What do you think of Colin Powell's support for Barack Obama?

I heard his explanation and it makes a great deal of sense. Powell does not like the direction his party is taking, the tactics they are employing and he made a decision based on weighing all the pros and cons of each candidate.

He is a moderate Repubican and in the last three election cycles, the moderates have been effectively shut out of their party. It was about time that the moderates saw that they are being forced out in favor of the lunatic fringe.

Powell's reasoning for supporting Obama was right on.

It's probably more of a blow to the Republicans than a boost for Obama. Unfortunately the rabid right wingers will make it a race issue.

I am greatly saddened by Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama.

I can not speak for all Republicans, I am only a retired journalist and housewife, but I was taught to respect other political beliefs.

Republicans, believe it or not, are very tolerant and accept a wide variety of political views. We may not always agree on a political candidate or platform but WE DO RESPECT the political process.

This time a greatly respected general has backed a Democrat.

It speaks volumes about the Bush presidency and less about McCain's ability to be president.

I truly believe McCain will breathe a fresh air of change in Washington DC as he has always been the maverick. He's not afraid to take on the tough issues, including campaign reform which he helped legislate, and now it's come back to haunt him. His campaign has limited funding since he chose to accept public campaign funds. Obama has reportedly spent far more than McCain to get elected.

I'm still hanging in there, working to get McCain the maverick elected, as I do believe he is our best choice for president.

He has the experience, dedication to country and he is a true patriot. He put his life on the line as a Vietnam POW.

I am voting for McCain because he represents honor, duty, responsibility, patriotism and experience.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." ~Ronald Reagan

I think it is wonderful because of the manner he based his decision on. He could have come out for Obama months and months ago, if this were about RACE. Gen. Powell is friends with John McCain. So his decision was based on issues and behavior.

That type of deliberation (based upon respect for both sides) is what makeshis endorsement so welcomed and important.

I wish more people made decisions on such a mature level.

I would expect this of Colin Powell. He is a great American, but his he let his heart speak out over his head. I don't think he shares McCains stand on "country first". Powells' decision is totally understandable.

He endorsed for one reason - he is black.

I saw a brief press conference, and Powell lied about why he endorsed - one reason was the McCain campaign going negative claiming Obama is a Muslim and a terrorist - LIE - never happened.

The big one was Iraq - he put a spin on Iraq that gave Obama full credit for the success.

I don't object to him supporting on the basis of race, but to lie about it is unacceptable.

well if Joe Lieberman can be Al Gore's running mate in 2000 and abandon the Democratic party after Gore is robbed of the presidency by the Supreme Court, Colin Powell can jump ship as well. Powell is voting for Osama because he is black.

I think it's his choice, and he laid out his reasons pretty well. They were true reasons to, that actually apply unlike a certain plumber I know. The amazing thing is that Republicans can complain about attacks on Joe the truth-stretching plumber and in the same breath attack Powell, a REAL American hero. Incredible.

I think he is a respected world leader who is ENTITLED like EVERY American to his OWN opinion and I respect him immensely for not taking the Party line like a drone.

I am a lifelong Republican but I remember after the Reagan administration our country was in financial turmoil after the S&L scandal brought on by "The Keating 5" which McCain was one of the 5. Our country is again in financial turmoil after eight years of Republican leadership. I need to see a change. I too am entitled to my opinion.

Who cares. Powell is a spineless has been and what he says matters not. He has never been able to make up his mind until he has gotten the highest price for his "thoughts"