Novakula says Colin Powell to endorse Obama "at a time of his choosing"

[jefferson_dem]

The Obamacons Who Worry McCain

By Robert D. Novak
Thursday, June 26, 2008; A19

What is an "Obamacon?" The phrase surfaced in January to describe British conservatives entranced by Barack Obama. On March 13 the American Spectator broadened the term to cover all "conservative supporters" of the Democratic presidential candidate. Their ranks, though growing, feature few famous people. But looming on the horizon are two big potential Obamacons: Colin Powell and Chuck Hagel.

Neither Powell, first-term secretary of state for George W. Bush, nor Hagel, retiring after two terms as a U.S. senator from Nebraska, has endorsed Obama. Hagel probably never will. Powell probably will enter Obama's camp at a time of his own choosing. The best bet is that neither of the two, both of whom supported President Bush in 2000 and 2004, will back John McCain in 2008.

Powell, Hagel and lesser-known Obamacons harbor no animosity toward McCain. Nor do they show much affection for the rigidly liberal Obama. The Obamacon syndrome is based on hostility to Bush and his administration and on revulsion over today's Republican Party. The danger for McCain is that desire for a therapeutic electoral bloodbath could get out of control.

<SNIP>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/25/AR2008062501942_pf.html

Halperin says -- "The Page float: Powell as the surprise keynote speaker at the Democrats’ convention in Denver."

http://thepage.time.com/2008/06/26/novak-sees-colin-powell-defection-to-obama/

[AndyA]

1. I just don't care what Powell thinks or does.

He lied to us. He lied to the United Nations. He was instrumental in ensuring this lie of a war in Iraq happened. He has the blood of our dead troops on his hands.

The man is a liar, a traitor, and a crook. He should be in jail. I don't care who he endorses.

[Teaser]

7. You don't. I don't.

But tons of people do.

Use him. Wring him dry.

[FSogol]

2. Powell is completely discredited. His opinion or support do not matter.

If Powell wants to be forgiven, he needs to come clean.

[tekisui]

3. I agree with his lack of credibility.

However, it stands as a testament to how sad a candidate Mcdubs is.

[chimpymustgo]

10. Powell needs to go before the truth and reconciliation commission. Admit his crimes.

[phrigndumass]

4. Regardless of how people feel about Colin Powell ...

this is a General who is endorsing Obama. That is very good news!

K/R :thumbsup:

[TheCowsCameHome]

5. Powell has 0 credibility, as nice as an endorsement by a general sounds

He blew it back in 2003. He is history.

[Clark2008]

14. Do you people ever visit the real world?

Most Americans still adore Colin Powell and don't care what he did in the lead-up to the Iraqi War.

[polmaven]

15. He may have 0 credibility to us,

but to many, many people in this country, he is still a respected and trusted General. Please don't discount the value of an endorsement to the "low information" voters we are all trying to sway to our side.

[tishaLA]

6. Hagel has no animosity toward McCain?

I don't believe that one for a second.

[Rowdyboy]

8. While he has no credibility with me, I think many voters don't pay close attention....

I expect this will be a very valuable endorsement.

[stray cat]

9. I think the endorsement will be very good for its perception to independents and moderate repubs

[blogslut]

11. I agree

It is about perception. To the average American, he is still a respected figure who had sense enough to get out of the Bush administration while the getting was good.

Mind you, I have no love for him. Colin Powell has been covering up crony crimes since My Lai. His vial-shaking performance in front of the UN did more to sell the IRAQ war than all the neocon pundits, evil vice presidents and complicit press combined.

As for Halperin's suggestion that Powell will be the keynote speaker @ the Democratic convention, I find that rather preposterous.

And Novak? Meh, with the Powell prediction. The little birdies already twittered about that months ago.

[Maureen1322]

12. Whatever

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

13. "rigidly liberal" Obama??? If only that were true.

The Wingnuts have nothing else, do they??!??!?! :shrug:

[malik flavors]

16. I still respect Gen. Powell, and his endorsement will be a great moment in the campaign.

Independents will love it. I also give credit to Powell for leaving the Bush administration when he did. He realized what was happening then packed up and left.

[TheCowsCameHome]

17. He should have left BEFORE he gave his speech at the UN

That's what a real leader would have done.

[Occam Bandage]

18. I still have a generally-positive view of him, though (much like with McClellan), I find it hard

to get over the fact that he was in a position to prevent the war in Iraq by telling the truth, and chose misguided loyalty and job security over the well-being of the nation and the world.

Still, I appreciate that he still commands some respect in America, and that he has chosen to lend what support he can to Obama. That's a good thing, regardless of my conflicted opinion of his character.

[Phoonzang]

19. Among the general public (i.e. not DU)

Powell still has a lot of pull and there's still plenty of respect out there for him. His endorsement of Obama would be a tremendous coup. Take your allies were you can get them...there's no sense of practicality on this board.