Colin Powell endorses Obama, says Palin unqualified, defends Muslim-Americans

It was not a great surprise that retired four-star Gen. Colin Powell, the first secretary of State in George W. Bush's administration, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president today.

He had served in several Republican administrations — as a national security adviser in the Reagan White House, as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under the first President Bush during the Gulf War. But after leaving government in 2004, Powell and his wife, Alma, formed America's Promise, an organization dedicated to helping children from all socioeconomic groups. So it was not unimaginable that he would prefer a candidate who advocates more spending for education, healthcare reform and tax cuts for the middle class, over his friend of 25 years, Republican John McCain.

And maybe it's not even a surprise that Powell, whose reputation was tarnished by his support for the war in Iraq with his vigorous claim to the United Nations that Iraq's Saddam Hussein was harboring weapons of mass destruction, would embrace the antiwar Obama. On NBC's "Meet the Press," he even endorsed Obama's call for diplomatic outreach to countries like Iran and North Korea, saying:

We have managed to convey to the world that we are more unilateral than we really are. The new president is going to have to fix the reputation that we've left with the rest of the world ... and show that there is a new president, a new administration that is looking forward to working with our friends and allies. And in my judgment, also willing to talk to people who we have not been willing to talk to before. Because this is a time for outreach.

But it was a surprise — at least to our ears — to hear the 71-year-old Powell so roundly declare that Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was not qualified to be president of the United States.

She's a very distinguished woman, and she's to be admired. But at the same time, now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president. And so that raised some question in my mind as to the judgment that Sen. McCain made.

And it was also a surprise — and a refreshing one at that — to hear a leading American figure rise in defense of Muslim Americans against stereotypes about their patriotism.

For months, rumors have spread that Barack Obama, whose father was Kenyan, was a Muslim. In fact, the Illinois senator is a Christian. But Powell is the first high-profile leader to raise a larger question, to wonder what would be disqualifying if Obama were a Muslim American.

Telling the story of a mother at the Arlington Cemetery graveside of her 20-year-old son, Kareem Rashad Sultan Kahn, who died for his country in Iraq, Powell said the "right response" to rumors that Obama is a Muslim is not only to deny them but to expose them as bigoted and un-American.

I'm also troubled by, not what Sen. McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said, such things as, "Well, you that know Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is: What if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim American kid believing that he or she could be president? Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, "He's a Muslim and he might be associated with terrorists." This is not the way we should be doing it in America.

— Johanna Neuman

Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

Comments

What a greater tribute than to have a man of Colin Powell's experience explain his reasoning on his choice of the next President. I was recently told by a Republican that only the "poor and uneducated" will vote Democrat. My answer was not worth replying. The best way to answer the ignorant is with silence.

Thank you General Powell for your straightforwardness and for pointing out that even Muslims have died for the country. We are a melting pot of our forefathers and the racism, sexism must cease and it will when President Obama takes his oath.

[virginia casey]

thank goodness for the likes of colin powell!!! I am a white woman, a registered republican who will vote for obama- - - not mc cain!!!!! especially when he has sarah palin for a running mate!!! I especially dislike his (mc cains) constant mention of joe the plumber!! or is it samuel??? my father was a plumber who paid his taxes,was licensed AND was a proud american..he also collected social security. joe the plumber is no one compared to the man my father was!!!! I will bet he loves the celebrity!!!! I agree that obama does bring a newness to the political landscape. we certainly don`t want another bush in the white house.. the fact remains that they (cheney and bush) duped colin powell. i do believe this and I thought so when he went before the u.n.he had such loyality for the bush administration unfortulently......I admire him for that loyalty.. and admire him for his decision this time!!!! I do believe he should be out on the stump for obama also. you are a good man colin powell!!!! and a man of your convictions!!!!!

[Rodolfo Acuna]

Good for Powell. This campaign is even dirtier than the Bushes campaigns from Lee Atwater to Carl Rove. It is devisive, and many fair minded conservatives have condemned it. McCain will live to rue the day.

[Deeds]

Even Colin Powell sees it: PALIN is a JOKE.

[Diana Beckman]

How is the world could any American vote for John McCain?

Not because he is not an American hero, not because he does not have the necessary experience but the judgment of John McCain to saddle the American people with the likes of Sarah Palin.
Sarah Palin, a woman guilty of abuse of power, association with the Alaskan Independent Party, a witchcraft pastor and is a woman totally unqualified, academically and intellectually is an insult to the intelligence of the American people.

Yes, Mr. MCCain DOES THINK THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE INDEED, STUPID.

[Stacey]

Religion should not be important for electing a president at all - One day maybe an Atheist can have a chance too. "One nation _____ ___, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL"
Colin Powell's remarks are hopefully just the beginning of reason and fairness.

[Paul Page]

Sorry Colin I don't believe your reason for 1 minute , Its not Sarah Palin ......I used to think you were a man of great courage but I think Senator Obama has changed your values.

[BRIAN MUSAH]

AT LAST POWELL HAS HAD THE COURAGE TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT HIS TRUE CONVICTIONS INSTEAD OF PROMOTING THE DICREDITED BUSH/ DOCTRINE OF YESTERYEARS. HE HAS BEEN LATE JOINING THE BAND WAGON. BUT HIS ENDORSEMENT IS NEVERTHE LESS WELCOME. THE REST OF THE WORLD WILL BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF AS THE WHEELS COME OF THE MCCAINE/ BUSH BAND WAGON AND A NEW OBAMA LED ADMINISTRATION TAKES OVER SOON.

[festinog]

You were "surprised" at his criticism of Palin?

I'm curious; were you surprised because it has taken so long for someone of Powells status to point out the obvious? Or are you surprised because you think this woman of very average intellect with the self-described temperment of an attack dog is qualified to lead the worlds only super-power?

If the former, I agree. This statement was well overdue.

If the latter, you have no business commenting on politics.

[Penny]

Collin Powell presented information about Iraq because he had no choice? Ultimately, George Bush was responsible. The Preisdent is responsible and Bush made the call to got to war as Commander and Chief!! Now Powell is saying what everyone knows. That Palin is not a good VP choice and McSHAME used poor judgement. Is this the type of leadership we want in the Whitehouse. Enough is enough and 8 yiears is more than enough of Republican rule. Look at the diversity folks that ran for office on the Democratic side. Then compare it to the ones that ran on the Republican side. I think it is clear that the days of the good ole white boys is finally coming to an end. THANK YOU COLIN POWELL!!!

[Way to Go Colin Powell!]

Spot on! I am so glad that a public figure is saying what is important for this country. That is that Palin is not ready to be president and McCain is four more years down a similar path of anger and aggression. We have limited resources. The economy is failing, the war is stretching our troops thin and it's really not about "win or lose" in Iraq. There is no real win for the US in Iraq. Iraq will eventually have to govern and police itself. Our true strength has to come from being a strong and admired (not feared and hated) America whose army does protect the country but whose actions are just and understood by Americans and at least some of the rest of the world. Obama is our best chance to do this. I am amazed at how fatalist some McCain supporters are. If Obama wins in November, I hope we can all come together to support him and give him time to change this country for the better.

[kim]

by chance its alright to endorse obama if your a republician but the only reason is because he is black and because of making history nothing to do with his 25yrs of being friends with mccain....

[Bill G.]

As I read through the blogs, the supportive comments for General Powell contained words and messages of hope for a better America. When I read the blogs that were not supportive, the message of fear and anger came through. If we are to move America forward in a non-partisan way, it's time to come together rather than continue the politics of polarization.

[kim]

for powell to critize palin is like him saying its ok for you to be a mayor or a gov but not vice prez or prez of the united states is a blow to womens rights and you call this american how funny i guess prez bush rubbed off on powell and obama.......great affect!

[Zoidie]

Thank you General Powell. Thank you. Thank you.

[bluepeas]

Palin more qualified than Biden or Obama? You havent been doing your homework pal.

PALIN WENT TO 5 SCHOOLS IN 6 YRS!!! (AND NO ONE REMEMBERS HER, THIS IS WHO MCCAIN PICKS FOR

VP, LOL)
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/04/vp-hopeful-palin-attended-5-colleges-in-6-ye

ars/

What Palin Would LOOk LiKe IN THe WHiTE HouSE!!
http://palinaspresident.com/

[bluepeas]

""Did you know Sarah Palin's husband has ties to a group that wants to secede and that hates

the United States?"" Back home, she has cheered the work of a tiny party that long has

pushed for a statewide vote on whether Alaska should secede from those same United States.

And her husband, Todd, was a member of the party for seven years. Good,let them go. Isn't

Alaska the big welfare grabber anyway? We would save a shitload of money not propping them

up

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/07/olbermann-highlights-pali_n_132550.html

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-aip3-2008sep03,0,6399468.story (see the tape of

Palin commending & agreeing w/ to them to seprate from America)

[Rodney Cook]

I am disappointed. Simply put, of the two viable candidates, McCain is the best choice. In his time in elected office, Obama's accomplishments are near non-existent. His mentor and spiritual adviser is a hate-monger, counted among his friends are lunatic-fringe liberals that bombed their own country. His association with these people do not condemn Obama, BUT it does cast doubt about his judgment. For Powell to endorse him makes me question HIS judgment. If Powell would have run, I would have voted for him. Obama? I live in Illinois and I can say for certain that WE are dying from over-taxation, lack of capable and responsible representation and a total disregard for people's freedoms and the Constitution which guarantees those freedoms. No, I will not vote for Obama and if you are an American that loves your country, believes in freedom and remembers that we are supposed to be capitalists, then you should not vote for him either.

Ever wonder WHY attorneys are ridiculed? One reason is that they are always looking for loopholes to circumvent the law for their benefit. Obama is a Constitutional professor and a lawyer. To me, that means that he has dedicated his life to dissecting the Constitution and looking for loopholes. If I'm right, then we can all say goodbye freedom of the press, the RIGHT to bear arms, freedom of speech and our Bill of Rights. But, at least we can also say hello to socialism.

Signing off now from the People's Socialist Republic of Illinois.

[Paul]

I'm deeply disappointed to hear that Colin Powell endorses Obama. Colin Powell must have been under some pressure or I don’t think he would go against all he stood for to have chosen to support Obama.
I’ve always thought Colin Powell could be trusted, but now I’m concerned that he is talking out of two sides of his mouth. I think Palin has more experience to be President and is more trust worthy than Obama.

[rudy g]

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT I AGREE WITH MR. POWELL 100%. THE COUNTRY HAS SUFFERED FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS AND WE SHOULD NOT SUFFER ANYMORE. PLEASE AMERICA WAKE UP AND LETS EMBRACE THE CHANGE. A CHANGE HAS TO COME. LOOK WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND YOU NOT ONLY WITH THE WAR, THE ECONOMY IS BAD, IT'S LIKE WE ARE IN THE DEPRESSION AGAIN. IF YOU'RE NOT RICH YOU ARE FEELING THE CRUNCH. WHITE AMERICA RATHER FEEL THE CRUNCH AGAIN AND VOTE FOR MCCAIN THE SAME INSTEAD OF CHANGE. ONCE AGAIN AMERICA WAKE UP.

[JLR!]

This is a time where INTELLIGENCE is of utmost importance....and Gov Palin is not blessed with intelligence. She does have instincts and political savvy, but intelligence NO.

We need someone who is cool enough to be on the attack and not be flappable. We need someone who does not FREEZE when asked the most simply and straighforward -- nonscripted question (read Palin).

WE need a leader whose buttons cannot be pushed, which cause them to react or worse -- overreact -- (Read McCain)

Sun Tzu - Art of War is about not being the best warrior and fighting the battle. It is about avoiding the war by creating situation where you cannot be manipulated.

lastly...the Obama campaign is the ultimate executon of EXECUTIVE experience. This campaign has been run to perfection....and it begins with the man at the top.

By the way...did it start about the same time Palin took office as governor. So the true experience on a LARGE scale....CHECK to Obama

[Sunny]

Thank god somebody finally hit the nail on the head. I can't believe the "Obama is a secret Muslim/Arab" issue got coverage for so long after the crazy McCain lady incident before someone had the courage to come out and say, "So what if he were?" and that Arab Americans and Muslim Americans are human beings who are just as patriotic as any other American despite having suffered so much abuse. I know Wolf Blitzer and Campbell Brown mentioned it on CNN, but their comments were pretty weak. What Gen. Powell said today is what America really needed to hear.

[Domingo Tavella]

Collin Powell's endorsement will only make things harder for Obama in that it will worsen the fears and resentments of whites. Mr. Powell should have realized that white opposition to Obama is fundamentally a racist phenomenon and that a such it would be exacerbated by the endorsement of a noted black man.

[Jean]

This is simply racism and sexism as usual. Colin Powell is as responsible for the Irac war as Bush. Sarah Palin has more experience than Obama who has done nothing much, except for his involvement with Acorn, Rezco, Ayers, Wright, Pfleger I know great judgement.

[Vicki DeArmey]

Bill G., you have hit it right on the head. Both parties are imperfect, but both offer something good for this country. But, since I have to choose, I choose the "audacity of hope" for change and to move this country ahead not only here but abroad.