On Sunday’s Meet the Press, former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama next month.
“I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I’ll be voting for Sen. Barack Obama,” Powell said.
PALIN’S SOCIALIST CLAIM
Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin launched her toughest attack yet against Barack Obama on Sunday, accusing him of experimenting with socialism.
“Barack Obama calls it spreading the wealth. Joe Biden calls higher taxes patriotic. But Joe the plumber and Ed the dairy man, I believe that they think that it sounds more like socialism. Friends, now is no time to experiment with socialism,” she said in New Mexico.
She claims Obama’s plan to issue tax credits to lower-income workers is nothing more than a government handout:
“He claims that he’ll cut income taxes for 95 percent of Americans, but the problem is more than 40 percent of Americans pay no income taxes at all. So how can you cut income taxes for folks who don’t pay them?
Since he can’t reduce taxes on those who pay zero, he wants the government to send them a check that’s called a tax credit. And where is he going to get the money for all those checks that he will cut? By raising taxes on America’s hard-working families and our small businesses.”
OBAMA RESPONDS
At a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Sunday, Barack Obama fired back against claims that his economic policies are “socialist” in nature.
“It’s kind of hard to figure how Warren Buffet endorsed me, Colin Powell endorses me, and John McCain thinks I’m embracing socialism. This is his argument because I want to give a tax cut to the middle class, because I want to give a tax cut to 95 percent of American workers,” Obama said.
He added that what McCain and Palin consider “socialism”, he calls it an “opportunity” for regular Americans who deserve a tax break and that McCain wants to redistribute wealth to the already wealthy.
“Here’s the truth, North Carolina. This debate – and this election – comes down to what we value. In the America I know, we don’t just value wealth, we value the work and workers who create it. He can call me any name he wants but what he’s talking about is not right, it’s not change, that’s why we’re going to beat him in this election on November 4th.”
Before the rally, Obama stopped in Cape Fear BBQ and Chicken to meet with diners, many older white voters. When he entered the restaurant, 54 year-old Diane Fanning screamed, “Socialist, socialist, socialist – get out of here!” One woman yelled at her, “at least he’s not a war-monger!” It is unclear whether Obama even heard this exchange with the noise of others in the restaurant trying to greet him. He approached Fanning’s table, but she refused to shake his hand. She did, however, have a conversation with him about some issues that concerned her.
Oh Yes
Might I add that Colin Powell is a graduate of The City College of New York
=]
OBAMA 08′
BOOOOOO Sarah Palin
Go Back To Alaska
The McCain campaign keeps coming up with bullsh*t claims about Obama at every turn. The more they call him names the more people want to vote for him…they’re down in all the national polls. I can’t wait to vote and pray I see Obama in office!!
I AGREE WITH POWELL, OBAMA IS THE BETTER CHOICE FOR PRESIDENT!!
EVERYONE MAKE SURE YOU GET OUT AND VOTE FOR THIS MAN BARACK OBAMA!
I know Barack is so tired of dealing with these bigots that he doesn’t know what to do with himself…. and that woman that was screaming “socialists”, she also got told to “shut-up” by another man that was in the diner. I was LMAO! My question is how is McCain/Palin or any of their supporters going to call Obama a “socialists” when we just passed the biggest bailout in the history of our nation ($700 BILLION dollars)to basically nationalise the banks under the REPUBLICAN administration? And yes both John McCain and Obama voted for the bill…so maybe they should be calling their guy McCain a “socialists as well. These people are so ignorant.
I checked McCains tax plan and it is basically the same as Bush, only a little worse. He can lie all he wants, but people are watching this. How does he expect to help our nation when he basically wants to keep things the same? He still wants to stay in war..he still wants to keep the tax code the same and he has been (although it is more then obvious it has failed) too busy attacking Obama to even address what he would do for our nations future and not just the present. McCain even had the nerve to say he will balance the budget in his first term. WTF?! Give us all a damn break. McCains own advisers said that they don’t want to talk about the economy, he just started talking about the economy when Wall Street got messed up…he has admited on several occasions that the economy is NOT his strong suit…so why should we trust him to help fix it? GTFOH!! I’ll be so glad when this election is over.
somebody please give gen. powell back his black card. you’ve earned it brotha.
THANK YOU COLIN POWELL!!!!!!!
There is nothing wrong with being Muslim. Nothing at all.
Isn’t a socialist for the people? They want people to all be equal. Have an equal chance at life. They don’t want things to be lopsidded? How is this a bad thing? Can someone tell me that?
They might as well just say don’t vote for a “nigger” because all these other claims are bullshit. He’s a muslim. He was raised by his white family, how is he muslim. He’s an Arab. Again, his father is black and his mom is white. How do you get Arab from that combo? Now he’s a socialist? Give me a break.
wow…just…wow
I agree with Colin Powell. The McCain Campaign has gone too far. Those robo calls are ridiculous.
@ #6 aka LMAO @ THIS POST
Thanks for your post i enjoyed reading it..lol
So, please tell me exactly what parts of McCain’s tax plans are “worse than Bush’s” as I, too, have looked at them and don’t know what you are talking about. Unless you support your argument by stating FACTS. I consider your argument null and void.
This is what I don’t get, are we so blinded by anger that we can’t think logically? Please, somebody, ANYBODY tell me how we are going to be financially better under Obama, especially given:
1. Either president will already be faced with huge debt that just rose by 1 trillion thanks to the bailout.
2. We will still be at war. Only thing is Obama wants to move it to Afghanistan and/or Pakistan. So, we will still be facing huge expenses of the war.
3. Universal Health Care. Which will cost at least a trillion. Where is the money going to come from?
4. Obama’s GLOBAL POVERTY TAX. If you have not heard of it, google it. Yes, another 800 BILLION dollars worth of spending.
5. Obama’s TAX PLAN. Yes, Although you may hate the ground Sarah Palin walks on, what she says is correct. If Obama is, indeed, going to provide tax “relief” for 95% of families (of which only 5% pay) how will he accomplish this, by, yes, giving out checks issued by the Government.
So, what I see is a WHOLE bunch of spending that can’t possibly be covered by only 5% of the population. It just does not make any sense, whatsoever.
Now, let’s look at some of Obama’s temporary fixes:
1. A 90 day cease-fire on foreclosures. How will this help the economy? What’s going to happen at the end of 90 days? Will not the owner still loose his/her house? Funny thing is, Hillary Clinton, proposed the same thing and Obama, rightfully so, disagreed with her stating the this plan would be Disastrous. So, why the change now?
Now, contrast this with McCain’s “have the government buy up bad mortgages” economic policy. That seems like a solid plan. Under this plan, you will be able to rework you mortgage in a way that will allow you to keep your home.
2. No tax penalities for withdrawing from your 401K/IRA. Many of these funds are heavily dependent on the stock market. What’s going to happen when there is a major flux of people running to withdraw funds? Don’t you think that will have a negative effect on the stock market?
Now, how did Obama manage to get street cred for being able to fix the economy? Especially when he was in total support of giving out bad mortgages, has received funds from Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac, and is ON RECORD stating that he wants to redistribute the wealth.
I will say this. I’m am so happy that Powell endorsed Obama. It shows the true colors on both sides of the fence.
Democrats, who have called him Uncle Tom, Sellout, and all kinds of names, are now hanging on to his every word and now welcome him with open arms.
Republicans, who have always claimed to love and respect Colin Powell are now disowning him because he decided to follow his heart.
Hypocrisy at its finest.
I can’t wait to vote!!!!!
Some ppl disgust me to the bone. At least majority of Obama voters don’t scream crap at McCain when he’s out and some are even will to shake his hand. Immature bitch (excuse my vulgarity). Speaking of bitches, Palin needs to STFU. It’s not like she’s smart enough to know things on her own let alone speak clearly on them w/o cards. I’m sorry but I still don’t understand how voters could want a tool for a VP altho this country was built on mind control so it’s not that hard to guess why.
OMG, he looks so handsome. Just saw his profile on millionaire dating site “”"”"M e e t i n g R i c h . c o m”"”"”"” last week. I am wondering what kind of relationship he is looking for on that site. Is he single now? Just curious!☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
——–
What’s sad is that no matter how much people love Obama and his aspirations for our nation, he will always be greeted by ignorant racists. Any “white working class” citizen that votes for McCain is obviously prejudice & insane,because he does not care about anyone but his money and the people who have lots of it…not the working class who are the fabric of this country and the reason he is able to attain the things he has.
Powell represents the sort of Republicanism that I have been preaching about on this website. I was proud to see a real Republican. Powell has always had his so called “black” card in my book. What people need to understand is all black Republicans want is for blacks to do for themselves and not wait on white folk to do the right thing. Now, lets have a moment of honesty. Think to yourselves. How many of us were not going to vote for Senator Obama in the primaries until we saw that white folk were willing to vote for him? This is the sort of thinking that must be dismantled. We can’t waiting for white folk to do the right thing towards us, it’s not in their interest. I am glad that Powell broke down the true tenets of what being a Republican is suppose to mean, and not what it’s become. As a black Republican, I was reminded of the glory that our party use to stand for because folks it’s disheartening to see where its gone.
I agree UrbanChic 100%. Although I am not an Obama supporter. I have and always will have the UTMOST respect for Colin Powell. This man has made decisions based on HIM. He marches to the beat of his OWN drum. I wish many of us would be as courageous as he has and is.
I just have this feeling like many black people respect him now because he agrees with them. I wonder when we, as black people, can respect people who follow the logic of their own beliefs–even if it goes against what they believe.
I’ve seen people on this site rip Judah and JA a new butt hole because they dare to think different from the status quo. I only hope that we can accept another opinion because we are tolerant.
I can appreciate how Mr. Powell gave his viewpoint on Sarah Palin. It was respectable, yet specific.
Obama/Biden ’08 (Please vote early if you can!)
#14. C. Powell was never disowned from the Republican party.
He is widely respected on both side of the “fence”. If McCain was smart he would have probably tried to convince Powell on his side. Powell would have brought a lot of independent votes to his side. Remember, the independents are going to be the ones who elect the next president.
I’ll be back to elaborate.
I gotta get to school. lol.
But I just wanted to point that out first .
I’m so happy that Colin Powell is not a prisoner of his party and crossing over to vote for the right person instead of voting for a republician who cannot help our nation pull itself out of the hole that we are in.
OBAMA/BIDEN ’08
Maybe Powell does not want to run for president. I would not want to run under McCain, that would be an insult.
I never said the was disowned–please do not put words into my mouth.
Go to any republican blog and see the sentiment NOW for Powell.
I do agree with you in regards to the independents being the ones who will decide the election. Powell’s endorsement will be a powerful incentive to vote for Obama if their concern is of the “military” nature. However, I am an independent and that is not my concern nor is it the concern of many of my independent friends. Our concern is the economy, and in our collective opinion, Obama’s plan would be disastrous.
He wants to spend, spend, spend, and his tax cuts will not support what he wants to spend. He’s made a lot of promises that he can’t possibly deliver and I wish he would be more honest about it.
Regardless of who gets into office, taxes will be raised. You think only 5% of the population will pay for the TRILLION dollar bailout? You really think that businesses that will see a tax increase won’t compensate by laying off their employees? That makes no sense and if you stopped for a minute to actually think about it, you would see the cracks in his plan. Universal health care will take a back seat, and it will be business as usual.
@ 8, Thank you.
I find it disturbing that most Americans let that racist undercurrent pass. You mean to tell me that it is acceptable for even government officials to imply that Americanism and Islam are mutually exclusive? What’s next, you can’t be a “real” American unless you’re white and share certain cultural values? I’m glad that this country is finally showing its true colors. And they wonder why some Americans are emotionally unaffected by terrorist attacks.
I don’t know why my post did not show up. I’m going to try again.
Maybe Powell does not want to run for president. I would not want to run under McCain, that would be an insult.
I never said the was disowned–please do not put words into my mouth.
Go to any republican blog and see the sentiment NOW for Powell.
I do agree with you in regards to the independents being the ones who will decide the election. Powell’s endorsement will be a powerful incentive to vote for Obama if their concern is of the “military” nature. However, I am an independent and that is not my concern nor is it the concern of many of my independent friends. Our concern is the economy, and in our collective opinion, Obama’s plan would be disastrous.
He wants to spend, spend, spend, and his tax cuts will not support what he wants to spend. He’s made a lot of promises that he can’t possibly deliver and I wish he would be more honest about it.
Regardless of who gets into office, taxes will be raised. You think only 5% of the population will pay for the TRILLION dollar bailout? You really think that businesses that will see a tax increase won’t compensate by laying off their employees? That makes no sense and if you stopped for a minute to actually think about it, you would see the cracks in his plan. Universal health care will take a back seat, and it will be business as usual.
LOL ITS A MUTHAFUCKIN’ WRAP…NOW GET YA ASS OUT AND VOTE SO WE ALL CAN CELEBRATE COME JAN!!!
****************I am ready to vote I am going to early vote this week
YYup…seeing people true nature coming out as the day gets closer….especially on blog sites….sad
Palin has no boundaries.
**********Go Obama…Boo Kay and your fifty-million posts..
Yes, respond to the number of my post and not their content.
Its very interesting to me that now that General Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama for president, republicans are saying that “oh endorsements are just endorsements, at this point they don’t have any affect on the campaign”….seriously? If thats the case then why did McCain say that he expected this, but he has endorsements from past generals, and secretaries of state, I don’t understand it.
After what George Bush did to Colin Powell, I’d endorse to Obama myself. I have always had much respect for Colin Powell even though he didn’t always seem very supportive of “black causes” in the past. I appreciate him, for what he has accomplished and continues to do.
Also make sure that you guys vote!!!! Vote Early and Often!
I dare Sarah Palin to DEFINE SOCIALISM! There’s a fine line between stupidity and arrogant ignorance.
Americans have to get through there head that there is NOTHING WRONG WITH SOCIALISM!
Its capitalism that got this country into this nightmare in the first place!
Lets use simple theory when it comes to universal health care…sick people don’t work…why? Because there too busy taking care of their illness. Healthy people, however, work. And if they are healthy but don’t work, that means they are lazy…PERIOD!
Healthy people = work = productivity = profits.
Profits = taxes = government = health care.
Health care = healthy people = work = productivity = profit = taxes = government = health care…get it?
I agree to an extent that there is nothing wrong with socialism. But I know many able bodied people on my street corner who just don’t want to work because they are lazy, not because of the lack of access to health care.
Universal health care is fine with me as long as we, as a country, can afford it and will do it correctly.
However, I think that part of socialism that the Republicans don’t like is redistribution of wealth–Obama’s response to Joe the Plumber.
The Prodigal Son is back!!! Collin Powell never forgot the address; he came home to his roots. That was big for Obama to have such a powerful political figure cross party lines to endorse his candidacy for president of the United States. That was very admirable what the General did yesterday. This is a man who has been with the Republican Party for many years and has formed a life long friendship with John McCain and to have him come out and basically said that he will not vote for McCain because of the fuckery he sees taking place with McCain campaign is by far the biggest blow to John McCain, yet.
@1…really i never knew that about Powell, great 2 know!
OBAMA ’08
Please don’t give me that socialist talk. Like I said John McCain is throwing shit at Obama hoping something sticks. McCain’s smears changes every week. First Obama was anti-American, then he was a Marxist, then a terrorist and now a socialist. What’s next…homosexual? I really had faith in the American people, but as weeks go by I am convince this is a country of fucking idiots (for lack of a better term) You have people who actually believe these things, but then again if you look at the people who support McCain, you can tell they are illiterate. Even some of the ones on this site, listen to their arguments and you can tell it is not one that was independently thought out but one that is being regurgitated.
Socialist is the lasted charge against Obama. When George Bush and the federal government bought 85% shares in AIG, isn’t that nationalization? Isn’t that socialism? When they are proposing to buy all the banks’ stocks…what is that? And in case you nincompoops forget John McCain voted, like Obama, voted for the $750 billion rescue plan. Like always a white man and a black man can do the same thing but the white man’s action is seen in a more favorable light than the black man’s.
there is definetly something fishy goen on in this presidential election. I think this is just a sham …………
@25 OKAY
Are you serious? Do you have any idea how much money the government wastes on foolishness? Take a look at this article to see just how much they waste every year:
http://www.rd.com/your-am...dollars/article50629.html
We all have our own opinions but we all have one thing in common. We are all human. We want to work and live our lives and raise our children and retire in peace. That’s it. Everyone wants to pull out labels on people, republican, democrat, independent, conservative, liberal, etc. Who care about any if that? Most of us just wanna work, raise or kids, retire and die. We want to do all that in peace. Whomever gets elected, as long as I can continue down this line and in peace, then I’m good.
One of the main problems I’m having is all of these companies getting a tax break for outsourcing. I have a huge problem with that.
———-@ okay
———-i dont like to debate on blogs, but i just wanted to say a few things:
———-1) if the gov’t buys mortgages, thats 100% tax payer money with no chance at —–profit. under the current 2008 economic stabilization act, judges are required
to——-rewrite mortgages to market value and make lenders take he loss (that plan
———obama supports). i dont know about you but if u freeze my mortgage for three
——–months IT WOULD GIVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BREATH (THATS ALL I ——WANT TO DO). Mccain’s tax plan (while not exactly like Bush’s because bush
——– didnt have one lol) would give tax cut to cooporations that create jobs, well
———here is something for mccain to know; u can give wal mart all the tax breaks u
———want but if people cant pay their mortgage, that cant shop at wal mart,
———-meaning they would still lay people off.
———@ so what
———u better be careful, gov’t equates socialism with communism and they kill
———communist lol
I am serious. I know how much the government wastes.They will continue to waste it under Obama as well.
Companies will continue to outsource under Obama as well. They outsource because of costs (which will increase even more according to Obama’s tax plan) and skills.
I agree with your post though. I just hope people understand that what obama promises, he can’t possible deliver under the current set of promises he offers.
Colin Powell has my respect! He was so sincere yesterday on Meet The Press explaining why he’s backing Obama and not McCain. And this morning in the NY Times i read that Obama is offering him a top Presidential Advisor role in an Obama Administration!
@45 OKAY
You make a great point, but the main reason I’m going with Obama is because of his character. When McCain started out he was pretty cool. Now, he’s just shown he doesn’t always do well under pressure. I just really don’t like how McCain has been running his campaign lately. Obama’s campaign isn’t squeaky clean either, but his campaign has not stooped to the level of dirty politics which says a lot to me.
I have no idea what will continue or stop under Obama or McCain. Now if you read the article, some of the wasteful spending is just ridiculous. The farm subsidy programs, fraud, and just plain old stupidity. There’s no guarantee that any of this will end, but if you care and you’re smart you could at least try. And that’s all I ask.
These people are are amusing. Instead of trying to rationally discuss the issues at hand. They yell and scream out in pure hatred. For many years Blacks have been told racism does not exist. Now it’s all coming to the light. I wont be surprised if Senator McCain calls Senator Obama the “N” w0rd. (I’m just waiting for that)
MANNN f*** PALiN HER BALD HEAD ASz NEED 2 GO TAKE CARE OF ALL THEM BEBE KIDS SHE GOT..STOP HA HA HA HATiN ON OBAMA HE SOo REAL
Go Colin!!! That is a huge endorsement!
Ok Palin and McCain may as well endorse Obama also they seem to know his proposed plans very well. They can probably recite Obama’s plan line by line until they think it’s their own which is why McCain adopted a few of Obama’s points during his campaigning if you say it enough you begin to believe… McCain please even you wouldn’t vote for yourself at this point..lol..
This coming from the woman that mispronounces “nuclear” as “nucular.” I dare her to spell and to define “socialism.”
Well today I cast my vote for McCain. All there is to do now is wait.
If some of my earlier post you will see that most conservitives think that Obama, well most Dems for that matter, are leaning toward Socialism. Universal heath care is bad thats why Obama’s not for that as he was before. That was costing him votes.
And I still dont see how taking money from one person and giving it to someone else is not stealing. In a new study it shows that about 40% of Americans ( this does not include Illegals) dont pay taxes. So he is Offering 55% of Americans a tax cut and about 40% of Americans will just get more money when they fail taxes. Doesnt sound right when you say it like that. How would some of you like it if the tax man came to you house and said ” the person next door is out of work. I want you to take 35% of your check and give it to him. And if you dont I will fine you then throw you in jail” 35% is more than God asks for, ( he just wants 10% for those whos church attendance is lacking) I dont want to live in a welfare state. We are so much better than this.
bottom line is no one running came from a single parent low income home. All these folks came from middle class two parent homes, and like everybody else just wanted to be richer.( Except for Biden I believe he is content in his standing)
I say middle class is a Two parent home , less then 3 kids in the income bracket of 30,000- 200,000 ( depending on number of house hold members) Everyone running fell in or above this.
I hope that everyone voting to day will use their heads and have their famlies in mind and not just color or Dollar signs.
Powell’s endorsement of Obama does not verify Obama’s judgement, but rather brings Powell’s judgement into question. Powell says that Obama is ready to lead … WHY? … Regardless of Powell’s last minute endorsement, Obama is still the most liberal senator in congress … who accomplished nothing in his meager 3 years in office, except voting present 160 times, and campaigning for President, as well as associating with anti-American racists and domestic terrorists … giving good speeches … and, taking America down the road to socialism. I used to respect Colin Powell … but, now that’s history!!!
I hear you Kia! Without bragging, I’m an economist–well a phd student with a year left until graduation. I have to be honest, I’m only focusing on the economy!
I have to say this. I’m not voting for Obama but will still tear up at the sight of him and his family entering the white house should he win.
As a black person, I have struggled with my vote for McCain (or Ron Paul–have not decided yet). I want what is best for us economically but I also don’t want to stand in the way of history. So far, I’m following my professional gut but I still gets to me, I will not lie.
——-@ okay
——-if u are not voting for obama, i will support u voting for ron paul lol
——-but really, as i see it, you are either gonna intervene or you are not
——-Mccain wants it both ways (he wants to buy mortgages but calls obama
——- socialist?). Ron paul doesnt care who u are or what u want he is not voting for
——- anything that the govt should not be involved with. and i agree with him only
——–because he has proven that ( his district was wipe out by the hurricane and he
——-voted against federal aid). my point is john mccain wants his cake and eat it
——- too. i dont respect him for that. i respect ron paul for truly believing in his
——–values.
On his Web site, McCain calls it “an American Homeownership Resurgence Plan.” Under his plan, the government would buy up some troubled mortgages at their full value — meaning the lenders would not take a loss. The government would then renegotiate those mortgages, so that eligible homeowners would be paying rates based on their homes’ current, reduced value.
Would McCain’s mortgage plan aid banks and cost taxpayers?
The Verdict: True. The McCain campaign acknowledges the plan would shift the burden to taxpayers….
^^^^^^^^^ that was taken from CNN – Fact check!
Does anyone find it strange that Powels endosement comes one day before Texas voting starts. The largest Millitary population is in Texas. Not that Powell will change anything, Texas will still go to McCain, but It just al seems so planned.
OKAY-
This puts a big pressure on mcCain campaign. let me just say that.
They are intimidated because they know what kind of impact C.Powell will make for the democratic ticket.
But I read you said that the economic crisis is what is important to the independent voters. So why would you vote for mcCain? A man who is going to continue the ecnomic plan of Bush. The same failed ecnomic policies of the bush adminstration?
youre saying that obama is making alot of promises that he cant keep…
As if McCain isnt. Its politics. You have to pick from the lesser evil.
McCain said he would be able to balance the budget after his first year in office.
How the hell is that possible? It took Clinton 2 terms to balance the budget and give us back that surplus after tha failed policies from the Bush Sr. adminstration. And the debt of his adminstration doesnt amount to what his own son did.
Not all plans of both sides are going to be great.
But you have to look at the good and bad, do your research on which you think is impossible to accomplish and decide.
I dont want another Bush adminstration.
I dont want a man who voted 90% w/ bush.
I dont want a man who believes a 5000 tax credit can really accomplish any type of goals you really want to accomplish.
@Change- verb,to change one’s opinions or intentions
Yes that is so true but remember Fact check is owned by Acorn and we know whats up with them.
Now lets look at the plan. The money will come from the 700 billion that they already voted on. Now even though I think some owners should eat the loss, this does cater to what a lot of Obama supporters want, To keep home owners in their homes.
Now I dont think thats a bad way to use the 700. I dont want to pay into the 700 bill (the 60% of tax payer will, all of us) but if I have to why not give people a chance to buy back their homes or give new home owners a fight.