The great thing about the Powell endorsement.
Oct 19th, 2008 | By benwyskida | Category: Politics
Fine, fine, he endorsed Barack Obama. But he also made the most impassioned, on-message, and seemingly sincere case I've heard for why there is nothing wrong with being a Muslim. Thank you! Watch the whole thing through if you haven't already.
here here! When I heard him reference the hopes of (muslim) American children, and the sacrifice of (muslim) American soldiers, all as a defense of what makes America great, I almost wept. I have been waiting to hear someone of his stature say this for months now. Years, actually.
Yes! Absolutely.
too bad he only endorsed because he’s black…
http://firedoglake.com/2008/10/19/george-will-colin-powell-endorsed-obama-because-hes-black/
Fuck his endorsement. This is a man who lied to the nation about WMDs and defended the administration’s reasons for going to war. This doesn’t let him off the hook for anything–yes, his endorsement was impassioned but where were his balls in 2003?
i agree with Shaun but am still excited for one single reason: this LOOKS GOOD for Barack Obama. At this point I have become such a total shill that I’m willing to say, okay yes this man led us into this war but if it helps us win this thing I don’t care.
That is a little sad actually and I wish I didn’t feel this way and felt more principled. I will add “self-hate” to the tags.
There is frequent speculation that Powell was forced in to giving that testimony so the neo-cons could destroy his credibility and keep him and his centrist politics from being a threat in future elections.
discuss.
I agree with Ben on this one. If it helps, at this point, good. For the Iraq war, there is plenty of guilt to go around, but right now this country really needs to unfuck itself and if Powell’s endorsement helps, well that works for me.
And Stirling makes a good point, though I do wonder, how did they “force” him? No one put a gun to his head. He is responsible for his role in this sad chapter of history.
Stirling, I don’t see how pushing themselves even farther to the right makes neo-cons any more likely of attracting votes sufficient to win elections. I think Powell is one of the most widely respected men in recent history. By distancing themselves from him, neo-cons make the Republican party that much less relevant to the electorate.
I think the Republican party will have to undergo drastic changes in its core platform before the next election, or they’ll continue to hemorrhage power. Personally I could see them embracing their economic libertarian side more and downplaying their focus on social issues, but only time will tell that.
I agree… with everyone above. It’s an odd feeling…