What the Powell Endorsement Means (Updated)

Mark Halperin:

The decision is not only symbolic but, in terms of timing, one of great tactical importance. Powell is a brand unto himself in American politics, and clearly transcends the media's tendency to hype endorsements more than their actual importance to voters. However, the indisputable benefit that Powell brings Obama is that the former Secretary of State and general is sure to block out any chance McCain has of winning the next two or three days of news coverage, as the media swoons over the implications of the choice. It is simple political math: McCain has 15 days to close a substantial gap, and he will now lose at least one fifth of his total remaining time.

Marc Ambinder:

Powell is a "man who I admire as much as anyone in the world," McCain has said. He was an informal adviser to the campaign early on. And the content of the endorsement acknowledges what McCain's accomplished, studies it, and judges that it is insufficient for the modern world. (Powell is closer to McCain than Obama on Iraq.) McCain would be a maverick, Powell says, but America needs a transformation figure.

Andrew Sullivan:

Powell is really taking a stand in defense of decent, inclusive, moderate Republicanism. It's amazing it has taken Powell to say this publicly, to stand up against the Rove machine and say enough. But it is welcome nonetheless. One more thing: Powell's endorsement of Obama is privately echoed by many moderate Republicans across the country and in Washington. It isn't about race. It's about the need to remake conservatism anew, and to restore to fiscal and foreign policy the kind of conservative prudence and restraint of Eisenhower.

Colin Powell Endorses Obama

It happened a short while ago on Meet the Press.

I'm always hesitant to put too much stock into endorsements, because, like, do they really matter that much? I guess the correct answer would be that they do matter - but only sometimes. And this feels like one of those times.

Cynics will say "Oh, he's only endorsing him because they're both black," but Powell himself put that notion to rest this morning. Obama gets the endorsement because of the "transformational" aspect of his candidacy, and because it's clearer now than ever that he is the right man at the right time for America.

Still, though, watching Powell today was really striking. To hear such an eloquent endorsement from a traditional, moderate Republican and well-respected former general is excellent news for the Obama campaign. Powell served under both President Bush and has an admittedly deep affection for John McCain. And he's voting for Barack Obama. What does that say to you?

Ka-Powell

Colin Powell might be ready to endorse Obama:

Powell has made it clear that he has been thinking about an endorsement for a long time but wanted to hear more from the candidates before making his choice. It now seems beyond doubt that Colin Powell will endorse Barack Obama and thereby hammer the final nail in the coffin of the Republican campaign to hold onto the White House.