>>>>>Watch Meet The Press this Sunday to find out...
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>>>>>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14665.html
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>>>>And so he has. I think he did a fine job of explaining his reasoning...
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>>>You mean "I think he'll win." ;-)
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>>That may be so. But from what I have read it does seem like a genuine endorsement. Part of it seems to be admiration for Obama, who he called "transformational," and part of it a show of his displeasure with the direction the Republican party has taken in the past few years. He was badly used by the neocons in the Bush administration and I'm sure he's not happy about that. He also had some words about the narrowness of the McCain campaign as time goes on.
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>>One thing I like -- this according to the Times -- is that Obama has assiduously courted Powell over the past several months. The article said Obama has met with Powell or talked to him on the phone a number of times and seemed to genuinely want to hear his advice. (During the same time McCain, who was considered friends with Powell, spoke to him on the phone once in June and hasn't spoken to him since). That tells me two things. One, he seeks out and will listen to the wise men. Two, he will take the time to develop relationships. Both are a refreshing change of pace from what we have had. Powell said as much, saying Obama can heal our damaged relationships with allies.
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>>Powell's endorsement won't make a bit of difference to some people. For others, though -- independents, moderate Republicans, and the undecided -- this could be a very influential seal of approval. Powell is seasoned, known for being cool headed, and respected by all (other than some of the trigger happy crazies). Some are going to think if Obama's good enough for Colin Powell, he's good enough for me. Newt Gingrich (!) may have hit the nail on the head: this eliminates the inexperience argument.
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>It doesn't eliminate the inexperience argument at all. He still will have the final say; the rest can only recommend. How many times have you seen an experienced boss be surrounded with those with experience and still make stupid mistakes because he felt his course was the right action. I have, too many times to count. Obama's inexperience concerns me. Not so much because I think he will disregard the recommendations from those with more experience, but because there is not enough history to truly judge what his policies will be, what his core views are, and what decisions he make. I have watched his policies change over the course of this campaign and there is no real history to look at to judge. He may do absolutely terrific, and since he will win, I truly hope that is the case. There is a lot of hope pinned on him.
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>Today I voted in early voting. There was a very long line. Of course Obama was here not 3 miles from me yesterday so there was a lot of energy. After waiting in line for an hour I finally got inside the door to cast my vote. You may find it reassuring that in a red state which is considered one of the states that could either way and which is more than 60% military, almost every single person in line was wearing an Obama t-shirt or an Obama pin.
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>Now, as to Gen Colin Powell, if I didn't admire and respect him so much (which I do so this is meant as humor only) I might suspect he did what any man would do if his most important goal was a happy home life... :o)

Here is my take on the experience question. I think there is a difference between experience and wisdom. They often go together, but not always. Some are experienced but not wise and others are wise but not experienced. I am sure we have all known people in our own lives who are wise beyond their years. I get that sense from Obama. Watching the last debate the other night, the thing I was most struck by was how much more presidential Obama seemed than McCain. Now of course you can say I am biased, and maybe that's true, but Obama seemed to always think for a moment before speaking, then spoke clearly and knowledgeably. He seemed like a guy who would keep a clear head in a crisis. McCain, by contrast, seemed to barely have his emotions in check. At times he seemed like a flustered old man. If we have another crisis in the next four years, which I'm sure we will, I know which one I would rather have in charge.

I agree with you completely that the president is the one who will have the final say. To me a wise leader gets as many opinions as possible from people he or she respects, then is comfortable making the decision. That's not passing the decision off to others and it's not shooting from the hip. It's the way leaders should behave IMO.

Interesting that the early voting site was so busy today. I'm sure you're right that the rally yesterday was a factor. (Did you see any pictures of the outdoor rally in St. Louis on Saturday? An estimated 100,000 people, the crowd going as far as the eye can see). I take it as an encouraging sign. If NC and Virginia go for Obama it's lights out for sure. It probably is anyway, but I can't stop worrying for some reason. Maybe the so-called Bradley effect. That is estimated at up to 6 percentage points, which just happens to be Obama's lead in the polls.

A happy home life should not be underestimated ;-) Do you know what Mrs. Powell's reason was for not wanting him to run in 1996? I thought she was concerned for his safety.