Politico: Republican sources believe Colin Powell might endorse Obama on Sunday's MTP

[sabra]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14665.html

Retired Gen. Colin Powell, once considered a potential running mate for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), now may endorse his opponent, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), according to Republican sources. But an air of mystery surrounds Powell's planned live appearance Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," and no one is sure what he will say.

Powell’s unassailable national security credentials could sway voters who are vacillating about whether Obama is ready to be commander in chief, and would make a national security emphasis by McCain in the closing days extremely difficult.

...

“It’s going to make a lot of news, and certainly be personally embarrassing for McCain," a McCain official said. "It comes at a time when we need momentum, and it would create momentum against us.”
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On “Meet the Press” in June 2007, Powell said: “I’ve met with Senator Obama twice. I’ve been around this town a long time, and I know everybody who is running for office, and I make myself available to talk about foreign policy matters and military matters with whoever wishes to chat with me."

[Love Bug]

1. Hmmmm. Mixed feelings about this.

I can't forgive Powell for his lies to the UN, no way. Obama doesn't need his endorsement.

[tekisui]

6. This endorsement isn't for you.

It's for those moderate repug voters, and the indys who have forgiven him or never stopped respecting him. It will translate to more votes for Obama.

[ellacott]

8. I think his endorsement would help with some independents

It won't move many liberals but if it could sway some of the undecideds I'll take it.

[ericgtr]

10. I understand people's reservations but I've always thought he was a decent guy

who got caught up in Bush's bullshit policies but never had the impression that he really "bought" that bullshit he was trying to sell. I know there is no defending it, he outright lied to our faces but aside from that I have always believed he is a decent person.

[av8rdave]

15. He's a dishonorable man to be sure, but his endorsement will help Obama

[Renew Deal]

30. I don't have mixed feelings.

It would be good for Obama.

[tekisui]

2. GOOD!

I don't give two shits about Powell, but a lot of repug VOTERS do. They respect him and it should give them pause.

[rateyes]

3. Wonder how much McCain is trying to pay him to endorse him instead??

[leftynyc]

4. I don't trust him

His endorsement could go either way.

[Essene]

5. for those still angry at Colin Powell...

1. Powell tried to avoid the invasion of Iraq. He was Secretary of State and yet nearly powerless in the Bush admin by all accounts. Nonetheless, Powell was the one who demanded that Bush to go to the UN and to work on the terms of UN Resolutions. He had Bush's personal assurance that we'd work with Saddam to establish a diplomatic solution, even if that didn't mean regime change. This means that Powell supported the THREAT of violence regarding compliance with UN Resolutions, but not the invasion itself. His Feb 2003 presentation must be understood in that light.

2. Powell fought hard to remove all unsubstantiated claims being pushed by the White House. It apparently got really nasty the night before the UN presentation, with Powell utterly disgusted and refusing to add the nuclear claims. What finally went into the presentation was stuff that George Tenet (head of CIA appointed by Clinton) told Powell was 100% backed by the evidence and from the NIE. Even then, Powell expressed reservations and Tenet basically said something like "I'll be right there behind you."

3. Powell was himself buried and shunned by the Bush administration after that day. Could he have resigned and made a stink about it all? Sure. We were at war and apparently decided to stay quiet for the time being. He remained mostly silent and invisible until he quietly left the administration... without stirring things up.

4. Powell publicly spoke out about how there were "burn notices" on many if not all of the claims in the NIE which went into the UN presentation. He is talking about official CIA analysis that trashed the claims, providing counter-evidence or simply questioning the validity. These "burn notices" were buried by people in the CIA and the White House. They never got to Powell or even Tenet's desks. It appears that some very evil people were effectively manipulating Powell and Tenet to sign off on what had been documented as bogus assertions. Rice, Feith and Cheney have a lot of questions to anwer.

5. Powell went public about this years ago on MTP, saying he was infuriated and wanted to see a serious Congressional investigation into this. What has Congress done? NOTHING. Show me where Pelosi has started this much needed investigation. Tenet, Powell, Rice, Feith, Cheney... all need to be dragged before Congress under oath for the beginning of a real investigation into this non-sense. Not superficial stuff that's been done, but a serious call for a special investigator with top security clearance or whatever is needed.

6. Powell also said the Iraqi invasion was wrong and would have been impossible if the truth about the intel came out. He clearly indicates that CONGRESS was also lied to, which he knows has federal crime implications. What Congress was told in Fall of 2002 in secret meetings about the iraqi intel was full of discredited information. This is why Congressmen and folks like Powell were all on the record saying absurdly untrue stuff. They mistakenly trusted the people giving them the intel.

7. Powell said Obama's approach was right on diplomacy, in talking to "the enemy." He pointed out how he himself talked with Syria... and how we've actually had Iranian diplomacy going on all along. If you really are interested in the Iranian diplomacy, read this article.

8. Powell also basically said Obama's lack of executive experience issue wasn't a big deal, given his judgment, ability to bring in smart people and capacity to tackle problems. That's a fairly amazing statement from somebody with his background who's also considering whether this guy is Commander-in-Chief material.

9. Colin Powell remains one of the most respected military men and also one of the most beloved African-Americans in the nation.

* He undermines Neocons behind the scenes, calling them "f*cking crazies."
* He criticized the response to Katrina.
* He criticized Torture.
* He called for Gitmo to be closed.
* He supports Affirmative Action
* He is Pro-Choice.
* This is a guy who has helped to support really great philanthropy and service programs. He'd be President if he vainly sought power.


10. We must not forget what he did in 2003, but we also must listen to him tell the full truth and listen to his demand for more truth. I see nothing but integrity when I objectively look at his life. I don't care if he was a character witness for that slime-ball Stevens. Friends and family do the same every day in criminal court proceedings. That's meaningless. I care about the more basic fact that he remains one of the most respected Americans both nationally and internationally, and that folks should embrace his integrity.

[TTUBatfan2008]

38. I don't trust the Republicans leaking this...

They are trying to set everyone up. "It comes at a time when we need momentum and it would be momentum against us." Yeah, that's why you leak this and then it MAGICALLY turns out to be an endorsement for McCain and therefore what would normally NOT be a momentum-boost for McCain is suddenly portrayed as a "game changer." What a crock of shit. I just wish he would stay silent to be honest.

[Schulzz]

7. Don't know if I believe them. Maybe they are trying to spin it against Obama if he doesn't. nt

[jezebel]

14. that's what I'm worried about too. nt

[gblady]

9. not sure

how this falls...

[scheming daemons]

11. This endorsement isn't FOR DUers.... it is for undecided voters.... this is a GOOD thing

[elocs]

12. Everybody here knows how we view Powell,

but the reality is that for the low informed ("uninformed") undecideds who cannot make up their minds, Powell is still an important figure as he is for wavering Republicans. That's simply reality no matter how much we may dislike the man.

[WeDidIt]

13. In the end, Powell will be the good soldier and endorse McCain

I have no doubts, the endorsement will go to McCain.

[scheming daemons]

17. Wanna bet? $50 donation to Obama by the loser in the name of the winner....

[WeDidIt]

26. If my budget wasn't as tight as it is, I'd take you up on it.

I cannot gamble, though, while I'm counting pennies to insure I make my mortgage payment.

[Punkingal]

20. I agree with you completely.

He will endorse McCain I believe.

[iceman66]

21. I agree.

Powell would not have donated $2,300 to McCain if he was "on the fence".

I think they are trying to build expecatations of an Obama endorsement just to maximize the impact when he ends up endorsing McCain instead!

[leftynyc]

25. I believe that check was in 2007

But I agree that he may endorse Mccain or endorse nobody. Anything is possible.

[WeDidIt]

36. Being a maxed out donor is an endorsement

people forget this.

[leftynyc]

39. But the check was for the primary

He hasn't given him anything for the general. That said, I don't trust Powell at all and think he could endorse mclame or not endorse anybody.

[AllentownJake]

22. Agree

[always_saturday]

35. I totally agree.

[soccermomforobama]

16. I do not trust that this is coming from Republican sources. . .

they could know he is going to endorse McCain but that is not going to get people to watch MTP. Telling people he MAY endorse Obama will get people to watch and see the great endorsement "switch-a-roo"

[iceman66]

23. Exactly.

I would be very, very surprised if this was not the case.

[Greg K]

27. IT'S A TRAP!

Well, it could be.

[muriel_volestrangler]

18. Lowering expectations ahead of the interview?

If the 'Republican sources' are coming out with this now, I think it's so that when Powell says something neutral like "both candidates have what it takes to be Commander-in-Chief", they can make the talk about that as "Powell doesn't prefer Obama", rather than "Republican Secretary of State from 2 years ago thinks Democratic candidate just as good as the Republican", which is what the actual 'news' would be.

[WI_DEM]

19. Whatever I may personally think of Powell, this will be a big boost with independent voters, so good

[ej510]

24. Did you read the racist responses?

[spanone]

28. i don't think powell carrys much weight anymore....but if he can embarrass mccain.....

[scheming daemons]

29. He carries weight in the MEDIA.... it will be a 2 or 3 day story.... Obama winning news cycles

is what it is all about.

[kwolf68]

31. I think he's endorsing McCain

Powell is damaged goods and this is the one thing that could get McCain a little boost.

I would be utterly SHOCKED to see this war-mongering jackass endorse Barack..if he does however, it's game over. And if he does it may mean Powell has confessed his sins to his God and is now making retribution for all the evil and death he has brought to the world.

I do NOT like that he did this shit, but if he comes clean I'll respect that.

[Democat]

32. Watch out, it's a trap!

In this case, it very well might be a trap.

Leak rumors that Powell is endorsing Obama, let the media run with it, then sucker punch Obama at the last second by endorsing McCain.

When Republican sources leak something, it's usually for a reason.

[Jersey Devil]

33. The leaks are coming from Republicans, very telling

A possible setup for all of next week if he endorses McCain instead. It reminds me of the raising expectations game for the other side in the debates.

[nc4bo]

34. Cynically speaking; I agree. A Powell endorsement should be treated like a nonstory.

Unworthy of any Dem excitement.

If he does, then it can become a legitimate topic of conversation until then, let it go PLUNK.

[Cha]

37. We know it will make tom brokaw's

head explode if he does.

[City Lights]

40. They "believe." 'Nuff said. They have no proof and are only speculating.

I won't believe it until I hear it from Powell himself.