The Colin Powell Endorsement - The GOP response

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

McCain, appearing on "Fox News Sunday," sought to minimize the endorsement by noting his support from other former secretaries of state and retired military flag officers.

"This doesn’t come as a surprise," McCain said. "But I'm also very pleased to have the endorsement of four former secretaries of state ... and I'm proud to have the endorsement of well over 200 retired generals and admirals. I respect and continue to respect and admire Secretary Powell."

While McCain only reiterated his respect for Powell when asked about the move, others in the GOP were more candid.

One prominent conservative who knows both McCain and Powell said that for all the Secretary of State's criticism of McCain and his praise of Obama, the move had less to do with the two candidates for president than the current occupant of the Oval Office.

"Powell cares a lot about his reputation with Washington elites and he thinks he was badly damaged by his relationship with the Bush administration," said this Republican. "So this is a way to make up for what he regarded as not being treated well by the Bush administration, not being given the due deferenece he thinks he deserves."

And that Powell would make his decision known in the closing weeks of the election, as it becomes increasingly clear that Obama is the favorite, reflects a calculated political move, says this source.

"Let's be honest – do we think Powell would be doing this if Obama had been trailing six or seven points in the polls?" the source asked, deeming Powell's endorsement "a Profile in Conventional Wisdom."

A friend of the former Secretary of State sharply dismissed the idea that Powell's move had anything to do with making up for his service in the Bush years.

"Anybody who is making the argument about 'rehabiliation' was not listening to what he had say today," said the friend, suggesting Powell clear that he was unhappy with the state of the party. "It's absolute horseshit."

Rush Limbaugh suggested Powell's move was very much related to Obama's status as the first African-American with a chance to become president.

"Secretary Powell says his endorsement is not about race," Limbaugh wrote in an email. "OK, fine. I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed. I'll let you know what I come up with.

"I was also unaware of his dislike for John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Anthony Kennedy and Antonin Scalia. I guess he also regrets Reagan and Bush making HIM a 4-star and Secretary of State AND appointing his son to head the FCC. Yes, let's hear it for transformational figures."

But others in the party were less dismissive, acknowledging the heft of the respected retired four-star general and the popularity he enjoys across the country.

"The Powell endorsement is a big deal," said Scott Reed, Bob Dole's campaign manager in 1996 and a close friend of McCain campaign manager Rick Davis. "It has been bantered about since August, and shows both Powell and Obama know how to make an impact in the closing days of a tight campaign."

"What that just did in one sound bite -- and I assume that sound bite will end up in an ad -- is it eliminated the experience factor," said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a Republican, in an appearance on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos. "How are you going to say the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the former National Security Adviser, former Secretary of State was taken in?"

http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uui...8D66137D46ED292

[bhajishah 4]

Yes it was a well timed endorsement..with the average of undecided 6-8 % of population voters can close in the gaps..now all the atlkers need to be voters and dooers!!

[ready4ONE 5,400]

And once again Rush opens his yap and proves yet again, he can be an even larger horses ### than previously imagined! His ability to continually out-do himself is impressive, even if his opinions aren't.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

And once again Rush opens his yap and proves yet again, he can be an even larger horses ### than previously imagined! His ability to continually out-do himself is impressive, even if his opinions aren't.

Rush wants an Obama presidency. It's good for the business he's in and it'll make his job so much easier.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

And once again Rush opens his yap and proves yet again, he can be an even larger horses ### than previously imagined! His ability to continually out-do himself is impressive, even if his opinions aren't.

Rush wants an Obama presidency. It's good for the business he's in and it'll make his job so much easier.

If that is the case, then kudo's Rush!!!

[kaydee457 13]

McCains support from former WH COS's exceeds Obama's 3:1 or more......

[Danno 1,228]

Let's be frank,

With the election down to a day-count...... these "last minute endorsements" are helpful to the

perceived winner but can anyone claim they are sincere?

If Powell was any kind of man he would have got on-board when Barak was really in need of backers. (like when Kennedy did).

This is little more than Powell jumping in front of a parade.

Who wants to bet in these Heart 2 heart conversation these two have had.... Powell has angled himself into a job.

Both will gain from this, Barak who has almost no experience will need a seasoned face for the cameras..... and Powell, he needs to redeem his lack-luster time spent in the Bush circle.

[HAL 9000 96]

Respected war general, respected Secretary of State... definitely has to sting the Republicans a lot. Why is it relevant? Because he's a Republican.

DeNial is not just a river in Egypt.

[Danno 1,228]

Respected war general, respected Secretary of State... definitely has to sting the Republicans a lot. Why is it relevant? Because he's a Republican.

DeNial is not just a river in Egypt.

He has in fact claimed to be Republican ( when they are in the white house)....

But can you name How-so?

Every time he opens his mouth and expresses his opinion it is contrary to the tenants or spirit

of the GOP.

Today he claimed he is concerned about the Supreme court.

Can you tell me a few Rulings that should worry a real Republican?

This would be a like a guy calling himself a Democrat while supporting Tom Foley or Newt G.

[HAL 9000 96]

Respected war general, respected Secretary of State... definitely has to sting the Republicans a lot. Why is it relevant? Because he's a Republican.

DeNial is not just a river in Egypt.

He has in fact claimed to be Republican ( when they are in the white house)....

But can you name How-so?

Every time he opens his mouth and expresses his opinion it is contrary to the tenants or spirit

of the GOP.

Today he claimed he is concerned about the Supreme court.

Can you tell me a few Rulings that should worry a real Republican?

This would be a like a guy calling himself a Democrat while supporting Tom Foley or Newt G.

Ask him. I didn't see/hear him make those comments. Nor am I to question obvious historical fact that he is/has been a member of the Republican party. Perhaps he'll change affiliation. Perhaps he will not. Deal with it whichever way you can.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Respected war general, respected Secretary of State... definitely has to sting the Republicans a lot. Why is it relevant? Because he's a Republican.

DeNial is not just a river in Egypt.

He has in fact claimed to be Republican ( when they are in the white house)....

But can you name How-so?

Every time he opens his mouth and expresses his opinion it is contrary to the tenants or spirit

of the GOP.

Today he claimed he is concerned about the Supreme court.

Can you tell me a few Rulings that should worry a real Republican?

This would be a like a guy calling himself a Democrat while supporting Tom Foley or Newt G.

Powell is a RINO, but he was still one of my favorite RINOs.

[nowhereman 1]

Respected war general, respected Secretary of State... definitely has to sting the Republicans a lot. Why is it relevant? Because he's a Republican.

DeNial is not just a river in Egypt.

He has in fact claimed to be Republican ( when they are in the white house)....

But can you name How-so?

Every time he opens his mouth and expresses his opinion it is contrary to the tenants or spirit

of the GOP.

Today he claimed he is concerned about the Supreme court.

Can you tell me a few Rulings that should worry a real Republican?

This would be a like a guy calling himself a Democrat while supporting Tom Foley or Newt G.

Ask him. I didn't see/hear him make those comments. Nor am I to question obvious historical fact that he is/has been a member of the Republican party. Perhaps he'll change affiliation. Perhaps he will not. Deal with it whichever way you can.

Powell is a moderate Republican... he doesn't agree with the right wing of the Republican party... so you are partially correct. McCain used to be a moderate Republican but his light saber turned red for his 2008 bid.

[IAMX 3,055]

Breaking news: It appears many Democrats are defecting as liberal Rush Limbaugh crosses lines and supports McCain.

[HAL 9000 96]

Respected war general, respected Secretary of State... definitely has to sting the Republicans a lot. Why is it relevant? Because he's a Republican.

DeNial is not just a river in Egypt.

He has in fact claimed to be Republican ( when they are in the white house)....

But can you name How-so?

Every time he opens his mouth and expresses his opinion it is contrary to the tenants or spirit

of the GOP.

Today he claimed he is concerned about the Supreme court.

Can you tell me a few Rulings that should worry a real Republican?

This would be a like a guy calling himself a Democrat while supporting Tom Foley or Newt G.

Ask him. I didn't see/hear him make those comments. Nor am I to question obvious historical fact that he is/has been a member of the Republican party. Perhaps he'll change affiliation. Perhaps he will not. Deal with it whichever way you can.

Powell is a moderate Republican... he doesn't agree with the right wing of the Republican party... so you are partially correct. McCain used to be a moderate Republican but his light saber turned red for his 2008 bid.

Rightly stated.

[Danno 1,228]

Breaking news: It appears many Democrats are defecting as liberal Rush Limbaugh crosses lines and supports McCain.

Here let me help put you "in the loop".

Rush is not Supporting Mccain.

Rush has millions that tune into his show daily... how many times has McCain been on his show?

ZERO.

Has McCain even been invited??? Nope.

Sound like "support" to you?

McCain is using this election and John McCain to damage "The One".

The poll numbers indicate, even with every thing against McCain (and Republicans) Barak is barely hanging on to a 3-4 point lead.

Rush is a Conservative, why would any true conservative want McCain in the whitehouse, it will further take the GOP off track.