DISQUS

african american political pun · 1 year ago

For me the Colin Powell endorsement is all well and good - for Barack Obama, (who I support and will vote for) but I still don't trust Colin Powell.

He may be a good soldier, who follows orders and supports the Commander and Chief. But the fact of the matter is, George Bush, Colin Powell and others lead us into a unjust war in Iraq. A war that has killed thousands of Civilians, thousands of Americans and shocked and awed both nations.

I hope Barack Obama will not bring Colin Powell into his new administration. He will disappoint millions of Americans who feel that Colin Powell was part of the Bush "Iraq War Rat Pack."

But this is just one black man's opinion.

ceecee · 1 year ago

I was listening to NPR and they said it was good for the Obama campaign to help with the Ayers stain.
But in my opinion, just to avoid these people from raising the ruckus they are now raising, Powell should've just voted for Obama at the polls.

Curious Texan · 1 year ago

I wasn't sure what General Powell meant by "transformational," so I did a little research on the subject and found this excellent synopsis of Transformational Leadership.

Towards the end of the article is this interesting tidbit:

"One of the traps of Transformational Leadership is that passion and confidence can easily be mistaken for truth and reality. Whilst it is true that great things have been achieved through enthusiastic leadership, it is also true that many passionate people have led the charge right over the cliff and into a bottomless chasm. Just because someone believes they are right, it does not mean they are right."

Given the full meaning of transformational leadership, I would have to agree with General Powell that Barack Obama would be a transformational president.

Carmen D. · 1 year ago

Hey AAPP, welcome to the conversation. So good to 'see' you here. As you well know, your opinion is a widely held one. And I now accept that the Iraq war has been unjust on the Iraqi people and a reckless example of how not to deploy America's 'blood and treasure.'

Still, I would like to see Colin Powell in an Obama administration (...I see you wincing...). I believe his counsel would be helpful in Afghanistan and in dealing with Iran and North Korea.

Carmen D. · 1 year ago

Hey CeeCee, welcome to the conversation. Just before Powell's endorsement was confirmed, a black columnist from the Washington Times said something similar to your point. I disagree because we cannot let the brash voices of the right "control the dialogue." As I wrote, I am not surprised by the 'push back.'And many Americans who watched and listened to Powell KNOW that his endorsement for Obama goes far beyond race.

Carmen D. · 1 year ago

Hey Curious Texan, welcome to the conversation. I think it is great that you've read about 'transformational leadership.' These days too few people feel compelled to research an idea if they have questions about it. As an Obama supporter, what I will say to you is that of course: "Just because someone believes they are right, it does not mean they are right.”

But just because YOU believe they are wrong does not mean that they are wrong. Bottom line is that I probably feel about McCain/Palin the way you feel about Obama/Biden. On November 5th, no matter which one of our picks wins you and I will have to work in concert to get America going on the right track again.

Deanna Shoss · 1 year ago

Dawn Turner Trice, a columnist at the Chicago Tribune started a similar thread on her blog, Exploring Race, today as well. For me, I think it's two-dimensional to suggest that any time an African American person supports an African American candidate it's simply out of loyalty to race. It insults the qualifications of the candidate and the autonomy and depth of the voter and the examples you point out clearly demonstrate the double standard (e.g. Joe Lieberman, etc.) On that same theory, it would logically follow that all women would vote for the McCain/Palin ticket to support the woman candidate. That my have been the theory in selecting Palin, but I believe that strategy has backfired, given her qualifications (or lack thereof) and position on issues." (I've blogged about this as well at www.interculturaltalk.org.).

Eugene · 1 year ago

Now everyone is talking about the American economy and eclections, nice to read something different. Eugene

n-2-me-i-c · 1 year ago

Carmen, in response to the question at the end of your post:

Pat Buchanan, Rush Limbaugh and numerous others see this election based on race. Racialized black-and-white thinking is part their DNA. Unfortunately, that kind of diseased mind set is in places all over America and won’t be going away any time soon even if Obama wins.

IMO, it doesn't matter how much time and careful in-depth thought Powell gave to his decision; and it doesn't matter how exceptional Obama may as a leader for America and the world; nor does it matter that a number of Republicans have endorsed and ‘crossed over’ to vote for Obama…. They will conclude that Colin Powell endorsed Obama PRIMARILY because he is Black…

Thanks for the post.

fcg#p · 1 year ago

I believe that colin powell innoculated himself.
Obie, Kucinich, Murtha, Waxman, etc. have been laying the
groundwork for post election trials of Bush & Co. for
war crimes. This move will make Powell untouchable.
This isn't racial and any pundit who says so is in the wrong
business. This was a calculated move for self preservation and not
a whole hearted endorsement. not to mention, his speaking fees
probably just doubled.

Alan · 1 year ago

I believe that this endorsement from General Colin Powell is a very impressive one. People need to remember that he left the Bush administration because he had strong disagreements with them and imagine felt lied too as everyone else after NO WMD were found. He has a very reasoned explanation for his decision and gives me faith that the real truth does triumph in the end. I am sure Mr. Obama is euphoric over this distinguished endorsement.

Norrish Hall · 1 year ago

Is it about race?
Only one person knows for sure…and that’s Powell
Of course, Powell claims that he’s not happy with the “rightward shift” of the Republican party. But is there any merit in his accusation???
Listen to the views of Republican Senator Michelle Bachmann
Click to watch Senator Michelle Bachmann’s interview on Hardball
So...what do you think??. is Colin Powell was just being overly sensitive, or does he have a point???

Jim · 1 year ago

A couple of points, first, it is not just white conservatives who are making the point about racial loyalty. So do a number of black conservatives, men and women, speaking OF THEMSELVES, who say they have "come around" to support of Obama for just that very reason, believing "it is time" for an African-American president. If Powell feels that way also, he is not alone, but it is his right in any case.

The second point is this: Powell is a loyal and conscientious man who has been stung deeply in his service to President Bush. He has been misled, misused, and ungraciously shown the door. He has borne this outrage with amazing strength, dignity, and bearing. Remember also that Bush II did not heed his advice, as Bush I did about Iraq. Powell was vindicated by events.

He may now be sizing up McCain and possibly sensing an impulsiveness that frightens him as a military man. Moreover, he may have concluded that Palin would be hopeless in the role of Commander-in-Chief. I am not a mind-reader, but I imagine some kind of thinking like this occurred.

Obama will need a man like Powell at his side. My hope is that he will listen and exercise prudence, especially regarding Afghanistan and Pakistan -- the kind of prudence that Powell urged on both Bushes, with varying results.

8thlight · 1 year ago

Not completely on the topic, but I just don't trust Powell after joining the Bush administration and not fighting for his country while he was there. I just see this endorsement as a P.R. move on his part. I hope he's sincere, but I am not totally sold.

cinco · 1 year ago

Even with all his contributions to America, his military career, his inteligence and his long history of respect, it doesn't matter He's still Black and that's enough to discredit as well as disbelieve him by today's standards! (Or lack there of)