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Obama: Powell will have a role as my advisor

Posted: Sunday, October 19, 2008 6:27 PM by Jen Brown

From Ryan Osborn, Meaghan Rady, Dan Fleschner and Missy Dunlop

After Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama on today's "Meet the Press," Obama told Matt Lauer Powell has an "open invitation" to join him on the campaign trail and spoke about a role for Powell if he is elected:

SENATOR OBAMA:
"Here is what I can say for certain.  He will have a role as one of my advisors.  He has already served in that function even before he endorsed me.  Whether he wants to take a formal role, whether there's something that's a good fit for him, I think is something that he and I would have to discuss."

Matt Lauer's exclusive interview with Sen. Obama will air on Monday's TODAY.


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Interesting, as Colin Powell has stated that his support for Obama doesn't mean the Iraq War was wrong.  I wonder how Powell would feel if Obama surrendered in Iraq as he has continually stated he he would do.

Amazing that Powell feels that Palin may not be suitable as President in the event of the demise of McCain, but feels Obama, who has less experience than Palin is suitable.  Is Powell being Sexist?  Is he playing the race card?  What is it with him?

Amazing that Powell would also subscribe to the economics of Obama of "spreading the wealth" by taking from those who hard to those who just can't get it together. Somehow, I never envisioned him as a socialist.
With Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama, John McCain is in DEEP political DOO-DOO.

And so is SILLY SARAH (Palin). OsiSpeaks.com
What Colin Powell said in this story is a significant and positive sign of respect for our world.  And a secure warning to the rest of us what a McCain/Powell would bring.  Our world needs a decompression time with mutual respect and commitment to help. What is America, but a diverse blend of ethnic backgrounds whose generations have lived peacefully together here.  We may not all 'love' each other, and there is the unfortunate existance of judgmental racism still.  BUT, if America can live together and be strong with our diversities, THAT is what we need to show the world.  The accusing and meanness from the McCains have forced Obama to defend himself,and sadly be put on the same level as McCain.  But Obama, Powell, and the rest of us DON'T have to buy into the anger that keeps McCain's campaign  going.  Defend ourselves against that lure of 'maybe it's true' type of thinking about Obama. McCain is relying on his accusations tricking the Americans stupid enough to believe it. LIES are the only thing that McCain and Palin can depend on.  WAKE UP AMEREICA!
I am very excited abut this mornings endorsement of Mr. Powell for Mr. Senator Obama.  Senator Obama is surrounding himself with good knowledgeable people.  He shows good forethough with just about all of his decisions (nobody is perfect).  I believe that he will, with the politically knowledgeable people around him, and his own outstanding knowlege, will be out our side (the people) to help him make the right decision for our country.  I think that Senator McCain made a not so calculated choice in choicing Governor Pahlin for Vice-President.  I don't think he thought it though with the country in mind.  I felt the hurt, pain and ambarrassment that Hillary Clinton must have felt.  McCain and his staff did not think if this choice was good for the country, they were playing a game to throw Hillary against Obama, and a game against the American Public, and a game with Governor Pahlin, her family and the Republican Party.  I thought they were more intelligent then that.  They are the ones that are putting themselves in a bad light.  I am not speeking badly about Governor Pahlin, just that she is not ready for this big job.  Senator McCain, let's not play games with the people of the US.  We're smarter than that.
We are a country of many strong abilities, our people are strong, hard workers and want intelligent people at the head of the country.  Don't play games with my life or my world. I also want to thank Senator McCain for his sacrafice and service to his country.  He was a very brave man to endure torture.I'm with him against torture.  And it's time for young blood in the political arena.  We need fresh faces, new ideas and a new journey.  Senator Obama is young, but has a fresh mind, control over his emotions and will make a wonderful president and impression on the younger generation coming behind him.  I wish I was younger, I would be more active.  I was part of the civil rights movement in 1956 when I was one of the first African American Student to integrate UNT in Denton, Texas.  I was terribly abused and had to leave because I could not take it anymore.  Now I have returned to the University of North Texas to complete my education and claim the degree I was so wrongly denied.  So you can gently say that I am active in our American System.  I want to show everybody, black, white, mexican or whatever you happen to be born into this world as.  Good Education is your right and we should not be throwed out of a school because of our color.
I am very disturbed by some of the comments that have appeared by TV commententors and online bloggers concerning the endorsment of Senator Obama by General Powell. While Republicans refuse to aknowledge that race is a factor in this election when it comes to remarks by members of their party they have been quick to proclaim that General Powell's endorsement was given because both he and Senator Obama areAfrican American. Pat Buchannan made this claim on HardBall yesterday. No one has claimed that Sen.Leiberman who was once a prominent Democrat is endorsing Sen. McCaine because he is White. One look at the MSNBC blog reveals vile racist comments concerning both Powell and Obama. Why are these issues being explored more openly by the press. Are we still so afraid to have an honest discussion of race in this country?
This is big stuff for Obama.  Many independents (and Republicans) respect Powell.  It slices and dices up McCain-Palin, knocking them off balance.  Timing was good, too, for Obama.  
But Obama needs some "Real Mericans" to support him.  Instead of Joe the Plumber, how about "Sam the Coal Miner"?  "Ollie the Book Salesman from Ohio?"  "Suzy the Soccer Mom from Kansas?"  Real Americans for Obama!  "Heartland Americans for Obama!"  "Patriots for Obama!" "Manny the Moose Hunter for Obama!"  "Wally the War Veteran for Obama!"  "Ralph the Retiree for Obama!"  Get these people all dressed up in appropriate garb and hold a "Real People Press
Conference" at a local McDonald's.  That's how to win the election!    
 
McCain was obviously shaken and annoyed by this (bound to be powerful in a way they rarely are) endorsement.  "Can't say I didn't expect it."  Is this a cryptic comment- racially tinged for those who may be inclined to see it as a way to write it off, yet simultaneously easily defendable?
If perple can't respect what this African American is saying, we are all doomed.  How can anyone say the race card is being played in this situation.  More white people admire and respect Powell than anyone I have ever seen and now that he doesn't go the way they want, they want to say its RACE!!! Come on already, haven't we delt with that enough?
I continue to wonder why race is still a problem in America.(Many of us recall that most caucasions believe there are no race issues today.) Are they willing now to admit there it still does exist?  Why can't America look for someone who offers solutions rather than someone who wants to smear the other candidate? I continue to look for the executive experience Sen McCain has as well as how he is different from Bush.  Is this too much to ask? Why does Powell's endorsement of Obama have to be a black thing? He outlined why he endorsed him very succinctly and some still cannot accept it. Why? I look forward to our country becoming respected both at home and abroad. I pray for more compassion and tolerance among Americans.
Bailout/Recovery Plan vs handouts and welfare. Wow! People with the golden parachutes get bailout and recovery; people with nothing get welfare and handouts. Wow, America.  The middle class pays for all of it.  For me - give my money to those who need it - those who are elderly, sick, and cannot work.  The decisions of the golden parachuters affect us - the decisions of the needy cannot hurt us.
Powell's endorsement has all but sealed the deal.  Now America, we need a change, we want a change.  Be ready for what is coming.  Our lives are lived as the best on earth (we need to take care of that too).  However, we will have to adjust to many compromises in our lifestyles for the benefit of generations to come.  We have dug ourselves into a pretty deep hole ie; the economy, dependency, war, world perception.  Change is hard, and a lot of people are not going to take it very well.  Changes are going to take time and our president is going to need our support and understanding.  He is inheriting a mess.
God Bless America.
Mike Mpls MN
I listened with interest that Powell stands behind Obama.  As a Democrat for over 40 years this news convinced me to change my vote to McCain. This is the final straw.  If Obama wins it is clear that he has bought the presidency with special interest millions and the tax payers will pay ten fold back to these supporters.  Obama started as the "first black president" along wih Hillary Clinton "the first woman president". The Democratic Party can do better and must to regain respect.  
This morning Matt Lauer proclaimed that all of Barack Obama's money, all $150,000,000, that was raised last month, came from little donations from a lot of people. A truly amazing feat since Mr Obama attended so many Hollywood fund raisers and with the dismal economy so many people could afford such a donation to his campaign.
So when did this election depend on luck? Matt asked Obama if he had a place for Collin Powell in his new government if he were "lucky enough" to be elected. Twice at least he has said that. If this is the case, why don't they just save all the taxpayers' money and roll the dice at the beginning of the process. Luck????? Is that what it comes down to for a President of the greatest nation on earth.
I have said it before, and I will say it again...I just hope, that when it is all said and done, that Obama doesn't let us down.
Frankly, what I see about this is really two persons from opposing parties that have similiar views in certain aspects. And they are both willing to colaborate. Obama did surprise me for putting parties aside to the point of sending an invitation to Powell for a greater role if Obama becomes president.
As a side note. Some people have mentioned the "race" factor regarding this support. What about the factor that Powell has one hell of a reputation both in the US as well as offshore? What about Condoleca Rice? Is she in office because of her race? What about Sarah Pallin. Was she chosen by McCain because she is a woman? In the end of the day the big question is: Is it more likely that Powell supported Obama because he is black or that McCain choose Pallin cause she is a woman?
I am not a fan of Senator Obama, however, as a Retired Army Sergeant I have a deep sense of respect for General Powell.  I know he would be an asset to any administration and would calm any doubts I have about Senator Obama should he be president.  I would like to see General Powell as Secretary of Defense or National Security Advisor.
Linda, here's the idea:

With McCain, under 200k per year, your taxes stay just as high as they are now; With Barack they are lower.

With McCain, it's a little harder to ever achieve that American Dream; With Barack, it's a little easier.

With McCain, if you already are enjoying the American Dream, he will help prevent others from joining you; With Barack, once he's helped you achieve the American Dream, he's saying it's time to pay back that help, and help others join you in achieving what you have.

I'd say that's a noble goal.
It's just a matter of using good common sense.  It does not make sense that someone could run for office and not answer questions from the press.  It does not make sense that someone would base their campaign on someone who is faking to be a plumber and who does not pay taxes or vote.
I’m a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with 24 years of honorable service. I have all the respect in the world for Gen Colin Powell. However, I am deeply disappointed that he has chosen to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President. It’s obvious he too has fallen victim to; “The Smooth Talking Great One”. If any of you watched Frontline on PBS this past week where they did a profile on the lives of both candidates. You would have also seen how Obama manages to get his way no matter what it takes. Wake up America; Obama spells trouble.  
I admire and respect Colin Powell. That said, I think it is interesting that Mr. Obama's associations and past history of drug use would prevent him from being hired and receiving a security clearance for most positions within the Federal government.  I am also concerned about his ability to purchase property in the $1.65 million range when the cost of his education had to be staggering.  I fear the majority of Sen. Obama's supporters are enchanted by his rhetoric and are not considering how he has risen so far so fast.  What are his true credentials?  If elected, the decisions he makes will affect all of us for the next four years.  What are his prior accomplishments that prepare him for the highest executive position in the land?  I am concerned regarding his dealings with Rezko, Ayers and Rev. Wright.  A person is known by the company he keeps, and associations do mold one's character.  All I ask is that we, the American people, are given more information about this candidate for the highest office in our land.
I do not understand how Colin Powell could believe that Sarah Palin does not have enough "experience" to be President. Has he looked at who he is endorsing? From everything reported Obama has less elected position experience than Palin. What gives? Is there something that Mr. Powell knows that he is not sharing with America? In my opinion Obama and Palin are on nearly even ground in the "experience" department.


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