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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
For a moment there, it looked like Colin Powell was going to endorse Barack Obama.
But the former Secretary of State has denied a report that he would publicly back the Democrat for president at the party's convention. Several sources say he hasn't made up his mind yet, and Powell himself insists he won't be going to the convention in Denver. However, despite Powell's immediate denials, the reporter who broke the story on Fox News yesterday stands by it – saying that the Obama people expect Powell to endorse him.
Powell indicated earlier this year that he was considering endorsing a Democrat or Independent. He said he was keeping his options open and called Obama an "exciting person on the political stage."
An adviser to Powell says that he likes and admires John McCain, which would factor into any decision he makes. But another source close to Powell says although he's known the Arizona senator for over 30 years, he hasn't found a reason to vote for him yet. That's not such an encouraging sign if you're John McCain.
One of the things Powell is waiting for is the vice presidential picks from both candidates. A Powell aide says that a decision to back Obama wouldn't be a surprise, but a decision to attend the Democratic convention would be.
Nonetheless, for Obama, hope springs eternal. As long as Powell hasn't said no, the possibility remains that one of the most popular people in this country could still come out and support him.
Here’s my question to you: What would Colin Powell's endorsement mean for Barack Obama?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Patrick writes:
Rocket fuel, Jack. What would also help is if Powell would come forward to confirm the forged intelligence, the dirt on Plame, yellowcake, aluminum tubes and multiple high crimes and misdemeanors that the White House has perpetrated on the greatest people on the planet.
Joe from Clinton, Massachusetts writes:
I think it would hurt him. Powell was one of the White House puppets who lied to the nation about Iraq. If he endorsed Obama, I would hope Obama would decline the endorsement based on this fact. Powell cannot be trusted.
Dave from Toronto writes:
Jack, About 3 months ago, I predicted Powell would be Obama's nominee for V.P. So, an endorsement of Obama by Powell will increase my confidence on winning a bunch of bets. Think about it, who better to bring foreign policy and military experience to Obama's team? Nobody would be better, nobody.
Michelle from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania writes:
Not much, Jack. Right or wrong, Powell lost most of his credibility when he made the case for war in Iraq to the U.N. Either he was naive enough to let himself be played, or he was part of the deception. He lost the rest of his credibility when he allowed Bush and Co. to marginalize him for four years, rendering him ineffective in his office. The man deserved better, but he also should have been smart enough to avoid it.
Bill writes:
It would give a monumental boost to Obama and the entire campaign. Powell represents and embodies integrity, patriotism and vision, the very qualities Obama has projected all his adult life. Secretary Powell's counsel on military and foreign affairs would be invaluable.
Bonnie from Dana Point, California writes:
It would mean that my husband just lost his last excuse to vote for McCain. He supported the invasion of Iraq, when I didn't. As the Bush administration hacks were discredited one by one, my husband held out Colin Powell as the reason to believe in what we Americans were doing. Sooner or later it becomes undeniable that the emperor has no clothes.