussein if Jesus Christ endorsed him.

 

[hohenfelsvol]

Colin Powell is a politician through and through. He has never taken a stand on anything. Just ridden the fence his whole career.

That's why he never had beyond a 2 star command. He wasn't that style leader. He was a politico for his whole military career. That's why Schwarzkopf was the tropp commander and Powell was the DC ass kisser.

It will matter, but it shouldn't. His elevation to CJCS was garbage. If he were Shalishkavili, nobody would care. His race makes him an issue and that's pathetic.
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Disagree with you regarding Powell. He was well respected by his soldiers from the NCO level to Officer level. Do agree with you that it will matter due but in my opinion due to both race but also because he was well respected.

If you want to bring up a piece of sh*t that commaned then we can move on to Wesley Clark. Different story regarding his career, motives and whether he was respected by those he commanded.

 

[BigPapaVol]

Never more than a 2 star command? Powell was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. That's not only a 4 star command, but is the nation's highest ranking military officer. He answered only to the Commander in Chief, the POTUS.

All of you should read General H. Norman Schwarzkopf's book, It Doesn't Take a Hero. He explains just how well Powell's political skills worked in tandem with his military stategy. Some of you may not be impressed with Powll's leadership. In his book, Schwarzkopf has a different opinion. I'll trust Stormin' Norman's word on it.

That being said. I don't care if Powell endorses Obama. I wouldn't vote for Lil' Hussein if Jesus Christ endorsed him.

I've read all th books on Powell and Schwarzkopf. I suspect I know as much about the pair as you do.

Chairman of the JCS is not a chain of command position. It's purely political. Chain of command goes from Chief of Staff for the individual service to civilian command, or the Secretary.

Powell's 3 bullet command should have been a Corps or small theater command, but he didn't have one.

Schwarzkopf might be a good guy in his books and in public regarding Powell, but line commander types tend to find staff pukes a bit offensive.

Again, Powell served his political function, but he was in DC for a reason. At the 4 bullet level, the horses are the commanders and individual Chiefs of Staff. GEN Shelton will tell you all day long that his days as commander SOCOM was one helluva lot more meaningful than traipsing around DC giving speeches and having no troops.
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[BigPapaVol]

Stick to doing absolutely nothing.

says the guy drawing pics.
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[BigPapaVol]

Disagree with you regarding Powell. He was well respected by his soldiers from the NCO level to Officer level. Do agree with you that it will matter due but in my opinion due to both race but also because he was well respected.

If you want to bring up a piece of sh*t that commaned then we can move on to Wesley Clark. Different story regarding his career, motives and whether he was respected by those he commanded.

Wes Clark was a POS and only had his gig because he went to Oxford with Clinton. He is one helluva smart guy, no two ways about it, but he's another completely political animal. That's fine in a lot of places, but in the Army.

I think you miht find Powell's rise to CJCS a bit odd looking relative to the standard route. Field Commander types don't care for that type of rise or for DC military maneuvering.
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[hohenfelsvol]

Wes Clark was a POS and only had his gig because he went to Oxford with Clinton. He is one helluva smart guy, no two ways about it, but he's another completely political animal. That's fine in a lot of places, but in the Army.

I think you miht find Powell's rise to CJCS a bit odd looking relative to the standard route. Field Commander types don't care for that type of rise or for DC military maneuvering.
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I don't disagree Powell may have had a political agenda but he was a hell of a soldier too.

 

[Sudden Impact]

I had the pleasure of working with him and know him on a personal nature. He is by the far the best boss i have ever had. He knows his stuff and never takes anything for granted. He is one of the finest human beings you will ever meet. He is the type of person you would do anything for and his endorsement is by far the biggest of the Campaign for Barrack Obama. I thought about calling him and asking but did not I going to wait and watch it on TV tommorrow. Whoever he endorses is how I will vote because he knows the inside scoop on both of these individuals and will not take anything for granted. I know that that sounds a little lame but he does not endorse a candidate for the sake of race or what is in it for him. He will take the platforms of both into consideration with his personal knowledge of each as he makes a decision and endorsement. Furthermore, he knows his endorsement will carry clout and will take into consideration what is best for this nation.

 

[Sudden Impact]

I've read all th books on Powell and Schwarzkopf. I suspect I know as much about the pair as you do.

Chairman of the JCS is not a chain of command position. It's purely political. Chain of command goes from Chief of Staff for the individual service to civilian command, or the Secretary.

Powell's 3 bullet command should have been a Corps or small theater command, but he didn't have one.

Schwarzkopf might be a good guy in his books and in public regarding Powell, but line commander types tend to find staff pukes a bit offensive.

Again, Powell served his political function, but he was in DC for a reason. At the 4 bullet level, the horses are the commanders and individual Chiefs of Staff. GEN Shelton will tell you all day long that his days as commander SOCOM was one helluva lot more meaningful than traipsing around DC giving speeches and having no troops.
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I have worked directly with both and had contact with each on a daily basis and would not care to elaborate on either in detail. As for Shelton, I agree I have never known anybody in the field with a mission and with soldiers rather be anywhere else. If he did he would not be much of a commander or leader. Face at the level that all three were at plus Wes Clark the political aspect of there rank and position starts at BG Level. That is the way that it is and it becomes very political and a popularity contest at that Rank in every Armed Service. It is all politics at that point. Getting to that rank is another Story.

 

[allvol123]

Whoever he endorses is how I will vote because he knows the inside scoop on both of these individuals and will not take anything for granted. I know that that sounds a little lame

You are correct, it does sound lame. Anyone that needs until two weeks out from election day to endorse someone in this race is not someone I'd look to on how to decide to vote.

 

[notverycrucial]

You are correct, it does sound lame. Anyone that needs until two weeks out from election day to endorse someone in this race is not someone I'd look to on how to decide to vote.

My guess: (if he does endorse Obama) Powell decided months ago, but delayed his announcement for strategic reasons (i.e. maximum effect) Also, it wouldn't be prudent to endorse a candidate too soon for fear of something untoward coming out about them. Whatever, I don't even care.

 

[allvol123]

My guess: (if he does endorse Obama) Powell decided months ago, but delayed his announcement for strategic reasons (i.e. maximum effect) Also, it wouldn't be prudent to endorse a candidate too soon for fear of something untoward coming out about them. Whatever, I don't even care.

If your guess is correct then he sounds just as BPV described him.

 

[MontereyVol]

Wes Clark was a POS and only had his gig because he went to Oxford with Clinton. He is one helluva smart guy, no two ways about it, but he's another completely political animal. That's fine in a lot of places, but in the Army.

I think you miht find Powell's rise to CJCS a bit odd looking relative to the standard route. Field Commander types don't care for that type of rise or for DC military maneuvering.
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I will agree with you on Clark being a POS and his rise was only because of Clinton. Powell on the other hand I believe you are dead wrong. I know staff guys are not regarded well among the line community but they serve their purpose and Powell was one both sides could stand to listen to.

And I am not sure where you are standing on Shalishkavili (sp?), but I liked that guy!

 

[myrobbins7]

Just listen to Powell endorse Obama. Could someone please hit Mr. Powell up side the head and remind him he is a Rep. He said he didn't like the thought of the McCain camp trying to paint Obama as a Socialist. Mr Powell with all due respect sir, what the hell is he? :crazy:

 

[Sudden Impact]

You are correct, it does sound lame. Anyone that needs until two weeks out from election day to endorse someone in this race is not someone I'd look to on how to decide to vote.

As a REP it sounds real lame, but the bottom line is that it is what it is as well as it should be. The Powell endorsement clarified the loose ends of my decision. He analyzed and stated all that made sense of what this country needs. He put it in a Sock and without demeaning this country or without being negative about MC Cain to justified his endorsement. The selection of Palin as a VP nominee was my first indication of where Mc Cain was headed and where I question my vote for him. She was not the right choice and may well cost him the election. He had at least 5 better women choices for VP of which he overlooked to go for a non-qualified long shot.

 

[Sudden Impact]

Just listen to Powell endorse Obama. Could someone please hit Mr. Powell up side the head and remind him he is a Rep. He said he didn't like the thought of the McCain camp trying to paint Obama as a Socialist. Mr Powell with all due respect sir, what the hell is he? :crazy:

He is not a socialist. He is trying to restructure the Tax structure in America. There are plenty of Govts in the free world with better Tax Structures than the US that we would call Socialist but are democracies and originally capitalist based.

 

[defaultusername]

He is not a socialist. He is trying to restructure the Tax structure in America. There are plenty of Govts in the free world with better Tax Structures than the US that we would call Socialist but are democracies and originally capitalist based.

Just about the say the same thing myself.