Last Sunday, former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president. Many people view this endorsement as a huge detriment to Senator John McCain and his campaign.
The reasoning behind Powell's endorsement stemmed from Governor Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate. Palin is clearly not fit for the role as president. Plus, a narrowing of the Republican Party is a step in the wrong direction for this country during a time of economic strife.
Though McCain said on Fox News Sunday, he wasn't surprised by Powell's endorsement of Obama:
MCCAIN: I've admired and respected General Powell, we're long time friends. This doesn't come as a surprise but I'm pleased to have the endorsement of four former secretaries of states -- Secretary Kissinger, Baker, Eagleburger and Haig. But I respect and continue to respect and admire Secretary Powell.
While McCain may have toned down the impact of Powell's endorsement, he must realize the effect it plays in the remaining weeks of his campaign. Colin Powell's endorsement comes at an unfortunate time for McCain's campaign. Not only was Powell viewed as a prominent Republican figure, but as an essential politician's opinion that has influence over undecided voters who may lean to the right.
Political pundits, such as Rush Limbaugh, have cited race played a key factor in Powell's endorsement. However Powell said it best:
POWELL: If I had only had that in mind, I could have done this six, eight, 10 months ago. I really have been going back and forth between somebody I have the highest respect and regard for, John McCain, and somebody I was getting to know, Barack Obama. And it was only in the last couple of months that I settled on this. And I can't deny that it will be a historic event for an African-American to become president. And should that happen, all Americans should be proud “not just African-Americans, but all Americans “that we have reached this point in our national history where such a thing could happen. It will also not only electrify our country, I think it'll electrify the world.
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