I am not a fan of Powell, but Powell helps with some undecided who are on the fence.

[JRLeft]

And some military families in Virginia.

[magical thyme]

1. Agreed.

People here need to stop kicking those who join their side, however much they may be disappointed in or angry at them for really bad judgement in the past.

Powell was a hero to many (including me) until he joint the wrong side and then betrayed us all (and hopefully his on conscience) by helping W to lie us to war. So he will never be a hero to many again, but he may still be to some in center rightists and middle of the roaders....and that makes it better that this time around he is on our side than the rw nuts.

[Jennicut]

2. Exactly.

I am no huge fan of Colin Powell. But I am happy that he endorsed Obama again. This is not for die hard liberals. This endorsement was for middle of the road undecided types.

[onenote]

3. Also helps with folks who identify themselves as repubs

but not as teabaggers -- makes it more acceptable for them to jump ship and support Obama.

[kurt_cagle]

4. Powell is an enigmatic figure

He obviously disagreed with Clinton, but I think Powell was also both a politically moderate Republican and a military officer who believed in his duty. As Sec State I think he was called on to betray his inner principals, and he did, like a good soldier, but I also think that having done that, the decisions haunted him, which is why he announced his resignation prior to Bush's term.

Powell today is wiser than he was a decade ago, and in many respects humbler. I believe he was a man who was tested, and as we all do periodically failed that test, but in the end learned the lesson the hard way. So yes, for me, Powell endorsing Obama means a lot. Ambitious men and women seem to be endorsing Romney. Wise ones are definitely moving towards Obama.

[Third Doctor]

5. I was just thinkng that Powell was going to sit this one out.

I guess I was wrong.

[bemildred]

6. You have to give credit when it's due.

Powell did the right thing this time, so give him credit for it. You don't have to change your mind about anything else.

[DCKit]

7. Looking for redemption. I'd have voted for him until he hooked up with BushCo*. nt

[bemildred]

8. See, I'd never have voted for him, but I can give him credit for good intentions.

He's a general, I don't think being a general is good preparation for being President. I know that's not the popular view.

But on the other hand, I'm willing to allow a bit of redemption. We can all use a bit of redemption now and then.