Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell

Four more years?! Ha ha… Powell don’t play that!!

(BBC News) – US President George W Bush’s first Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has endorsed Democratic election candidate Barack Obama for the White House.

Backing Mr Obama over John McCain, the Republican Party’s choice to succeed Mr Bush in November, he said the Democrat had the “ability to inspire”.

“All Americans… not just African-Americans” would be proud of an Obama win, he argued.

Mr McCain said he was not surprised at his “long-time friend’s” decision.

Barack Obama was on the stump in North Carolina on Sunday

He pointed out that other former secretaries of state had backed his own candidacy, naming them as Henry Kissinger, James Baker, Lawrence Eagleburger and Alexander Haig – all Republicans.

Addressing a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Mr Obama said he was “deeply humbled” by Mr Powell’s support.

“He knows, as we do, that this is a moment where we need to come together as one nation – young and old, rich and poor, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Republican and Democrat,” he added.

His campaign said earlier that the two men had spoken for 10 minutes by telephone.

Editorial:

FINALLY… the Powell… has come back… to the brotherhood!

To me this essentially confirms what I always suspected about Colin Powell. The brother just jumped in the wrong administration. I mean really, in 2000 who knew Bush would become “W”. Colin probably wanted to leave right after 9-11 but due to the radical surge in patriotism couldn’t “cut and run” from … well… what will easily go down as the worst administration ever; nominated for not just two major catastrophes (9-11 and Katrina) but a recession so epic it’s global. Bravo. It’s like they’re actually pursuing the “worst ever” spot.

Anyway, after the WMD mess, who couldn’t see the problem with four more years (except for supposedly 50% of voting Americans)? And only guessing what classified intel he was privy to, who knows how long Powell was planning on jumping ship. I definitely remember him announcing his resignation about a year in advance. Bet he wishes he waited 8 years, now. Maybe he’ll snag a consultative role. Something unseen but still acknowledged. Undercover Military Brother.

Literally, not a moment too soon.

Reports from the Clinton campaign announce that she will concede her party’s nomination Saturday and endorse Senator Obama. A conference call to senior Democrats was among the turning points in her stance. She still has yet to publicly admit she lost the contest. However, all primaries have concluded and Clinton remains short of the necessary delegate count needed to become the Democratic nominee. Supporters were stunned in her speech as Obama claimed victory in which she seemed determined as ever to press onward.

Many (including we here at AfroThought) have speculated that her prolonged campaign was a tactic to position herself as the prominent choice for Vice President. Public opinion seems mixed about an Obama-Clinton ticket. While some feel it would unite the party, others feel she would negate the “change” so desired by the Obama campaign. It is however clear that Obama needs a running mate with foriegn policy experience, as well as experience in Washington. However many more see Clinton as far too polarizing a figure to aide the Obama ticket. Her active endorsement will definitely be much needed among the voting groups with which Obama has had difficulty. Clinton has expressed strong commitment to do “whatever it takes” to makes sure her party wins in November.