The sudden switch of former Secretary of State Colin Powell to the camp of US presidential aspirant Barack Obama has bolstered the democratic party’s chances of capturing the US presidency. Many believe that Colin Powell’s unconditional support for Obama’s candidacy is the key to his victory.
General Colin Powell is a respected military and political figure in the United States. He has a colorful military career in the United States Armed Forces and a well applauded Secretary of State during the early days of the Bush administration.
It seems that the switch of allegiance is long overdue. The past few months, Colin Powell has shown displeasure at the way the Iraq war is being handled by the Bush administration. Having been a former Chairman of the US Joint Chief of Staff, Powell knows what he is saying with regards to the Iraq war.
On some occasions, during the campaign, John McCain criticized Obama’s lack of knowledge and experience to act as Commander-in-Chief of the US Armed Forces. Colin Powell’s sudden switch and support for Obama could just be the answer to McCain’s tirades on Obama’s lack of experience, not only as Commander-in-Chief but as President of the United States of America
It is likely that Powell will take an active role in Obama’s administration, should he wins the US Presidency. Such a situation will serve as a balancing factor in Obama’s perceived weakness in handling the affairs of the US Armed Forces.
On the question of Obama’s religion as a factor in the choice of a US President, Colin Powell was quoted to have said: “He’s always been a Christian” But really right answer is: “Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this Country? The answer is no, that’s not America”.
In another development, it appears that John McCain is ready for the inevitable defeat in the hands of Obama. He was quoted as saying that he would not feel sorry for himself if he lost and said further that he will not dwell on it. He acknowledges that Obama is ahead on most counts but he said that he relishes the chance to make a shock come back. He said further that he loved being an underdog.
The next few days will be crucial for both candidates as pressing economic issues require political solutions. And the candidates’ formula for the resolution of these issues will play a critical role in influencing the voters choice for the US Presidency.