Powell Makes Mac Play Defense (Again)

Obama endorsement from respected statesman will draw swing voters

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Oct 20, 2008 8:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama has backed an already-defensive John McCain even further into a corner, writes Politico. Following what McClatchy Newspapers calls a “blistering critique” of McCain’s campaign by the former secretary of state, the Republican has found himself defending anew the Palin pick, the Ayers angle and his recent onslaught of negative robocalls—a tactic he condemned in the 2000 race.

McCain rebuked Powell's take on Palin yesterday, comparing her to Bill Clinton, an "inexperienced governor of a small state ... with no real background. And guess what? We had 8 years of President Bill Clinton." Analysts say Powell’s endorsement was impeccably timed—with early voting already underway in several swing states—and it should hit the mark with many undecided voters, who will be swayed by Powell’s respected personality.

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Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks at a rally in Toledo, Ohio, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Gen. Colin Powell speaking during a taping of "Meet the Press" Oct. 19, 2008. Powell endorsed Barack Obama for president Sunday, and criticized the tone of John McCain's campaign. (AP Photo/Meet The Press, Brendan Smialowski)

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This is a huge endorsement, maybe the most significant endorsement he's got. For undecided voters who are looking at their concerns about national security and defense, this is a plus.
- G. Terry Madonna, Franklin & Marshall College Center for Politics and Public Affairs director

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Powell Makes Mac Play Defense (Again)