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Superficial Endorsement

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Al-Jazeera chose to quote these reasons offered by Colin Powell for his endorsement of Obama:

In an appearance on NBC's Meet The Press on Sunday, the retired US general said Obama had "met the standard" to lead "because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all cross America".

"I think he would be a transformational president. For that reason I will be voting for senator Barack Obama," Powell, who was the first African-American to become chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, said.

This is completely style over substance. Inspiring, inclusive, and transformational are not policies. Nor are they political philosophies. These qualities tell us how Powell thinks Barry will makes us feel, but they say nothing about how decisions will be made as Barry executes the Office of President of the United States of America.

For reference, here is the President’s Oath of Office:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States.

And a pithy quote from Martin Luther King:

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I do not see how the part of Powell’s explanation quoted by Al-Jazeera conforms with either of these ideals. Inclusive rhetoric is not a barometer for one’s ability to uphold the Constitution. And without Barry’s alleged blackness, there’s nothing special about him. He would be just another anchor man or motivational speaker.

Perhaps US-based media and punditry will choose some more substantial quotes from the former Secretary of State.