Quick 8: The Colin Powell Endorsement

1. This morning, on MSNBC's Meet the Press, General Colin Powell, a long time Republican, endorsed Barack Obama for President.
2. Expect a lot of chatter about this on the news shows today and tomorrow. The love affair between Powell and the traditional media was stronger than the one McCain enjoyed. At least before he pissed it away anyway.
   
3. Will it move Republicans? Seriously? No, I think it's safe to say that the Republicans are done with Colin Powell. They'll tolerate a black man who knows his place, but once he shows a little independence, they'll have no use for him.
   
4. There's the possibility that the endorsement will move independents who might still operate under the illusion that General Powell has credibility on the war. Hey, if it helps Obama, I'm all for it.
5. If this specific endorsement had been given by a moderate Republican who hadn't already sold his soul to the devil, it would have been moving. The language was awfully strong with Powell even saying that Obama "has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president."
6. Does the endorsement impress me? No. I will never forgive General Powell for standing in front of the U.N. and lying to the world so George Bush could push his war. He was, possibly, the only member of the Bush administration with credibility and he sold it out.
7. It is surprising that Powell's endorsement was this blatant and this strong. Powell rarely has the guts to take a stand against prominent Republicans. His criticism of Bush and his policies has largely been as a source for Bob Woodward.
   
8. Naturally, the Republican response is rooted in racism. Is anyone surprised? So far, George Will and Rush Limbaugh have accused Powell of supporting Obama only because he's black. These are the first sprinkles in what will be a storm of criticism of the General.