What Are Your Feelings about Colin Powell's Endorsement of Barack Obama?
On Sunday, October 20th, the Cable News Network, or CNN, reported that former Secretary of State Colin Powell has endorsed the candidacy of Illinois Senator Barack Obama. To say that this announcement caught me off guard would be an understatement. I thought Powell was a loyal Republican, someone who would cast his vote for Arizona Senator John McCain.
But as I listened to Powell's televised explanation, I couldn't help but wonder if this endorsement is Powell's attempt to make amends for a mistake that he made after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. I have a great deal of respect for Colin Powell, as did the soldiers that followed him during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, but he reportedly was complicit in perpetuating the claim that the Saddam Hussein-led Iraqi government was hoarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. This claim has long since been debunked by weapons inspectors and others, and Powell seemed to be guilty through his association with the George W. Bush administration. When he stepped down as Secretary of State, there were rumors that he did so amid disagreements with this same administration.
No one can predict what a Powell endorsement will do for Barack Obama's run for the American presidency. With less than three weeks to go before Election Day, one can only hope that it will seal the deal for the man who has been focused more on the issues than the man he is running against.
Obama needed this feather in his cap. This endorsement lets the world know that now is the time to pull our troops out of Iraq so that we can begin the long process of restoring peace and tranquility in the world.
What do you think? How will Powell's endorsement help Obama?
I look forward to reading your responses.
Sincerely,
Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
www.jefferyafaulkerson.com
But as I listened to Powell's televised explanation, I couldn't help but wonder if this endorsement is Powell's attempt to make amends for a mistake that he made after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. I have a great deal of respect for Colin Powell, as did the soldiers that followed him during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, but he reportedly was complicit in perpetuating the claim that the Saddam Hussein-led Iraqi government was hoarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. This claim has long since been debunked by weapons inspectors and others, and Powell seemed to be guilty through his association with the George W. Bush administration. When he stepped down as Secretary of State, there were rumors that he did so amid disagreements with this same administration.
No one can predict what a Powell endorsement will do for Barack Obama's run for the American presidency. With less than three weeks to go before Election Day, one can only hope that it will seal the deal for the man who has been focused more on the issues than the man he is running against.
Obama needed this feather in his cap. This endorsement lets the world know that now is the time to pull our troops out of Iraq so that we can begin the long process of restoring peace and tranquility in the world.
What do you think? How will Powell's endorsement help Obama?
I look forward to reading your responses.
Sincerely,
Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
www.jefferyafaulkerson.com
I think it's wonderful and a welcomed surprise. I also believe that his decision could not have been easy because he is indeed a staunch Republican. I'm sure this is not a decision he took lightly. Moreover, I feel that his decision speaks oodles to his disappointment in his 'party' and that he made the decision based on his conscience rather than his partisan ties. I'm rather proud of Mr. Powell for making such a HUGE statement. I saw a part of that interview with Meet the Press and his explanations made perfect sense to me. It was impressive really.
And OF COURSE it benefits Obama. Colin Powell's name and reputation, despite the WMD fiasco, still carry a LOT of weight and he is a man who has garnered a lot of respect over the years. This is BIG for Obama. Yay.
Blessings...