When did Colin Powell endorse Obama?
Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor October 19, 2008 03:14 PM By Joseph Williams, Globe Staff WASHINGTON — Retired General Colin Powell, President Bush’s former secretary of state and an influential Republican, endorsed Barack Obama today, a major political move which boosts Obama’s credentials as a potential commander-in-chief and could influence moderate Republicans and independent voters — two constituencies John McCain, Obama’s GOP rival, is depending on to stay competitive with Obama in crucial swing states. Breaking his months-long silence, Powell requested an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” to tell Tom Brokaw that Obama has “the intellectual vigor” to become president. Powell, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush, said Obama is “a transformational figure” who “brings a fresh set of eyes, a fresh set of ideas to the table” at a time the nation urgently needs it. “He has both style and substance,” Powell said. “
