Powell Power Behind Obama - Open Thread
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign." > Full Coverage
This is REALLY BIG TIME!! Colin Powell is one of the most respected men in the US. Again, we MUST CLOSE THE DEAL!!! -- ernie0326
Add a Comment
Get Closer to BV
Find a Message Board
Find out what members are saying about everyone from Barack to Beyonce. There are nearly 100 forums from which to choose. Click on a category below and discover the right board for you.
Our Lens Sept. 1
Hector Jackson (C), who impersonates the late US pop star Michael Jackson, gestures while he takes part in the "I do dance Thriller" event which attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the biggest mass "Thriller" dance, in Mexico City, on August 29. Up to 15,000 people are expected to take part in a potentially record breaking mass performance of Michael Jackson's famed "Thriller" dance on the day he would have turned 51.
Omar Torres, AFP/ Getty Images
A long line of fire marches west towards the communities of Acton and Sunland-Tujanga on August 31 in Los Angeles, California. At least 18 homes were destroyed and 12,000 more homes and 500 commercial buildings are being threatened in the fire which already took two lives. The wildfire, which broke out Wednesday afternoon near a ranger station and the Angeles Crest Highway above La Canada Flintridge, has forced thousands of evacuations.
Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images
Venus Williams of the United States reaches for a shot against Vera Dushevina of Russia during day one of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, in Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
Chris McGrath, Getty Images
A Kenyan Muslim child reads verses from the Quran, Islam's holy book, on the fifth day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in a Madrassa (Religion School), in Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday, Aug. 26. Muslims throughout the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, where observants fast from dawn till dusk.
Sayyid Azim, AP
Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off from launch pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center on August 28, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Discovery is scheduled for a 13-day mission to the International Space Station.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Host Vanessa Williams performs with dancer Gilles Marini onstage at the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at The Orpheum Theatre on August 30, in Los Angeles, California.
Jesse Grant, WireImage
A girl plays with tomato pulp during the annual "Tomatina" tomato fight fiesta in the village of Bunol, near Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 26. Bunol's town hall estimated more than 40,000 people, some from as far away as Japan and Australia, took up arms Wednesday with 100 tons of tomatoes in the yearly food fight known as the 'Tomatina' now in its 64th year.
Alberto Saiz, AP
Tom Wainaina recounts the events that lead to his being burned over most of his upper body August 26 in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Wainaina was burned by a group of men during post-election violence in Kenya's disputed 2007 presidential election. Ethnic-tribal violence left over 1,000 people dead. The non-governmental organization (NGO) Concern, in cooperation with local Kenyan groups, has launched a campaign to provide the urban poor with cash grants to start a business or get back on their feet after suffering disproportionately from post-election violence in 2007. The money is transferred to the recipients via a mobile phone which insures a safe and simple financial transaction to customers who don?t have bank accounts. Wainaina is one of dozens of Kibera residents to receive the assistance of a cash grant. Hairdressers, grocery stores and food vendors are just some of the businesses that have been financed through the program.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images
People standing near the grave of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY) look at the grave of Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) at Arlington National Cemetery August 30, in Arlington, Virginia. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) was buried yesterday next to his brothers President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY) after he died of brain cancer on August 25.
Brendan Smialowski, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama takes out his daughters Malia (R) and Sasha (2nd L) and niece Suhaila Ng (L) to shop in the Alleys general store on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, on August 30, 2009.
Jewel Samad, AFP/ Getty Images
Comments: (58)
Add a comment
By: Sr. João Manuel de Morais da Silva on 10/20/2008 1:34AM
Rádio Nacional de Angola conducted an interview with Dr. André Action Diakité Jackson this afternoon in Luanda on the topic of General Colin Powell’s support for U. S. Presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama.
Here is a particularly revealing excerpt:
“For such a seasoned individual, who brought so much credibility to the Bush administration, General Powell has earnestly struck the nerve of voters who questioned Barack Obama’s experience with his endorsement of Senator Obama.
We should not be surprised by his announcement, for this avowal has positively made more of an impact on those voters who have been categorized as “undecided”.
I’m not injudicious enough to miscalculate the American voter in 2008; however, I would like to challenge those particular individuals to carefully contemplate some particulars before coming to a conclusion.
For many of those who are still demonstrating skepticism with regard to casting their vote for Senator Obama on November 4th, they must ask themselves ONE simple question:
Which VICE-PRESIDENT would I feel most comfortable with assuming the role of President, if one of the presidential candidates failed to complete their term?
This will certainly provide many of us with an elevated level of equanimity once we’re behind closed doors or standing inside the voting booth on Election Day.”
Jackson went on to say:
“Apart from race, there are many non-blacks who will surely vote for Senator Obama exclusively considering his capacity to lead.
Conversely, African Americans have learned from their previous oversights of attempting to convert a Clergyman or Civil Right leader into an elected official possessing an aspiration to occupy the nation’s highest elected position.
Moreover, when we look at how the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X came to an end, as well as Rev. Jesse Jackson’s failure to prevail in his quest to be President of the United States, America has finally have produced an above-board presidential candidate in Barack Obama.
For the first time in my life I have a reason to become "political" and I truly feel comfortable saying this on behalf of many Americans who surely feel the same way.
Lastly, I must confess, Barack Obama inspires this (African) continent as much as he does inside North America.”
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Ms. Shelly on 10/19/2008 5:13PM
I'm glad Colin Powell endorsed Obama! He said in his own words, "Obama, is a transformational figure and he is ready to lead this country for change". He said that he didn't like the attacking on Obama in the McCain camp. He spoke the truth about McCain's selection for Vice President, Gov. Sarah Palin. She is not ready to lead if something happens to McCain!
It figures McCain would respond this morning on how he has so many people that endorsed him and that it was "Expected", that Powell endorsed Obama? What does that mean? Just because he is black? I DON'T THINK SO! It's because Obama is qualified in his eyes and we need him to turn this country around and get back on the right track! As a was turning the channel back and forth, Fox Network didn't say too much about Powell's endorsement, like his endorsement doesn't' count? PLEASE! YES IT DOES, AND YES WE CAN! "CHANGE IS ON IT'S WAY"!!!!! :-)
"OBAMA/BIDEN 2008"
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: p andreu on 10/19/2008 6:57PM
for someone who said this country was not ready for a black president, he sure jumped on the bandwagon real quick, i just lost respect for the man, if Colin Powell would have been the candidate i would have voted for him in a heartbeat, but this is a democrat excersising their right not to vote for a democrat, it's a shame that there are not any good candidates and we have to make a choice to vote for the lesser evil. i refuse to vote democrat this year and just like the one's the put Bush in office twice regretted the decision, those that vote democrat will also regret their decision.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: gabrie on 10/19/2008 8:29PM
I am very happy that Colin Powell endorsed Barack, not because he's a black man but because he's an intelligent man and he knows what's been going on in the White House and he knows the difference between right and wrong, he knows that change is what is needed, this country has to be lifted back up, that won't happen if McCain wins, this is not a black or white thing, this is about people's lives, our children's education, our health care. McCain spent the majority of his campaign trying to break Obama with so many negative attacks, no one benefits from that nonesense; even now at the eleventh hour he's still attacking Obama instead of focusing on the people but what does he care about the working men and women of the world and the lack of jobs or health care, he and Cindy are rich, this economy doesn't affect them one way or another. I'm glad Colin was able to see through this man's foolishness, we need a breath of fresh air, someone with new ideas and the audacity to hope. He was dead on about Sarah Palin, could you imagine this women being the President of the USA, God help us all!!!!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Charden on 10/19/2008 7:47PM
We still need to get ourselves and everyone we know is eligible out to Barack the Vote. We can't get passive on this one because of big endorsements. The greatest endorsement for Obama would be a landslide victory due to the actual number of popular votes and support. If you are ready now-go do t before something else comes up! Early voting s happening now. Avoid the frustration of long lines and standing next to Republicans. LOL! I'm kidding. Republicans are Americans...I think.
Barack on to the White House!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Ike on 10/19/2008 8:08PM
what a metaphore, Imagine america like rome with two mighty armies. The army of the north, the Republicans, the army of the south, The democrats. mccain lead legions, against the other princes of the north, huckabe, romney, ect and now commands that army of the north. obama lead his corp aginst the might princes and the queen of a season battle group, he was raised to head the army of the south, now the two mighty armies are ingaged and the winner will be delared on election day!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: blckmoses@sbcglobal.net on 10/19/2008 8:51PM
Colin Powell was pimped by Bush. Powell and Obama are part of that mulatto & light-skin class that are in their position because of their white cousins. Bush and Powell are cousins so is Barack and Dick Cheney. How intelligent can he be to be manipulated by Bush and his crowd. Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell, soiled by Bush and they both need showers. Go Cynthia Mckinney of the Green Party. Colin Powell is a buffalo solider.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: D J on 10/19/2008 9:10PM
Colin was used by Bush and Cheney to testify before the UN because of his 90% approval rating. Colin attempted to confirm the information with the CIA director who told him the information was correct. Lied to by the president, vp and CIA director to start a war in Iraq. Colin has a heart and has wondered why his loyalty to his country, president and Republcan party was repayed with betrayal. Why has 5000 american lives been lost and tens of thousands of injures and trillion dollar down the drain all on lies. Colin knows it's time end this foolishness and McCain ain't going to. McCain says we are winning since the military surge. My question is winning what ? Just because you wave a flag, say god bless america doesn't make you more patriotic than the next person.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: manuel crockett on 10/19/2008 9:38PM
Well Blckmoses, the Buffalo Soldiers were a very respected group of Cavalry Soldiers. I suppose all Black retired army are buffalo soldiers to you which is fine because we are a formidable bunch and you don't want to f--- with us. The rest of your comment didn't make any sense.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Damilo on 10/19/2008 9:45PM
QUESTIONS FOR BLACK VOTERS (BUT YOU'LL HAVE TO BE HONEST WITH YOUR ANSWERS) DON'T ASSUME THIS IS FROM A RACIST WHITE PERSON...
There is NOTHING magical about Obama, who has been elevated by his liberal media and ACORN felons. Certainly most black Americans (and all black racists) will vote for a black, liberal & socialist Democrat. They believe they have some sort of representation in government (even though the do-nothing Congress is a Democrat majority). What has Congress honestly done for black Americans? In ignorance, many have said that Congress can't do anything because of George Bush. First, that is a lie from Hell. Second, I ask you "Do WHAT for black Americans?" Obama will NOT improve the reality of a single black American, unless he reinstates racial quotas (currently enforced as softer EO goals). Will he increase welfare? If so, he'll have to do that for the white people on welfare too. Will he give black Americans free helath care? No! That has failed completely in Europe and in Hawaii, when socialists tried this economic nightmare as a solution for people who refused to work. So, can anyone (of any color) tell me specifically how Mr. Obama will improve the lives of black Americans?
Reply to this Comment | Report This