It *could* be the fact that he was guilted into supporting "that one", but if you look at Powell's history, he supports whomever appears to be "on the rise" politically.

He was much more of a staunch conservative in the mid-90's, when Newt and the conservatives were elected in a landslide, and has been drifting back toward liberalism as the political winds blew in that direction.

Based on what Powell has previously stood for (supposedly), John McCain is *precisely* the candidate he should be supporting. A military man (great Commander in Chief) with moderate social policies and conservative fiscal policies. Instead he wants a guy with Socialist tendencies, and who will effectively remove the last of the checks and balances of our government. Stupid and frightening.

Blowin' in the wind. I tell you what though, something juist came across the wire about both nominees' camps being called into a high level briefing related to terror. They are going "EARLY" on the vetting of security clearances for "ALL" aides and candidates. I would love to be in on THAT ONE!

@ Todd, Jarasan, you sum it up well.

One thing God gave at creation was choice. People should respect other people's choices whether they agree or not and the name calling needs to stop. Obama has a name and he should be called by that name and not Barry. If God can respect our choices, why can't we reapect one another's?

I was very disappointed when I read about this. Many of us who served under Powell in the early 90's sincerely hoped he'd run for president someday. He was a very effective military leader who had the potential to become a great civic leader. He joined the Republican Party in 1995, but Mrs. Powell wasn't too keen on his political aspirations, fearing for his safety. As a result, General Powell has become a follower, a shill and a pawn for other politicians in both camps.

   Too bad. He could have been a real asset in changing the political climate in America. Instead, he seems quite comfortable sitting on top of the fence. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow he'll endorse a Libertarian candidate.

   Jim

@wiltay: Barry Barry beau Barry,..... Barry Barry beau Barry, Barry beau Barry..... sung to the tune of banana bo bana bana bana bo banna bo bo banna!

He chose Barry because he didn't like Barraque! "Barry" gave himself the name "Barry".

Are you censoring now in the name of God? Are you protecting Barry? Are you for real?

Barry respects no one, starting with the flag, then the first amendment, and the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The truth is, his campaign and his bid for the presidency is built on a house of lies, cheating, and misinformation.

Did you see the hit piece they did on McCain's wife in the New York Times? Compare it to Michelle O's fluff piece they did a few weeks ago. The difference is startling but not surprising.

You've fallen for the "BarryO" propaganda machine, it is a shame.

Ok, it was in the works for months, the big surprise of Powell endorsing Barry. Barry himself stated that Powell was advising him months ago, Bill Kristol knew about it months ago. They just acted surprised (the media that is).

What they forget to mention is that 5 living former Secretary of States endorsed McCain! Eagleburger, Kissinger, Haig, Baker, Schultz, and of course the current Condoleeza Rice.

From Rush Limbaugh this hurts, weekend of the knives.

Rush said:
"At any rate, flew home after the game, I guess we rolled in at 10:45 or so, got into the house at 11:30. I still wasn't aware how much it had blown up. I did a little work when I went home, went up to bed, it was a long, taxing, exhausting day. I'll tell you, it is tough physically going to a football game. I can't imagine playing in one. I got home last night feeling like I had played in the game. So I got up this morning and talked to Cookie. Cookie says, "Okay, here's a preview of the sound bite roster," and, lo and behold, the media had a cow over this. Folks, I must have struck a nerve on this because everybody in the Drive-By Media has something snarky to say about my two little paragraphs to Jonathan Martin at The Politico regarding the Powell endorsement. Now, there's something else interesting -- I got one thing wrong. It was not a Republican that nominated his son, Michael Powell, to head the FCC. Michael Powell, by the way, has not only endorsed McCain, Colin Powell's son has endorsed McCain, he is campaigning for him. Colin Powell's son is debating Obama surrogates on communications issues. What actually happened was -- and this is even more fascinating -- what actually happened was, and my friend Professor Hazlett informed me of this, it was McCain who got Michael Powell appointed to the FCC by Clinton in order to forge a relationship with his father, Colin Powell, as was reported at the time.

So McCain went out of the way, went to Clinton, said, "Please nominate Michael Powell to the FCC." Clinton did it. This was an effort by McCain to forge a continued relationship. We've also heard -- I can't substantiate this -- we've also heard that the reason that Senator McCain has had Jeremiah Wright off-limits is in hopes of getting the Powell endorsement himself. But one of the interesting things to point out about this is, who is Powell? If you stop and think about how Powell is characterized by the Drive-Bys, he's the epitome of today's moderate, right? And that moderate, Mr. Powell, that kind of person is the target for McCain's campaign, is it not? And so we see, ladies and gentlemen, just how -- I mean, he gets his kid on the FCC with Clinton, forge a relationship, bam. I don't know if McCain thought Powell was bought, but if so, it's obvious Powell doesn't stay bought for very long."