Colin Powell Endorses Senator Obama for President

[Guest]

Colin Powell just endorsed Obama for President. He said - "I have voted for members of both parties in the course of my adult life. And as I said earlier, I will vote for the candidate I think can do the best job for America, whether that candidate is a Republican, a Democrat or an independent," he added.

Here is a link to his statements regarding Obama. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/19/colin.powell/index.html

To be honest, I was suprised by the endorsement, considering he is generally considered to be a Republican. Given his military background, I would have thought he'd be gung ho for McCain.

[Guest]

I would like to hope it is a sign that blind party affiliation is no longer the rule of thumb, and that people will indeed look at the candidates as individuals and choose based on ideals and philosophies that they feel are best for the country(and of course that will vary greatly).
Just as many "democrats" are leaning towards McCain, it seems that some people are really voting their based on individual policies/presentation.
I personally would love to see at least a viable independent or third party, something to offer an alternative to the rigid party lines often drawn at this point.

[Guest]

Colin Powell just endorsed Obama for President. To be honest, I was suprised by the endorsement, considering he is generally considered to be a Republican. Given his military background, I would have thought he'd be gung ho for McCain.

Rekop, I am also surprised and very impressed by Colin Powell's endorsement of Senator Obama. Given Powell's military background, I think this will go a long way to alleviate some of the worries that people have had about Obama's competence as military leader. It speaks volumes about the comfort level we should be able to feel with Obama.

Looks like it's President Obama for sure.

[Guest]

I'm very happy that Colin Powell endorsed Senator Obama. He is a great military leader and a pragmatist. After listening to him on Meet the Press and his reasons for doing so, it's apparent he took his time and that this was a tough decision for him.

He stated all of the reasons that brought me to my choice. McCain's erratic behavior on the Economy, Palin's inadequacy to step in as President, the issue of Ayers being pounded (and still is) when it proved to be completely inconsequential, the negative tone and narrowing of the Republican party. But most importantly, in my opinion, the fact that Senator Obama can inspire and, hopefully, with diplomacy lift our country to a more stable and respected platform in this global community. I liked that Powell said something like "don't underestimate his rhetoric..." This is what brings people together.

And on that note, I'd like to say "don't underestimate Powell's endorsement." This Bush/McCain idea of "not talking to our enemies" is completely out of touch with today's world. I completely agree with Colin Powell in that Senator Obama is a highly intelligent, uniquely equipped, strong transitional leader for our next generation. :clap2:

[Guest]

Colin Powell just endorsed Obama for President. He said - "I have voted for members of both parties in the course of my adult life. And as I said earlier, I will vote for the candidate I think can do the best job for America, whether that candidate is a Republican, a Democrat or an independent," he added.

Here is a link to his statements regarding Obama. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/19/colin.powell/index.html

To be honest, I was suprised by the endorsement, considering he is generally considered to be a Republican. Given his military background, I would have thought he'd be gung ho for McCain.

I used to work at a military base as a civilian back in 2000 and you would be surprised at the amount of military that voted Dem. And as a person who (stupidly) voted for Bush I am another one voting for Obama, I remember all the things McCain said when he was campaigning for President then, now he wants the people to believe he's changed , he's exactly like Bush and that's why Colin Powell is voting for Obama!! And did you hear what he said about McCain choosing Palin!!! It says it all!!

[Guest]

Yes, suprising, but refreshing!

[Guest]

It doesn't surprise me. He has always been a RINO. I lost all respect for him during the Gulf War. He admits he was helped by affirmative action. Also, even though he knew, from the beginning, Libby didn't spill the beans about Valerie Plame he let him take the fall.

[Guest]

yes, it is true that colin powell is a respected individual, but he is still only one individual, and he will not change the minds of those like me who are solidly behind the conservative way of thinking. obama will never work for my conservative ideals so he would never receive my vote, no matter how elegant his rhetoric. so while my friends in this thread so far are enjoying a moment of perceived victory, i will put my hope in the silent majority who really have made this country great. i will keep the faith.

[Guest]

after being in the USMC for 12 years and serving under him in Opeation Des. Shield and Storm, that is big if he endorsed Obama. He is one of the best Military commanders you could have. he had all our utmost respect in the liberation of Kuwait. best known for telling you like it is. he is Republican and knows Washington. Bush appointed him as Sec. of State. Very well respected in the Military. Good Deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Guest]

I think this endorsement means a great deal as Colin Powell is respected by so many.

[Guest]

the sun being up around noon every day.
Is this the same Powell that everybody against the war was calling a liar and Bush lap dog about his testimony regarding WMD?

Nah can't be the same guy. How could it be....now using words like respected...independent thinker plus all the other praises being heaped upon him now that y'all know where he stands for the big 'O'.

Another proof positive endorsement....as long as they are on the Dems side they are OK....oh how short the memories....and convenient too.

I'll close with my opening.....surprised at him backing 'O'....your kidding!

BTK

[Guest]

the sun being up around noon every day.
Is this the same Powell that everybody against the war was calling a liar and Bush lap dog about his testimony regarding WMD?

Nah can't be the same guy. How could it be....now using words like respected...independent thinker plus all the other praises being heaped upon him now that y'all know where he stands for the big 'O'.

Another proof positive endorsement....as long as they are on the Dems side they are OK....oh how short the memories....and convenient too.

I'll close with my opening.....surprised at him backing 'O'....your kidding!

BTK

Powell discussed all of that on Meet the Press if you bothered to watch. I've always respected him. But the day he won my ultimate respect was the day he resigned from the Bush regime. :thumbup:

[Guest]

yes, it is true that colin powell is a respected individual, but he is still only one individual, and he will not change the minds of those like me who are solidly behind the conservative way of thinking. obama will never work for my conservative ideals so he would never receive my vote, no matter how elegant his rhetoric. so while my friends in this thread so far are enjoying a moment of perceived victory, i will put my hope in the silent majority who really have made this country great. i will keep the faith.

:agree::agree::agree::coolsmiley:

[Guest]

Billie, You are so right. He use to be called an Uncle Tom. Now he's the best thing since sliced bread.

[Guest]

Billie, You are so right. He use to be called an Uncle Tom. Now he's the best thing since sliced bread.

OMG! How quickly the Repubs can turn on one of their own! Wow! :yuck:

[Guest]

Billie, You are so right. He use to be called an Uncle Tom. Now he's the best thing since sliced bread.


will i guess if you listen to Pat Buchanan he might still be. after listening to Pat's remarks on MSNBC the other day, Powell is supporting Obama due to race. so alot of different opionions.

Turn and bite fast...

[Guest]

regarding turning on their own were intended for Collin Powell!!!!:smiley:

BTK

[Guest]

No, that comment was meant for all of you Repubs that were swooning over him just a short time ago. I'm a Dem and I've always liked and respected Colin Powell. Like I said previously, I respected him even more when he resigned from the Bush Kingdom. ;)

[Guest]

will i guess if you listen to Pat Buchanan he might still be. after listening to Pat's remarks on MSNBC the other day, Powell is supporting Obama due to race. so alot of different opionions.

Turn and bite fast...

Sorry, but I think that's bull. Can't we ever rise above this? :yuck:

[Guest]

Sorry, but I think that's bull. Can't we ever rise above this? :yuck:

i agree, but even the other guest on the show told Pat he was above that standard. I couldnt believe he went there.

[Guest]

I'm very happy that Colin Powell endorsed Senator Obama. He is a great military leader and a pragmatist. After listening to him on Meet the Press and his reasons for doing so, it's apparent he took his time and that this was a tough decision for him.

He stated all of the reasons that brought me to my choice. McCain's erratic behavior on the Economy, Palin's inadequacy to step in as President, the issue of Ayers being pounded (and still is) when it proved to be completely inconsequential, the negative tone and narrowing of the Republican party. But most importantly, in my opinion, the fact that Senator Obama can inspire and, hopefully, with diplomacy lift our country to a more stable and respected platform in this global community. I liked that Powell said something like "don't underestimate his rhetoric..." This is what brings people together.

And on that note, I'd like to say "don't underestimate Powell's endorsement." This Bush/McCain idea of "not talking to our enemies" is completely out of touch with today's world. I completely agree with Colin Powell in that Senator Obama is a highly intelligent, uniquely equipped, strong transitional leader for our next generation. :clap2:

I for one don't care WHO endorses ANY of the candidates. I'll make up my own mind as to who will best represent my core values.

As for "inspire", "stable", "respected", "rhetoric", as qualifiers for Sen. Obama"s talents, Adholf Hitler presented all those characteristics to the German People before leading Germany into WW11. Core values,not words will make the best leader.

[Guest]

Give me a break! Hitler??? Hear that sound?.......it's any remaining shred of credibility leaving the room.

A modicum of common sense would tell one that all the evils of the world cannot be blamed on one party, as is constantly and repeatedly indicated in some of the threads.

The ability to think and rationalize independently has inherently more value than blind allegiance to the rhetoric of any party. Making exaggerated and inflamatory comparisons serves only the ego of those that make them. Intellect and effort would be much better served with honest, open efforts to learn all facets of the issues and be open to real solutions, which may not always "tow the party line".

[Guest]

Give me a break! Hitler??? Hear that sound?.......it's any remaining shred of credibility leaving the room.

A modicum of common sense would tell one that all the evils of the world cannot be blamed on one party, as is constantly and repeatedly indicated in some of the threads.

The ability to think and rationalize independently has inherently more value than blind allegiance to the rhetoric of any party. Making exaggerated and inflamatory comparisons serves only the ego of those that make them. Intellect and effort would be much better served with honest, open efforts to learn all facets of the issues and be open to real solutions, which may not always "tow the party line".

:agree::agree::agree:

[Guest]

Give me a break! Hitler??? Hear that sound?.......it's any remaining shred of credibility leaving the room.

A modicum of common sense would tell one that all the evils of the world cannot be blamed on one party, as is constantly and repeatedly indicated in some of the threads.

The ability to think and rationalize independently has inherently more value than blind allegiance to the rhetoric of any party. Making exaggerated and inflamatory comparisons serves only the ego of those that make them. Intellect and effort would be much better served with honest, open efforts to learn all facets of the issues and be open to real solutions, which may not always "tow the party line".

AH! Again you prove my point Serenity. To elicit a response to a idea that does not connect the dots. Like some saying on these posts that McCain is Bush, like he was some evil reincarnation of all that is wrong with our country.

I'm just sorry that it is you that proves the point and not the ones that always that make the McCain/Bush connection It would be nice to point their
exaggrated comparisons.

[Guest]

Surely you don't think anyone, least of all me is falling for that.

The comment, and several of your others don't appear to have the grand (or even subtle) intentions of eliciting open dialouge on much of anything that disagrees with your party line. With all due respect don't drag me into that mirage nor insult me by pandering after such obviously inflamatory comments.

I am interested in the exchange of information and knowledge that many here try to participate in...not the hateful exchanges I see at times.

No one (or party) is right all the time, and as with most things in life, the truth is usually somewhere in the middle...that is just how it works...recognizing that and working within in it is the challenge.

[Guest]

Hitler???????????????

[Guest]

Hitler???????????????


:agree::agree::agree::agree:

[Guest]

Name calling again??? :yuck: Are you forgetting how he served this country? Oh, maybe you did because he doesn't remind us every two minutes the way McCain does. hmmmm ;)

[Guest]

Surely you don't think anyone, least of all me is falling for that.

The comment, and several of your others don't appear to have the grand (or even subtle) intentions of eliciting open dialouge on much of anything that disagrees with your party line. With all due respect don't drag me into that mirage nor insult me by pandering after such obviously inflamatory comments.

I am interested in the exchange of information and knowledge that many here try to participate in...not the hateful exchanges I see at times.

No one (or party) is right all the time, and as with most things in life, the truth is usually somewhere in the middle...that is just how it works...recognizing that and working within in it is the challenge.

I guess that you don't recognize the devils advocate role that I enjoy. It is not party line that I represent either. My beliefs are conservative for sure, but my party, as you call it, does not fully represent my viewpoints either.

As far as posts go, mine are not as acerbic in tone as this one that you sent me and more considerate in how I answer others posts, so as to not be nasty towards them.

Some truths are to be self evident. Recognizing that is impossible for some.

[Guest]

obviously the definition for acerbic is rather flexible for some..."Hitler" ???...sheesh

In common parlance, a devil's advocate is someone who takes a position, sometimes one he or she disagrees with, for the sake of argument. Uh...guess I must of missed that somewhere in some post.

Taking a simple survey of the posts makes self evident truths abundently clear with regard to tone and intention of posts, nature of replies, character assasination of candidates, and twisting of facts.

Some truths are self evident indeed.

[Guest]

obviously the definition for acerbic is rather flexible for some..."Hitler" ???...sheesh

In common parlance, a devil's advocate is someone who takes a position, sometimes one he or she disagrees with, for the sake of argument. Uh...guess I must of missed that somewhere in some post.

Taking a simple survey of the posts makes self evident truths abundently clear with regard to tone and intention of posts, nature of replies, character assasination of candidates, and twisting of facts.

Some truths are self evident indeed.

"a devil's advocate is someone who takes a position, sometimes one he or she disagrees with, for the sake of argument."

What part of this statement does not apply to what I say? I have repeatedly "taken a position that I disagree with for the sake of the argument." I disagree with using casualty counts as as means to justify a dislike for the Iraq war and President Bush. Buy pointing out an opposing party's President/War I make the argument that using body counts to make the President/party seem bad is wrong. I was in Vietnam and know first hand how casualty counts affected the morale of the soldiers.

I've taken a position of using ridicules statements like "Hitler" for the sake of the argument that using the terms "evil" or "pact with the Devil" are not valid to use for the argument. Once again using a position that I dislike to point out the wrongness of using such terms.

As far as "tone", I try to have a one that is similar to the post I'm replying to. "Intention" is not for you to interpret, I know what I want to archive.

The "nature" of my replies is dependent on the strength of my belief in my position. It is my position after all, and my disposition or temperament shows on any given issue reflected in the nature of my response. Everyone doesn't have to like it.

I don't think that I've used "character assassination of the candidates" in my posts, but I wouldn't swear by it. If I have, point them out.

"Facts" seem to be a matter of perspective in these posts. Numbers used as fact can and do get manipulated to fit the desired outcome desired. Sources of fact, I.E. News sources, biased experts, endorsements from anyone, (specially actors/actresses), can be construed to be "twisting of facts" if you don't agree with them. The apple may not be red, but in fact green on one side, depending on your perspective. The core fact (pun intended) and the only one that is fact is that it IS AN APPLE. This truth is self evident.

[Guest]

Perhaps this is a little clearer,

dev·il's advocate (dvlz)
n.
1. One who argues against a cause or position, not as a committed opponent but simply for the sake of argument or to determine the validity of the cause or position.

Beyond that I really don't feel like putting any further effort into this. I have no personal issues with anyone on this board. My goal is to be well informed and weed out some of the mass of useless propaganda that seems to come from all sides, and I have no problem calling as I see it, however I will not do it with inflamatory statements or blind party line rhetoric. For unslanted factual posts I thank everyone, including at times gnu.

[Guest]

yes, it is true that colin powell is a respected individual, but he is still only one individual, and he will not change the minds of those like me who are solidly behind the conservative way of thinking. obama will never work for my conservative ideals so he would never receive my vote, no matter how elegant his rhetoric. so while my friends in this thread so far are enjoying a moment of perceived victory, i will put my hope in the silent majority who really have made this country great. i will keep the faith. I Agree