But bottom line, I don’t think he will make a public endorsement either.

I think he endorses no one.

I also think it doesn’t matter. I can’t imagine what is going on in the mind of any person who is undecided and is waiting for some important political celebrity to help them make up their mind.

And whoever else pointed it above, I agree that Obama supporters are eager to trumpet a Powell endorsement, because they have already made up their own minds, so they’re ready to talk themselves into the notion that Powell might sway independents. But independents don’t decide on the basis of what other people think, they take their own counsel. Partisans like to make a big deal about endorsements even though if you are a partisan a celebrity endorsement only ever ratifies your already made choice.

It’s that remaining fringe that could really turn the election around either way.

I think Todd is completely wrong on this. Powell endorsing Obama would cause some serious re-evaluation by lots of independents who respect Powell.

Hi Jim,

I’d personally like to see Colin Powell endorse Obama … and looking at your blog I assume you would too.

But that’s my point.

Those who would be most impressed by a Powell endorsement, are either already Obama supporters … or at the very least already very skeptical about McCain/Palin.

If Powell endorsed McCain, it probably would cause a lot of reasonable/Independent people to stand up and take notice.

But at this point, if he endorses Obama, it will pretty much be what most “reasonable” people expect.

… on the flip side, (too) many of those who already support McCain and “Sarah” will simply write it off as a “Black thing”.

Just my opinion of course,
Todd

is Colin Powell’s endorsement the most important this campaign season?

If he endorses Obama … no.

It’s only important if by some chance he was to come out for McCain.

To be honest, I really wouldn’t be surprised if Colin Powell never endorses anybody in this election.