Colin Powell Endorses Obama

I'm about to walk out the door for a full Sunday of family activity, but I wanted to take a quick moment to note a major story. Retired General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama. The story can be found on CNN. It is worth remembering that Powell is a Republican. Among the statements that Powell made about Sen. Obama:

Obama displayed a steadiness. Showed intellectual vigor. He has a definitive way
of doing business that will do us well.

And, according the CNN story (reporting about Powell's appearance on "Meet the Press"):

Powell said he questioned Sen. John McCain's judgment in picking Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate because he doesn't think she is ready to be president.

He also said he was disappointed with some of McCain's campaign tactics, such as bringing up Obama's ties to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.

Powell has been an important figure in America over the last two decades, often able to bridge gaps between the parties and opposing viewpoints. He has been one of those rare figures who is respected across the political spectrum and who, when he has made a mistake, has been willing to stand up and accept responsibility (all to rare in politics). His endorsement of Sen. Obama should put to rest, once and for all, any doubts that some may have still had in Sen. Obama's qualifications or readiness to be President.