It came as little suprise to me that former Secretary of State Colin Powell has decided to endorse Senator Obama for President. Powell, who is a Republican, divulged his choice for President on NBC's "Meet the Press." His views on the presidential candidates are so strong that he has decided to break away from the Republican Party to support a Democratic candidate.
It may be some people's view that Powell can identify with Obama based on issues such as race and socieo-economic background - Powell made it quite clear that Obama's "ability to inspire" and his inclusive campaign were some of the reasons why he has decided to endorse Obama. It is unlikely however, that he does not see Obama's political platform as one he can stand behind. Despite Powell and Obama's difference in their previous political party affiliations it is evident that Powell feels more political common ground with Obama than McCain.
One might think Powell, who has a strong military background, would be a strong supporter of McCain, but he is not. It just goes to show that military experience is not a fundamental requisite for a good presidential candidate. Military experience aside, one has to think that Powell views Obama's platform as an overall better platform than McCains.
Powell questions McCain's judgement, especially in regard to McCains's choice of running mate Palin. Powell also sees that McCain's campaign has become somewhat negative overall and dislikes McCain and Palin's claims that Obama has close ties to Bill Ayers - a former 1960's radical and accused terrorist. Powell believes that linking Obama with the "washed up terrorist" Ayers only puts the United States in a bad light internationally.
Though Powell did not address McCain and Obama's energy plans directly, this endorsement of Obama from Powell seemed especially important and interesting. Maybe Powell with give us more insight into Obama's energy platform versus McCain's plan at some point in the future.
Fiona Bowie
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1 comment:
I was suprised to hear that Powell from the Republican party chose Obama to run for the next president. Hopefully Obama has more to offer when it comes to Energy security and independence.
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