Colin Powell and Black voters

Colin Powel Endorses Obama

Despite reports that Republican Colin Powell's endorsement of Democratic Senator Barack Obama is not surprising (LA times and NY times) there is a lot interest in the endorsement as the story is headlining all three followed publication's websites on the campaign. The Washington Post notes that Powell was not willing to support Obama based on his race, but only if he proved himself worthy of the position. He felt that after considering the debates and other aspects of their campaign that Obama was a more fitting candidate for the American people. Powell expressed disdain for McCain's campaign for its negative draw on Muslims and selection of Governor Sarah Palin as a running mate.

Black Voter Concerns

A long overdue issue of this election year addressed by the LA times today are the feelings of black voters and the question of the possibility of a black president that hangs in the balance. While many Americans would like to believe that race is not an issue for some Americans it may decide their vote. Many are skeptical that a black president will be allowed to take the office and the presidential race is being seen as an indicator of how far the American people have come in civil rights and not about the candidate's policies. A loss for Obama could indicate for some that America is backsliding and a win would show how far we have come from the dark days of slavery.

Obama Campaign Contributions

Something should be said of the ability of a politician to inspire the pocketbooks of Americans. While America and the world are in financial crisis, Obama supports have found it in their budgets to raise $150 million for his campaign in September alone reports the NY times. Some of these contributions have been questioned by the Republican National Convention, but Obama's campaign promises to give back any donations that are questionable (Washington Post).

Photo Credit: Meet the Press