Monday, October 20, 2008

Colin, Colin, Colin- what were you thinking?


Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will break with his party and vote for Sen. Barack Obama. "He has both style and substance. I think he is a transformational figure," Powell said on NBC's Meet the Press.

"I come to the conclusion that because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities -- and you have to take that into account -- as well as his substance -- he has both style and substance," Powell said. "He has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president."

So let's take a look at the specifics that Powell mentions.
1) Transformational Figure- Of course, Sen Obama is a fabulous speaker. Frontline has done a wonderful job of showing the 12 year planned ascent of Sen Obama. His lack of a voting record specifically crafted to give him almost no voting record to run against- that certainly isn't transformational. Did he transform the community he organized? No- by all accounts the specific programs he ran were less than transformational- some have called them abject failures.

2) The Inclusive Nature- Really? When has Sen Obama reached across the aisle to build bridges to bring a government together. There is little evidence that he is more conclusive than say, the Bush administration- which put women and blacks and hispanics in the cabinet. In fact, Gen Powell is important because of his connection to the Bush administration!

3) Met the Standard- Hmmm, in what way? He raised money? The Obama campaign sites his running of the campaign. Is that like running a successful small business? Or governing a state? Get real.

4) Colin Powell also cited the "narrowing of the party" - I assume that this means that he dislikes the parties stance on abortion.

These reasons stink! I am left to think that Powell has made this decision for some other emotional reason.(perhaps his distain for the Bush White House that he might feel embarrassed him).

What a massive disappointment! Gen Powell - How can you vote against the unborn? How can you disregard the future appointments of the Supreme Court? How can you ignore the direct ties to socialism? How can you disregard distain for the military? How can you put all your hope in an untested and untried politician? How can you embrace a tax war on success and the redistribution of wealth?

I just need to say that there are so many unanswered questions- that Powell is completely a disappointment.

Whoever you vote for- at least have the decency to have a reason that will stand some scutiny. Do your homework- and go vote!

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