Powell Makes Mac Play Defense (Again)

(NEWSER) - John McCain is disappointed that longtime friend Colin Powell didn't even call him before backing Barack Obama, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. McCain didn't like Powell's criticism of Sarah Palin, either. "I wished he had taken the opportunity to meet Governor Palin," McCain said. "I'm proud to have four former secretaries of state endorse me and over 200 admirals and generals who are retired support me." More»

Senator no longer needs to prove he can lead the nation

(NEWSER) - Colin Powell made life a lot easier for Barack Obama by endorsing him today, Mark Halperin writes in Time. He swallowed up a few days of media time; he gave Obama the support of a respected figure; and he allayed fears that Obama can't cut it as commander-in-chief. Powell's support "makes it much harder, even if there is an unexpected international crisis, for Republicans to suggest Obama simply isn't qualified to protect the country," writes Halperin. More»

(NEWSER) - Despite holes in Barack Obama’s qualifications, the Democrat is the obvious choice for president, the Financial Times writes. His “policies are a blend of good, not so good, and downright bad,” but the alternative is an increasingly disturbing brand of maverick, the British daily opines. “Rashness is not a virtue in a president. The cautious and deliberate Mr. Obama is altogether a less alarming prospect.” More»

(AP) - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president, describing the Dem as a "transformational figure." Powell says both Obama and John McCain are qualified to be commander in chief. But, in an interview today on NBC's Meet the Press, he said Obama is better suited to handle the nation's economic problems, as well as help improve its standing in the world. More»

Ex-Secretary thinks McCain has too many neocons around him

(NEWSER) - Colin Powell will make his presidential preference clear on Meet the Press tomorrow, the New York Daily News reports, detailing some of the reasons the former secretary of state is expected to defect from his party's candidate. "McCain has too many neocons working for him," says one Republican close to Powell. The general is also piqued that McCain floated a disingenuous rumor that he was a top VP contender. More»