Earlier today, Democratic Presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois had received a very big and extremely valuable endorsement. Earlier today, Colin Powell had publicly endorsed Obama’s candidacy for United States President. Powell was on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” when he gave this very valuable endorsement.
One could ask: What does this mean for GOP Presidential nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona?
Several months ago, Powell had implied that he was on the fence on which candidate he was going to endorse. It meant that Powell was not necessarily going for McCain. It also meant that Powell was not necessarily going for Obama, either.
Powell obtained the rank of General back in April 4, 1989. He had fought in the Vietnam War, the Invasion of Panama, and the Gulf War. He was the 16th National Security Advisor, the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the 65th United States Secretary of State.
He is the only Jamaican-American to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Also, he is one of the most prominent blacks in the GOP. In short, one can say that an endorsement from Powell is very major for Obama.
This may give McCain, McCain’s running-mate Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, and the rest of the GOP something to worry about.
The main question is: How will this endorsement affect the dynamic of the US Presidential race between Obama and McCain?
Mark Halperin gives his input in today’s article on TIME.com in regards to Powell’s endorsement of Obama. So far, Halperin has many interesting things to say about this regard.
He explains that starting off it will rob McCain of media coverage for the next few days. Halperin predicts that the focus for the next few days, the media will be focusing on Powell’s decision over McCain’s campaign. As Election Day on November 4 draws near, time is the most precious resource.
This is a resource that is quickly running out.
Halperin adds that Powell’s endorsement comes with many bonuses. One bonus would be Powell’s trusted judgment in regards to national security. Since Powell is considered a prominent member of the GOP, it would be difficult for the GOP to attack Obama’s “inexperience.”
The issues of inexperience and qualifications have been the main ammunition used by the GOP against Obama. Back in February, the RNC had outlined a five-point strategy against Obama. Attacking Obama on “inexperience” was one of the points outlined in the strategy.
An endorsement from Powell will make it difficult to attack Obama on that subject.
Powell had said that Obama has the calm and patient mindset approach to solving problems which is needed. At the same time, Powell himself has many years of experience on numerous matters.
While Powell endorses Obama, he said that he does not need to actively campaign for him.
In short, Obama reaps the rewards that come with Powell’s endorsement. Overall, it is good for Obama and bad for McCain. Whether or not the media will focus on Powell’s endorsement of Obama for the next few days remain to be seen.
Anything can and will happen in the next few days.
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