Why A Powell Endorsement Matters
By Justin Gardner | Related entries in 2008 Election, Barack, McCain
He may or he may not, but Hotline talks specifically about why Colin could give Obama major cred…
If Powell, retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, does endorse, he blesses Obama as a capable leader who is able to manage critical national security and foreign policy matters. Though his push for the Iraq war somewhat tarnished his stellar reputation as a respected military man, Powell, who served three Republican presidents, remains popular. His support for Obama could sway moderates, males, in particular, and working class whites who might be buying into the GOP’s line that Obama isn’t patriotic or American enough.
I speculated back in August that Powell’s thumbs up could have an enormous impact on this campaign, and I believe that more now than ever.
So why would he back Obama? Well, let’s look at the track record.
Obama has been able to secure major endorsements exactly when he needed them. Remember Bill Richardson’s in the primaries? Remember John Edwards’ vote of confidence in his pre-scandal days when his word actually meant something?
I think many, right or wrongly, are impressed with Obama’s demeanor, his organizational skills and his past judgments. On the flip side, people wonder why the McCain of old has vanished in favor of the disjointed, inconsistent attack dog we now see today.
Obviously, I certainly have my doubts that Powell will endorse anybody. He is, after all, a guy who has been very protective of his reputation. Otherwise he never would have gotten to the place he is today. But I think he also knows he could open up the floodgates for Obama, and that certainly has to be a tempting notion.
And, by the way, if the following story entitled, “Hip-Hop-Dancing Colin Powell Fuels Speculation He’ll Endorse Obama,” doesn’t prove that Fox News is the most ridiculous news organization around, I don’t know what will convince you…
Colin Powell has his dancing shoes on, fueling speculation that he’s gearing up to do the Obama Two-Step.The normally staid former U.S. secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff performed an impromptu hip-hop dance alongside well-known rap stars Tuesday following a speech at a festival in London celebrating African-American music and fashion.
His address at the “Africa Rising†celebration inside London’s Royal Albert Hall fueled speculation that an endorsement of Barack Obama is imminent.
Yes folks. Because he danced on a stage with rappers, he must be supporting Obama.
Jeezus..
This entry was posted on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 and is filed under 2008 Election, Barack, McCain. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
October 18th, 2008 at 6:00 am
[...] Will Powell be next? This entry was posted on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 and is filed under 2008 Election, Barack, Republicans. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. [...]
October 18th, 2008 at 11:43 am
[...] McCain loses one today as we’re one day away from a potentially game changing endorsement on Sunday. [...]
October 18th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Here are my two observations vis a Powell endorsement of BHO:
1.The endorsement will prove that the Obama campaign is essentially about race and the mining of racist emotions across America: or,
2. Powell expects some sort of personal reward – senior cabinet appointment at the least – for publicly giving his support to Obama.
October 18th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
It does not matter. because 45% of the people still don’t trust Obama and think he is not qualified. and most people don’t rely on endorsements. For your information Powell donated to McCain in 2007.
It’s not going to matter anyway because people will just think he is endorsing him because of their race, not because he thinks he can do the job.
Think what you want.
October 18th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
It will lead the news no doubt, but Powell did himself so much damage – on all levels – during his disgraceful 2003 United Nations presentation on Iraq, I think the impact will be minimal.
October 18th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I’m sayin’ that for Obama’s own good, General Powell ought not to endorse the Senator. Powell’s track record in judging the quality of character of those he associates with is not going to helpful. Furthermore. Powell needs Obama more than the other way around.
October 20th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Powell’s endorsement of Obama does not verify Obama’s judgement, but rather brings Powell’s judgement into question. Powell says that Obama is ready to lead … WHY? … Regardless of Powell’s last minute endorsement, Obama is still the most liberal senator in congress … who accomplished nothing in his meager 3 years in office, except voting present 160 times, and campaigning for President, as well as associating with anti-American racists and domestic terrorists … and, taking America down the road to socialism. I used to respect Colin Powell … but, now that’s history!!!
October 26th, 2008 at 10:07 am
[...] by the way, I stand by my previous assertions before Powell’s endorsement that his was a watershed moment in this election. Because it gave [...]