The League

I'm an Army Vet and I have never voted for a republican. My mother, father and step-father are all vets, Navy, Marines and Army respectively. They have never voted republican either. And if anyone might wonder, that's the US Army, US Navy, and US Marines. Everyone in the armed forces doesn't march to the same drum when it comes to voting.

PS.. my husband, retired Navy, is voting for BO too.

I am a Viet Nam Era, VA service connected disabled, female vet and a former Naval Officer. I served my country because I love my country. This is why I cannot expose my country to the risk posed by John McCain and the political novice he chose as his running mate. He presents too great a risk to be given the keys to the Oval Office. The media may think vets (and especially older vets) support McCain. The media is wrong. Accepted 'tradition' is not holding this year. I support Obama with no reservation.

I'm a 26 year Army vet. I always considered myself a professional. However I did not leave my ability to think at home when I enlisted. When I cast my vote it won't because Gen Powell did or didn't endorse a candidate. I'll consider his endoesement in my selection process along with other issues, without adherence to a "party doctrine"

From what has been consistently reported, neither candidate "automatically" gets the military vote. Neither is the military vote unitary. But Obama's support seems to more or less reflect that in the wider population. Powell's endorsement will quell some concern over the "ready to lead" question. But the assumption behind this article is illogical, so the conclusion it draws is equally so.

My father was a World War I veteran and he always supported the Democratic party. I am a strong supporter of Obama and I believe he will lead our country out of this war with honor and dignity.

Another disappointment in the career of a once-great-American, not that he endorsed what I believe is the only candidate to display presidential demeanor, judgement, and integrity, but that he did so only after Obama secured what appears to be near-certain victory. Where was he when the November outcome appeared to be in the balance? A bit more risk on his part to have spoken out earlier could have added to the integrity of his endorsement. An unfortunate repeat of his most egregious disservice to our country: unwilling to use what once was his considerable influence at the time it was needed most...

Most of my family is and has been military, and my grandson is currently fighting in Afghanistan. Obama is getting strong support, and the choice of Palin scares the hell out of all of them. She would not be a viable Commander-in-Chief.

Why is it if Gen. Powell endorses Senator Obama it's seen as a black man endorsing another black man? Yet S.O.S. Kissenger is a white man endorsing another white man and noone hints at that being based on the color of their skins. This election has really exposed America's hypocrisy to the world, where we preach one thing and do another. How dare we bomb a nation and overthrow their government to conform them to reflect what we think is democracy yet we are one of the most radically racist nations to date.

This election has highlighted how America is divided by a color line: whites verses blacks and minorities. It's no wonder the republican party calls itself conservatives, they would have it that this was still the early 1900s when black people weren't considered humans but instead property. Times change and people change, this is the United States of America. United being the operative word meaning unified, cohesive, and integrated.

God made people uniquely and individually for a reason; too much of anything is or becomes bad for you. LOL

Republican Colin Powel's voting for Obama
might be just one final {and bad) sign that
"if your skin is black you vote for the black
guy," regardless whether you're rich or poor,
male or female, or even Democrat or
Republican ...

This is not a reflection of the candidates
or their campaigns but a "snap-shot" of
present-moment America. And it does not
bode well for the nation because there is
NEVER any such thing as "positive racism."

I cannot help but wonder whether Black
America's going all-out for "the black guy"
is the "canary in the coal mine" for what
White America might be thinking of doing,
and no matter how much "whites" might
want pollsters to believe they're "much
more broad-minded" than are "blacks."

S D Rodrian
http://poems.sdrodrian.com

This military family is squarely behind Senator Obama. Gen. Powell's endorsement further solidifies my support. It is a sad day in America when we assume that the General is only supporting Senator Obama merely because he is African American. Are we to assume that all of McCain's supporters are squarely behind him because he is not African American ?

This military family is squarely behind Senator Obama. Gen. Powell's endorsement further solidifies my support. It is a sad day in America when we assume that the General is only supporting Senator Obama merely because he is African American. Are we to assume that all of McCain's supporters are squarely behind him because he is not African American ?

I fully support Colin Powell statement of Obama endorsement. The McCain camp is definitely polarizing the Nation. Sarah Palin does not speak to me at all. In addition, McCain should not use the title of Joe the Plummer, Joe the Six-Pack to demonstrate his policy. It appears as though he does not have a real platform. The comprehensiveness of his proposal lacks depth. What happenned to the man of integrity? What happenned to the maverick? He is really terrifying children around here with his robocalls. What a frighting message for a child to listen too! He should be ashame of himself. However, he needs to stop the negative campaigning because there is a United States of America to take care of after November 4, 2008! We will need all the unity that we can get in the forseeable future to do what is required to help this Nation regain all that has been lost and/or eroded over the past 8 years which McCain can be included as a contributor of the decline of our Nation just as much as President Bush.
Thank for the opportunity to comment.

Powell's endorsement means nothing to me. When the heat was on him, he ran out of the kitchen (resigned). Quite frankly, neither of the candidates (Obama & McCain)are very good choices for America, just like the past 2 elections. America deserves better than both. My question is why hasn't the news media included the other political party nominees in the debate circles. Are they afraid they will show up the Republicans and Democrats? Our country is engaging in censorship, just like the U.S.S.R. did. Too bad for us. This is why I claim no party offiliation. As far as Bush economics go, it is Congress that votes on the budget, and BIG BUSINESS dictates what our elected official do. So who is really running our country?

I fully support Mr. Powell's endorsement of Obama. I'm a Vietnam-era vet and don't really believe that ex-General Powell has lost touch with the military. I really believe that this endorsement will probably bring more current and ex-military votes for Mr. Obama.

Totally wrong. Last week it was reported that military support (evaluated in dollars donated) was higher for Obama then McCain. And by the way we in the military are not stupid. We fight for America and not to save McCain's political ass,

All the military families I know were leaning Obama and considering voting Democrat for the first time. Several were quite taken by Powell's endorsement.

The military is diverse. McCain is narrow and narrower.

No military people that I know of will vote for Obama because of his programs that are focused on creating a minority welfare state in this country supported off the backs of common workers. Vets and Americans believe in lifting yourself up by your own boot straps. Not stealing from others.

The WP obviously draws the fringe of the "Militar" going with bHo. Watch the results PM of 4 Nov and see where the majority 87% votes.

Ever since Gen. Eisenhower warned us about a rogue Military-Industrial complex we've involved in endeless, fruitless, expensive foreign military interventions. We are not in the business of making things anymore, we are in the business of prolonging Wars, not winning them, all for the financial benefit of Corporate America, the Oil and energy and the private contractor sector. Oue Defense Dept. has bankurupted our Economy; it takes a Trillion dollars every year off the Budget table while Congress is left with scraps to take care of the rest of our needs. Our National problem is bigger than McCain or Obama and extremely difficult to solve with this stranglehold that the Military-Industrial complex has on our country. Congress is either afraid or unable to address this because it has been bought and paid for with huge campaign contributions. Only a vote against all incumbents can begin the National reconstruction process-unless another World War is precipitated before.

Ever since Gen. Eisenhower warned us about a rogue Military-Industrial complex we've involved in endeless, fruitless, expensive foreign military interventions. We are not in the business of making things anymore, we are in the business of prolonging Wars, not winning them, all for the financial benefit of Corporate America, the Oil and energy and the private contractor sector. Oue Defense Dept. has bankurupted our Economy; it takes a Trillion dollars every year off the Budget table while Congress is left with scraps to take care of the rest of our needs. Our National problem is bigger than McCain or Obama and extremely difficult to solve with this stranglehold that the Military-Industrial complex has on our country. Congress is either afraid or unable to address this because it has been bought and paid for with huge campaign contributions. Only a vote against all incumbents can begin the National reconstruction process-unless another World War is precipitated before.

General Colin Powell is a GIANT for the military. Endorsing Senator Barack Obama is one of the best Chess moves he could have made for this country.

I'm a Vietnam era vet who is glad to see that voting for the opposition to a failed policy is not unpatriotic but our civil duty. I am also a federal employee that votes my paycheck. Who will do the best for my economy..The Democratic party has always been on the side of the workers.

I'm an Air Force vet voting for Obama. My brother is an Army vet voting for Obama. My sister-in-law is Army reserves headed to Afghanistan and voting for Obama. My father is an Army vet voting for McCain. He would never vote anything but Republican. So, 3/4 of this military family are voting for Obama.

This is not about the military following Powell to Obama. This is about leadership and building and creating the WILL to bring effective political, economic and foreign policy strategy to the table. To bring about political healing and reconcilliation.

Powell was the one of the few people that may have stopped the Iraq War but was overwhelmed by the Cheney-Rumsfeld kabal. He knows his complicity in this failed war.

The fact is that the Admistration has screwed our military families by sending them into harms way based on lies, seeking to deny long term disability to the Guard and Reserves, seeking to deny disability to Active Duty soldiers, sending them on 2nd, 3rd and 4th deployments, all in a manner that is beyond contempt.

The Administration is responsible for sending our soldiers into a conflict without end which, had no planning or exit strategy. To say that this was a failure of command, a dereliction of duty and a violation of the oath of office, is an understatement.

President Bush has failed our military and our nation and we are going to pay a steep price for generations to come. I don't see how Obama could come close to causing such injury to the United States. Neither do I see John McCain as a healer, peacemaker or uniter.

I am not in the military, but my husband is a recently-retired military officer who will be voting for Senator Obama. It is his opinion that while the officer ranks are quite Republican in orientation, the enlisted men and women are at least evenly split between Obama and McCain. It is by no means obvious in this election that the military is a homogeneous entity wedded to Republican politicians and policies, particularly after the disastrous civilian leadership of the Iraq war.

I am active duty Air Force and I don't support Gen. Powell at all. He started this war and then ran now he is supporting Obama who wants to run with his tail between his legs. What the hell has this Country come too. I will go where ever you need me to go to fight as long as it stays out of my back yard and that will not happen with Mr. Obama has Pres.
Mr. McCain all the way.

I give our armed servicemen/women credit that they are able to vote based on their own assessment of the candidate. Few people have small enough minds to go with the general flow.
Powell is a great man, and he has already served this country well. IMO, he continues to do so. Anyone who says otherwise is bitter for no good reason.

I know several long-time retired military and they are all voting Obama. McCain's choice of Palin really sealed the deal (as it, evidently, did for Powell). Palin will not talk about nor release any medical records (speculation could go on and on), which is strange for a healthy 44 year old. McCain will not give current information on his medical records. This is all too scary for me. Obama/Biden '08.

Most Generals and officers to some extent are not party oriented and most don't vote because they are beholden to the Commander in Chief regardless of Party. Powell has never impressed me as a true Republican with his commitment to the party. I am disappointed, but all together, not surprised. Race has to be part of Powell's thought process here, and in many ways I believe Obama might be good for the country in that respect, but his lack of experience with critical issues at this time makes me go against any good from other perspectives that might flow.

McCain is the man from this Vietnam Vet1

Funny, how some things bear with you. When I went to school, many years ago, the first thing in the morning the class pledged allegiance to the flag,in unison. Many people of today do not even know the pledge. Does Obama,or any of his Chevera loving fans?

Dear "Redcoat":
What evidence can you offer for your assertion that "many people of today do not even know the Pledge?" My children recite the pledge every morning in school (and we live in a Blue State!), as do millions of children across the country. Clearly, both Senators McCain and Obama know the Pledge.
How is your erroneous assertion about the Pledge relevant to a discussion about the military and political orientation?

I was very pleased to hear about Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama. I have posted at these forums before, encouraging military members and their families to join Blue Star Families for Obama. I feel that we need to send the message to the country that McCain does not automatically win the votes of our military. General Powell's comments reflect the many reasons why this family is voting for Obama.

How sad that so many don't understand the tools of national power - but certainly those who wear the uniform know these words. The military is ALWAYS the last option - and should be understood to never be placed before exhausting every other option during international negotiations. W doesn't seem to understand this and neither does Senator McCain. Maybe had he graduated higher in his class at Annapolis this would be understood - and putting the military out in harms way is the last option.

Talking with those we find disgusting is a necessary step - and the fact that so many military are in favor of this underlines the risk they know they will endure were McCain/Palin to get in office.

As a retired vet - I also understand this - as those truths haven't changed nor has America's tradition of being welcoming to others of different traditions. And when exactly did being different become a reason to catagorically oppose?

Powell says race played no part in his decision to endorse Obama. I respectfully reserve the right to say bull-you-know what. It may be true but in today's racially-charged political atmosphere its almost impossible to keep racial predelictions out of it. Furthermore...those who might credit Powell for this courageous move should ask him why he waited mere days before the election Obama most likely has already bought to "come out". A truly brave gesture would have been to make his preference known several months ago. Do you really believe he just decided to jump in the last week or two? I sincerely hope his foolish claim that he's a Republican is never again taken seriously...if it ever was. We got Lieberman - the Dems can have Powell, and all the other generals who felt compelled to speak out against the Commander and Chief during a time of war. Fair trade.

The military beat Mr Powell to supporting Senator Obama! We have been behind him from the beginning!

The military isn't following Powell. Powell is following the military. Surveys have shown for a very long time, the majority of troops in Iraq preferred Barack Oabama. John McCain falls into that Republican crowd who is always talking about supporting the troops, until it comes time to write the check for that support.

I don't think Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama will have much of an affect on anyone, particularly military personnel. His credibility just took a nosedive with me, since he obviously hasn't been listening to or reading conservative information on Obama's questionable ties with terrorists, possible disqualification from being a candidate due to not being a natural born citizen, and his extreme views on pretty much everything. I'm terrified he will ignore our first ammendment right to free speech by disallowing conservative opinion to be expressed in the media should he be elected president. What kind of presidency would that be? He scares me to death! Powell's claim that he changed over to Democrat because he doesn't think McCain has run a good campaign, doesn't hold water. The presidency shouldn't be determined by the kind of campaign a candidate has run. Maybe, just maybe, McCain has run a better campaign than Powell thinks, but the liberal media has been so Obama crazy that they chose not to give McCain even one little bit of positive press. Thank God for ROX News, Rush Limbaugh, and the Drudge Report! Considering the mainstream media bias against John McCain, and their absolute unconscionable treatment of Sarah Palin, I'm surprised John McCain is doing so well. He's definitely the best candidate, and a patriotic American, as well. Let's pray he wins big!

The monstruous next US Secretary of Defense

rivenq wrote:
"The monstruous general has all the components of character of a traitor and a mercenary soldier: Opportunism, duplicity and cowardice. He should have never been given the American citizenship." Is that opinion by officers of the French armies who fought along the American armies in the First Iraqi War justified? They give their explanation.
In that war, the French armies have been placed by Powell at the left of the front line, just in front of Baghdad. When the Allies launched the attack and advanced in the North direction, the French armies did not move. Then Powell ordered to stop the advance of all the front and the negociations with the enemy began. Saddam Hussein was saved, at least for the next years before Iraqi War II. He could then use the money from his oil traded with the complicity of men in the United Nations to prepare his next misdeeds
Why Mitterand, the French president, had ordered his generals not to follow the advance of American and Allied armies, which had already destroyed thousands of vehicles on the road from Kuweit to Baghdad? The occupation of the capital city would have been easy. Stopping the advance saved also the Elite Sunni corps of Iraqi armies, the men who will later constitute the volent opposition to the new government of Bagdad.
Mitterand said his armies could not advance because they were not equipped with the electronic devices to understand the Allied orders for coordinated attacks. Mitterand have been promised by Saddam the future exclusivety of exploitation of all Iraqi oil fields by the French state-owned oil firm Total. They already had made the preliminary field research. Saddam had made the same promise to the Russians and they even got signed contracts, which Mitterand did not know. Mitterand's PM Chirac was also a friend of Saddam, who had just rewarded him with the gift of a ruined castle in France. Chirac's wife hated it, refused to enter it; but that was enough for the ambitious appetite of Chirac, who anyway had the castle refurbished at government expenses in time for his retirement. The Socialists nationalized an estate near the castle to make it a social institution, as a way to counter Chirac's desires for a regal residence.
French officers conclude that the men responsible of the Second Iraqi War were first Powell (who had manipulated Bush Senior his way and the second Bush also), and his acolytes Mitterand and Chirac. They add that they wait for Powell at his next visit in France. A detail.
What is more important for us North Americans is to wait and see what an Obama's Secretary of Defense called Powell will do in the Middle East to avoid a confrontation with the nuclear equipped nations hostile to the Allies, after his pacifism would have let them plenty of time to become fully equipped. (WP 10/20/2008 11:23:22 AM)

If Colin Powell is concerned about the "narrow Republican views." why does he accept the equally narrow views the Democrats have of his role in the Iraq war. They have called him a liar and worse. Now he makes up. What does he gain?

I am a Vietnam vet and Arizona citizen, and I wouldn't vote for McCain to a position as a dogcatcher. LRoger put it right concerning Gen. Eisenhower and his warning about a rogue Military-Industrial complex. McCain would continue that complex because he thinks it's natural, he grew up in it and has lived in it all his life and sees no other way. Obama will have a difficult time turning us away from it and in repairing at least thirty years of declining American leadership and prestige around the world. But he is our best choice at starting the task. No, McCain and his goofy running mate have already lost this election and hopefully, both of them will soon disappear along with Bush, Cheny, the Clintons, and the completely stupid Pelosi and Reid. As for Powell, American government and taxpayers have no further need of his services either. The current Sec. Of Defense is doing an able job and probably should stay where he is.

Despite Secretary Powell’s endorsement on Sunday, and as an Active Duty Military Officer with multiple deployments to OIF and OEF, my allegiance still lies with the sitting president of the United States (and whomever he is after January 20th) as well as our Constitution. I personally doubt that this endorsement and others like this will sway much on the way we (military) vote for our next “boss.” However, what I (as a voter too) look for in a suitable Commander in Chief has more to do with the party itself than with the individual, even though most of us would find it hard not to identify with, and respect a former POW (which is the “big leagues” of soldiering and the ultimate test of character). I for example, base my criteria on recent past, specifically with the implementation (or lack of) of our Armed Forces during the last 30 years and the legacy that these administrations left: In the 1980’s a resurgent and strong (albeit expensive) military. During the 1990’s this legacy pointed towards a dismantled intelligence apparatus ill-suited to detect the next global threats, a poorly handled and naïve draw-down of forces based on a post-Cold War “peace dividend,” and worst of all, the lack of military credibility and resolve (Somalia 93’) we had world-wide by 1999. This last dynamic may have encouraged our enemies to bring the fight to our shores. History is still out on the current one and I’ll let you fill in your view here. As a military professional I ask myself: Would a return to the policies of the 1990’s (but this time while waging two crucial counterinsurgencies) tip the balance in our enemies’ favor? On the other hand, could we become too rigid in our current ways that we fail to see windows of opportunity to disengage at the right time from present commitments in order to refit and prepare for the next challenges? I don’t know the answers, but my perception on these matters will lead to my vote. I want to remind some readers that just as your support can be our biggest source of strength, our biggest military weakness also lies within you (the voter), the only unchanged factor in the American way of conducting warfare since 1776. Our enemies act to shape your decision (vote) and the support you give your government. They have CNN and understand where our center of gravity is (you). Despite setbacks and miscalculations at our levels and higher government during the post 9/11 world in which we operate, I have a sense that our learning curve has caught up with our challenges and best of all, it is not static. Thus I feel a drastic “change” in policy may be counter-productive at this point despite how well qualified either candidate may or may not be to be the next CINC. I believe we (those in the foxhole) have a special commitment when it comes to our vote and what it represents, for we could potentially be voting for the man that will send us to our premature demise or prevent it. Although it is a choice we willingly make over and over again, I only hope that my (and my peers’) sacrifice does not become a wasteful endeavor when the dust settles…but we endure. Unfortunately, we also understand this is not always the case. It is because of these issues that political endorsements and military-related analysis mean little to me as a military professional; especially when a few retired individuals who seem to be bent on extracting more “mileage” out of their military service, make them either on cable TV or in their lucrative book deals. There is the bigger picture (objectives) that we ought to be focused on besides the decision the electorate makes. This decision just sets new parameters or boundaries for us, but the objectives for our national security hardly change. Secretary Powell is still one of my heroes, but his views will not shape my decision either way. Until now, I am still in the column of the “undecided.”

The military didn't need to follow Powell anywhere. My infantry son is in Iraq and he says the majority of those in his company support Obama, as does he.

Like with Lady Macbeth's "Out, damn'd spot! out", Mr. Powell will never be able to run away from his own "spot"-- he was the point-man for the selling of the Iraq War. He was the one that sold to the UN the lie that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Also, I think that Mr. Powell's endorsement so late in the game is very cynical: he waited until Obama looked like a sure thing to join the "train of history". If Mr. Powell agrees with Obama that the War was a disaster and an unjust one, has Mr. Powell publicly apologized to the world for being the mouthpiece of the big lie?

If Obama is right about the War, then Powell has blood on his hands.

Mr. Powell, you are a traitor to your party, your country and yourself.

http://www.mccain08-hillary2012.blogspot.com/

I'm disappointed in the military response posted here. In 2004, all of you were solidly behind Bush. Why?

And now you're solidly behind Obama. Why?

It appears that you'd rather go with the one who has NO military experience over the one who does. And you've done this for two election cycles now.

This is absurd! If you hate being in the military that much, GET OUT!!!

I'm voting Obama and I'm an ex-Republican. McCain theoretically should be my "natural vote" as we probably flew some of the same aircraft, but he's definitely not fit to lead this nation into the future, and I'm sure as f*** not going to follow Palin anywhere.

Colin Powell is now riding on the shirttails of a winner in order to clean up his very tarnished legacy all around the World. It won't work. This pig Powell will forever be the cover up of the Mai Lai Massacre (US Army admits 347 massacred and the VN govt says over 500) The Boot licking Repug who sold America down the drain of the Military Industrial Complex with his address to the UN is the shame of America.
Powell is a self-serving RAT who deserves only to be tried as a war criminal and war profiteer. Why else did he wait till a few weeks before the election and the vote leaning very much to Obama. His endorsement is soooo patronizing.
No, the best Obama can do is get this Repug shill out of his advisor circle, refuse the endorsement. Personally i find Rev Wright to be much more of a humanist and man of character than this double dealing Repug Powell.

I served for 24 years in the US Army. I am a combat veteran of Iraq. I respect General Powell and his opinion. It meant a great deal to me that he endorsed Senator Obama. It IS natural for many current soldiers and veterans to gravitate towards "one of our own," but Senator McCain, at least for me, is out of touch and wrong for our time. Our country needs a fresh start after the abject failure of leadership and planning that our current President has offered. Earlier commentators have noted that we (military people) follow the orders of the officers appointed over us, but we are also rational, thinking voters who have real interests in who the next president is. I voted for Senator Obama and I hope you do too.

Five secretaries of state are for John McCain (Henry Kissinger, Al Haig etc), so if Colin Powell wants to show his racism and go for Obama, then go for it.

No one in the liberal media is discussing black racism, but it's pretty obvious when 96% of blacks are voting for Obama.

Say it ain't so!

I find it almost humorous that with 97% of America's black population (many for the first time) voting because the candidate is half black, that no one thinks this is racially driven. Excuse me! I admire General Powell and it is certainly his choice to vote for whoever he wishes. We all served to assure that right. It's as if General Powell is trying the same slight of hand he performed before the UN regarding Iraq's mobile WMD trucks leading up to the war. Dog bites you once.......!
A poll was conducted by the Military Times and published in the Army Times on October 13, 2008. In it, military folks across the racial spectrum broke down this way:
White - McCain - 76% - - - Obama - 17%
Hispanic or Latino - McCain - 63% - - - Obama - 27%
Black/African-American - McCain - 12% - - - Obama - 79%
Other Race Specified - McCain - 58% - - - Obama - 30%

Simply looking at that poll makes General Powell's denial of racial preference in his endorsement even less credible.

And as to the "dividing of this nation" which some are accusing Sen. McCain of, I would simply point to the Democrats and their minions over the last 8 years. They have fairly taught the whole world a new meaning for hate. They blame America for all the world's problems. Blamed the POTUS for everything in the book. And they accused American traditionalists of being ignorant, knuckle-dragging cretins not even worthy of being allowed to vote. And now that there is a better than average chance that their "chosen one" will be elected, they want everyone to come together in a peaceful bipartisanship and cum-ba-ya love fest. Well, I hate to break it to those poor souls, but those they have been maligning for the last decade are not the slow learners one might think. They have been going to school on the hate-fest from the Democratic Left and are fully prepaired and ready to return the favor in spades. The chickens are coming home to roost. Count on it!

I can tell you that McCain's support among the military is by no means monolithic. Among the SF and SOCOM forces I work with daily, there is as much a split in the vote as in the general public. I think the Powell endorsement is going to have its positive effect in civilian households in the suburbs. Most of us in the military - active, retired or contractor - have already decided.

Personally, my vote goes to Obama. I think he will be a good President, and a stable one. We all need that now. Sure, he will be tested by military flags; that is a big part of the learning curve for a civilian President. But I think Obama will be a very good ear for even those who may distrust him initially.

He will have to earn the trust of the military, but I believe he will.

General Powell's endorsement is not a sign that the military will follow his lead. The reality is that General Powell is now following the lead of the military. Rank and file military have been among those who have made financial contributions to the Obama campaign because they know first hand that John McCain does not have the temperment or judgment required to be the next Commander-in-Chief. Also, John McCain insulted every member of the military, past and present, with his selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate. It is obvious that this woman does not have the knowledge, skills or abilities to be an effective leader in the Federal government in the 21st century.

He blew the whistle.
The military and the police don't appear to like that, if Hollywood movies are to be believed.
He has no friends.
His endorsement is pointless.

For Powell to come out now, is almost a waste of our time.

It smacks more of someone waiting to the last moment to side with the victor just to look good. He of all people has better conections than the average Joe to know who these guys are and make his stand.

He had his chances earlier and should have made his thoughts known then. Maybe its a good thing he never ran for office.

Powell is a wuss. He didn't resign when he disagreed with Bush's Iraq policy. He didn't run for President for fear of being assasinated. He waits till Obama is a done deal to endorse. I just hope BO isn't another.

The Generals endorsement will not sway my vote either direction. I am a career Navy Vet who always supports the party I think will serve our Country with pride and honor. Alas, this was W in the past. Not this year; B.O. has my full support. This country needs a leader that will provide a change in international relations and foreign policy as well as the economic issues. Time to put the GOP out to pasture.

Colin Powell, the man who spun The Big Lie before the world to justify the invasion of Iraq, now has come out for Obama? Big deal. Powell is discredited for life as a result of his UN speech. When you have the support of terrorists like William Ayres and war criminals like Colin Powell, it only proves that Obama will accept the help of any soundrel still breathing.

Nobody talks about the "investigation" Powell led when the My Lai Massacre was just a rumor. Powell "investigated" and reported to his higher ups that "there's nothing there."

He'll fit right into the Obama camp; probably get his own special glass of Kool-Aid.

Colin Powell, I respected until now. He quit the Department of the State, he is another typical black man who has made it in the white world. He swings to were he will benefit. Obviously he has seen the polls, as you commoners will see, it is not the end of Colin Powell, maybe Obama promised something to him. My brother is a vet, he is voting mccain, my father is a vet he is voting mccain, and I am voting Mccain.

Citizen Powell shouldn't be assumed to speak for anyone but Citizen Powell.

It should be reasonable to assume that in an'all volunteer' army (an conecpt I take some issue with, as many who volunteer for military service do so with the primary motivation of service, but many do so because of lack of other economic opportunity) a majority of service men and women would support the idea of use of the military as a primary (if not only) tool for international diplomacy... so it is logical to predict that Citizen Powell supporting the candidate less likely to see the military as the prima facia response to international issues is unlikely to sway people for whom that is both a mjor issue and one on which they do not agree with the stated policy agenda of Obama.

Not that all military personnel can be lumped into a predictable pattern of thought... but any assumption that Powell spoke for the military is at best faulty logic.

Citizen Powell should have done what most citizens do... speak their mind inside the voting booth... what he has done has not helped, and may have even hurt, the candidate he purported to support.

When I started following the public image of Colin Powell I was impressed. I was impressed that that Powell carried himself as a great military figure, not a black man, therefore I never saw race in Colin Powell. I would have voted him into the White House. Now I am disappointed that, what I saw as a concretive figure would indorse the extreme left.

We have been pounded by the politically correct left that only white people are raciest. I live in the real world; I ride the public transportation bus. I am legally blind, and work for Industries for the Blind. I may not be able to see as well as most, but my ears hear prejudice from the black population. Prejudice is shared by all.

The race card is getting old and so is saying you are a certain gender, religion, etc. to gain extra favor. Wake up America; listen with your ears to what is happening in the world around you. Stop drawing the conclusions of others. Don’t be pressured by any party, group, race, neighbor, or family member to voice their convections. Make your vote count for your beliefs

Ramble? Not really, I have so much more to say, as should you.

This is just proof that African Americans are voting for Obama just because he is black. There is no reason to believe that Powell concurs with Obama's plans - this is all based on color and race.

- A proud American of Color

Support by officers of Republicans may have more to do with career politics than military strategy.

A couple of years ago I had the honor of working with a retired Major of the United States Army. There was one area of bitterness with the officer, who was otherwise very proud of his military career. That was that as a Democrat he found his options for promotion were limited. That is what he said. He went on to say that party affiliation played heavily in other promotions. He had no reason for fabrication. That would certainly explain staunch Republican support from Military leaders. Scratch the surface and you are likely to see politics at play.

My opinion of Colin Powell plummeted with his decision to support Obama.If he believes Sarah Palin is not able to handle the presidency (should that need arise) HOW can he possibly think Obama can handle it???

I admired General Powell for his soldierly decisions and command. However, it was partly due to Powell's recommendation to agree to a cease fire in Desert Storm and to pervent the elimination of Sadam. The leading corp could have passed through the French lines to conquer Bagdad, while the 1st Cav Div and the British could destoy the remaining Guard divisions. The French given their orders could have taken up rear area securiy. Powell was made to look like the hero by Oliver Stone (never trust his historical accuracy) When the film was released, Powell found it to come out of the kitchen to announce his political decision two weeks before the election. Now OB promises a position to the General. Powell is not a Marshall. From a Vet.

Powell was out of line. He is a quitter, and he showed his race card. He should have kept quite. His military back ground he should have know better. Want to know how things will go?? Look at Kartina persons getting plastic cards to spend, ect and nothing for the floods up north or Galvaston persons. U.S. A. does not have the money to spend unless you tax the working persons. To many promises in the president race by all will not be kept.

Powell was out of line. He is a quitter, and he showed his race card. He should have kept quite. His military back ground he should have know better. Want to know how things will go?? Look at Kartina persons getting plastic cards to spend, ect and nothing for the floods up north or Galvaston persons. U.S. A. does not have the money to spend unless you tax the working persons. To many promises in the president race by all will not be kept.