Republican Powell Endorses Democrat Obama
In an uncommon move in the US political landscape, former Secretary of State General Colin Powell elected to support the presidential nominee of rival Democratic party, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, in the 2008 Presidential race. A member of the Republican Party, Colin Powell initially announced his support to the presidential campaign of Republican candidate Senator John McCain.
Colin Powell’s move to back Obama’s candidacy was fueled by the choices made by McCain during the later part of the campaign, especially McCain’s selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Colin Powell believed that Alaska’s governor was not yet experienced and equipped to be the president of the United States should she take over. On the contrary, Obama’s vice presidential candidate, Senator Joe Biden, can govern the country even from day one.
Colin Powell even went as far as criticizing his own party’s personal attacks on Obama’s race and alleged religious affiliations. The ex-Secretary of State defended Obama, stressing that the young senator from Illinois has been a Christian his whole life. He considered the attacks not only an insult to Obama, but to the Muslims as well.
McCain claimed he had no hard feelings for Colin Powell and in fact had nothing but admiration for the retired general. What transpired between McCain and Colin Powell was only a “respectful disagreement.”
Colin Powell sees Obama as a transformational figure, and with a country in need of a transformation, Colin Powell believes Obama is tailored for the job.
Jamie Gorelick was the Commissioner of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon The United States.
Jamie Gorelick published an article entitled “A New Agenda For Justice” for the Washington Post.
Jamie Gorelick is an advisor for President Barack Obama.
