MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell is reporting that Colin Powell will be on Meet the Press Sunday. Heavy speculation is an endorsement for Barack Obama. Endorsements don't do much. BUT. This endorsement is significant given that Powell is well-respected by many, including rethugs and Democrats. Also, this is a crossover endorsement that should drive the newscycle for at least three days before and after appearance. Watch for a McCain stunt to counter.
NBC’s Andrea Mitchell broke the news of Powell’s surprise:
"In what promises to be a dramatic moment Sunday, Colin Powell — a lion of the Republican establishment, whom McCain and Obama both have courted for months — will finally speak out on a variety of issues, appearing exclusively on ‘Meet the Press,’" Mitchell said. "Of course, years ago, he was talked about as the possible firstAfrican-American nominee of a major party."
We can only imagine the impact of a Powell endorsement. The timing is probably a part of a strategy to have a series of announcements, including the 30 minutes of air time Obama has purchased on Oct. 29. This could be the beginning of a momentum building strategy to help drive the news cycle, lock down votes and draw independents and rethugs.
The Limbaughs and Hannitys will pan the endorsement as the blacks sticking together. They will dishonor Powell because they have no shame. They will cast him as a traitor who should have stayed on the sidelines if he stopped drinking the kool-aid.
Thanks for the rec. There will probably be more reaction once everyone wakes up and realizes what is coming.