Colin Powell Endorses Obama

Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State, made a convincing argument for his endorsement of Barack Obama for President during his televised Meet the Press interview yesterday. Powell, a former general and secretary of state, who directed the first Iraq war, called Obama a "transformational figure," ready to assume the Presidency. He also criticized the divisive "approach" of McCain and his campaign and said McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as the nominee for vice president, and her activity the past seven weeks, weighed in on his decision to back Obama. Powell stated that Palin is not ready to assume the role of the President, should that event occur.

Powell praised Obama for reaching across all lines - racial, gender, religious, social and economic - and for his breadth of intelligence and substance. He was troubled by McCain's recent reactions to the world and domestic economic crisis, saying that McCain varied his response daily, demonstrating that he did not fully grasp the crisis. He also denounced senior Republicans who labeled Obama a Muslim. Not only is Obama a Christian, but Powell asked: "Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America."

To see the Meet the Press video, go to this link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27265490#27265490.