What does Colin Powell believe?

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Party platforms may seem anachronistic. But you would think that high-profile members would read and adhere to a party's underlying beliefs.

That makes Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama all the more strange.

The distinguished general and gentleman is certainly free to endorse anyone he likes. We have no quarrel with him on that point.

But we have to wonder: Why does he call himself a Republican?

Barack Obama would appear to stand for just about everything Republicans are against -- including bigger government, more spending, government redistribution of wealth, open borders and abortion on demand.

On the latter, Barack Obama actually said during the primary campaign that he wouldn't want his daughters "punished with (an unwanted) baby." Punished? Babies are punishment?

Moreover, he has pledged that his first act as president will be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act, which would codify Roe v. Wade into law.

The sanctity of human life is a pretty fundamental tenet of the Republican Party. Colin Powell doesn't believe in it.

And so are conservative, don't-rewrite-the-Constitution judges. Yet, amazingly, Powell said one reason for his Obama endorsement is that "I would have difficulty with two more conservative appointments to the Supreme Court, but that's what we'd be looking at in a McCain administration."

Come again? Precisely what is Powell's objection to a "conservative" justice? That he or she would correctly interpret the U.S. Constitution and refrain from legislating from the bench? What kind of Republican takes that stance?

Answer: a Republican in Name Only, a.k.a. a RINO.

Finally, you have to wonder why a highly decorated military veteran and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would pass over John McCain, a war hero and former POW with impeccable national security credentials, to endorse a man whose friends have bombed the Pentagon, been photographed stepping on the American flag and been filmed wishing that God would damn America.

Given that Powell doesn't support the Republican platform anyway, his endorsement is meaningless anyway. But it still ranks as one of the most bizarre political stances in memory.

Comments

RonRoberts

Actually, based on the criteria set by CURRENT republicans, IF Colin Powell were for "bigger government" and "more spending," then he'd be endorsing another Republican, wouldn't he? He was the Secretary of State under the current president who now has us doling out $10 billion a month in Iraq - which as we all know was a mistake. When the WORLD was tellling us to wait for more proof, we "maverickly" went in, and now the American taxpayer foots the bill for Bush's daddy-complex while the nation of Iraq itself has a surplus.

# # # And which presidential candidate proposed MORE government spending to buy up bad mortgages? Spending freeze? WHAT spending freeze???

# # # Again how many times does it have to be said: Barack Obama is no "friend" of William Ayers. They served on the same board; that doesn't make them "friends." The late congressman Charlie Norwood served in Congress at the same time as former Florida congressman Mark Foley; does that, then, mean, that Norwood was a "friend" or "associated" with a probable child molester? Of course not. Obama has never condoned Ayers' actions and has made it a point to repudiate them,

RonRoberts

And why is it okay, in the mind of this editorial board, and the G.O.P., to "REDISTRIBUTE WEALTH" when it's taxpayer money going to bail out corporations (while CEO's enjoy multi-million dollar bailout severanaces), but wiping out the Bush tax cut on those making over a quarter of a MILLION DOLLARS and cutting taxes on the middle class is bad? But what's REALLY funny is, I don't recall this publication ever writing a RINO attack about Colin Powerll before. How odd! I mean, its not as if his pro-choice tendencies are a new revelation

GACopperhead

Just out....Al Qaeda has endorsed McCain. This is not a joke.

Paws..

"how many times does it have to be said: Barack Obama is no "friend" of William Ayers. They served on the same board; that doesn't make them "friends." Posted by RonRoberts on Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:11 AM ......>>>>>..... Say it as many times as you want Ron but it's still a lie. B.Ho's political career began in the Ayers home. They were not only friends, they are truely kindred spirits.

christian134

Powell has certainly done an about face or so it seems....Maybe he was pretending to be all about morals as well as a man whose supposed belief was the welfare and security of this great nation...Now it seems he, Powell, has always had these semi-conservative beliefs and has neatly fallen in line with the many who believe that Obama is the long awaited "savior"...

JesusIsComing

Conservatives have known Powell's Republican "roots" were an inch deep for a long time. Powell is about Powell. He cares what the media say about him and was upset because he was seen as backing President Bush on Iraq - so he distanced himself. That did not rehabilitate him in the eyes of the press - so he found a way to ingratiate himself with them now. It doesn't hurt that Obama is related to Black people either, as is Colin Powell. John McCain was once a media darling also when he opposed President Bush on several matters. But the media has chosen a Savior and all opponents must be destroyed. Powell, who should have all the glory he needs by now, still seeks glory. Let's hope he has backed the wrong horse.

fred1217

It's obvious that Gen. Powell has been "Living in America" for the last 8 years. That would be my guess why he didn't endorse John McCain.

fred1217

That's funny...The editor stated that: "But it still ranks as one of the most bizarre political stances in memory." Wow, what about Zell Miller. I guess nobody remembers him giving the keynote address at the Republican Convention. That's why they call it "Fair and Balanced" reporting and liberal media bias.

patriciathomas

Powell is black. Obama is black. I wonder why Powell would go against everything he's professed to believe in during his entire life to endorse a radical Marxist. It probably has nothing to do with skin color. Who's surprised?

GACopperhead

All Republicans can do is spout their tired old excuses. They have failed this country for 8 years and think that by preaching fear and lies often enough, it will make their fantasies come true. Wealth has been redistributed to to wealthy for way too long, and their motto has been "Let them eat cake". The lies that they use to justify pandering to the rich have been proven for what they are by the collapse of the Republican backed mortgage and banking system. Palin is a corrupt, secessionist religious fanatic. McCain insists on no timetable even though the Sovereign Iraqi state demands one. He insists on boosting the tax breaks for the wealthy and the corporations, even though it's proven by the unemployment statistics that they continue to send jobs overseas. It is my sincere hope that the jobs of PT and those who follow the Republican party are all sent overseas, so that they may get a taste of what it's like to be on the other side of the coin. Most Democrats work and pay taxes, and they have a right to stop the Republicans from picking their pockets. Besides, Al Qaeda backs McCain, so he must be a real winner.

GACopperhead

PT, is that the best excuse you can give? Your choice of parties and candidates shows your morals, take from the poor and give to the rich. Ignore intelligence and integrity, and blame race. I would be embarrassed to put proof out to the world that I was an elitist, greedy, corrupt, racist Republican. The real shame is that you actually believe what you say. Astounding.

fred1217

Justus4 that's too complicated. It's far more simplistic to believe the southern view espoused by patriciathomas that everything is Black and White. The root cause is really George W. Bush. After "W", Jerry Lewis, Chris Rock and even Rush Limbaugh, would be credibal candidates. Don't blame Obama, who's half white, for his blackness.

fred1217

Right wing radicals and other racists have accused blacks that support Obama as being racist. If blacks can support his "Black half" and Whites can't support his "White Half" who's really the racist here??? He's bi-racial. I hope that's not to complicated for the bottom feeders to grasp.

GACopperhead

Anything is too complicated for them, that's why they're Republican.

patriciathomas

GaC,It's not a matter of taking from the poor to give to the rich. The achievers seem to gain money just fine because of preparation and effort, just as the nonachievers seem to give up money because of poor preparation and effort. Only the weak minded and lazy need to be coddled by the nanny state.

GACopperhead

Of course Republicans don't understand Powell's reservations about 2 more "conservative" Supreme Court justices, there should be a balance, and the Constitution should be interpreted as it's writers intended, which is protection of FREEDOM, that is antithesis to a Republican, after all they would love the Supreme Court to ok, illegal wiretaps, trials based on the "testimony" of covert, unidentified informants and trials without any Constitutional protections. They don't understand that the Constitution protects EVERYONE, not just the elite. If they do it to some, one day it will be done to everyone. The Republican agenda mirrors the times leading up to Hitler's taking over Germany. They say blacks aren't qualified, that the poor deserve what they get, and blame everyone else for the problems they create. We cannot let that happen.

GACopperhead

PT, I am neither weak minded or lazy. Your statement justifies my preceding comment. You haven't got a clue, because you're part of the problem. Achievers like Palin? Achievers like all the mortgage lenders who caused the banking failure? Achievers like Cheney's buddies at Enron? Like Keating? Like Stevens, Craig and Foley? WOW! I've been wrong all these years.........

shivas

Meaningless? Then why write such a fearful editorial? The right-wing is getting, what we used to call as kids, smeared. When that happens, the only thing left is to call names and make excuses. Just read the posts by patriciathomas. She's at home building her survival shelter as we speak. She's long-known for being fearful of black people, or anyone who is different from her. She's a great reason for the death of the right-wing we are all witnessing.

I4PUTT

Here we go again. The Gacopperhead comedy hour. Man this gets old.

TechLover

Notice how it's the right wing posters who bring up Obama being the "savior" or "messiah" and that race thing. If you listened to the interview, Colin Powell explained why he's supporting Obama. At least he's not challenging people to duels like (I've totally lost my mind and become republican) Zell.

a crazy old man

The distinguished general Colin Powell thinks just like the rest of the afro/Americans. That is since Barack Obama is a half breed they shoud support him. DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

TechLover

I suggest those that are so against the gov "nanny" state send back their stimulus checks and when of age, refuse social security and medicare.

GACopperhead

I4putt, is that all you can say? I guess when you can't argue a fact, the only thing to do is insult. RIP to the Republican agenda. No more wealth for the thieves, give it to those who actually work for a living, unlike the CEOs of Enron, AIG and Fannie/Freddie. I wouldn't be surprised if Obama even takes Georgia. We hear about the Bradley effect, but no one is talking about the Bush/Republican effect. I think there are more ex-Repubs than are letting on. We'll see on November 2.

shivas

Meaningless? Obama has jumped to over a 10 point lead since the endorsement. Poor AC, what a stupid argument questioning conservatism through a Supreme Court litmus test. Guess what, Obama is leading in the catholic vote. Maybe you can write a piece how they should all be excommunicated. Palin is also sinking in the polls as those who view her favourable continues to decline to below 50%. Keep up the attacks, it's helping Obama immenely!

GACopperhead

With two weeks to go until Election Day, Obama now leads his Republican rival by 10 points among registered voters, 52 to 42 percent, up from 49 to 43 percent two weeks ago.

Obama's current lead is also fueled by his strength among independent voters (topping McCain 49 to 37 percent), suburban voters (53 to 41), Catholics (50 to 44) and white women (49 to 45). Hmm, so as the insane man says, I'm the only sane one, everyone else is nuts...

willistontownsc

So, according to the ACES world, the Goldwaters and Eisenhowers are also RINOs, too, huh?

patriciathomas

GaC, you've been convinced of some of the most bizarre things. The constitution needs to be reinterpreted? The system that made this country great needs to be reinvented? I believe Enron did best when Clinton was in control and failed immediately upon losing support after the 2000 election. Fannie and Freddie belong to the far left. AIG failed. The Bradley effect is preparation for the big whine. Just like last time. Your "interpretation" of history is very Democratic.

SupremeChancellor

Powell endorsing Obama makes it clear that he has no core principles anymore. Powell has been dead politically for a few years now and this is nothing but an attempt to make himself relevant again. He cares more about resurrecting his political career than sticking to his beliefs system...that is if he ever had any beliefs. And before anybody gives me the line about him serving his country...I did too....it doesn't make me free from criticisim and it doesn't make him either.

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