There's mounting speculation on what Colin Powell will say on Meet the Press tomorrow morning. According to Laurence O'Donnell, Powell is ready to endorse a candidate for President. And, that said candidate will be Senator Barack Obama. Like many, I have mixed feelings whenever Colin Powell's name is brought up. On one hand I respect the man's intelligence and view him as a Republican that I would have no problem pulling the lever for. On the other hand, I'm one of the many who was disappointed in him when he stated the case for war in Iraq at the United Nations. The evidence he presented before the U.N. was fradulent. No honest person with the integrity and intelligence of Colin Powell could believe such nonsense. But to quote Bill Maher, he was being a good soldier. I don't know if that does any good, especially those who suffered through this travesty of a war.
But here's what Colin Powell's endorsement might mean. It would effectively embarass John McCain. It will also give Barack Obama more creditability as a commander-in-chief that we could be proud of. It'll also give less creditability to John McCain's vision of the world, which means war, baby, war.
However, here's what Colin Powell's endorsement might mean...
As we see it, John McCain has run a despicable campaign, unworthy of a honorable man. Anyone who believes that if McCain wins, he'll do everything he can to regain his character is just bullshitting themselves. We are seeing the REAL John McCain. A troubling, hyper-ambitious politician who doesn't see the better angels in all of us. The John McCain we've been indulged with is a man who believes he is entitled to the Presidency because of his suffering as a POW. And, what makes him even worse is that he has to fight for the Presidency against a virtual newcomer. If Hillary was his opponent, I think he would take a defeat from her not so bad. But if Barack Obama beats him, it would destroy him personally. This is why he shows nothing but utter contempt for the man, coupled with the fact that this is his last opportunity to win the White House. The country has given us a lot of morally corrupt and intellicutallty impotent individuals as President, but I don't think they would ever elect a man who will be 76 on August 29, 2012.
Okay, what does this have to do with Colin Powell's endorsement?
To some, McCain is regretting the choice of Palin as his running mate, but she is doing a superb job in rallying the dark side of the American conscience. Lately she has become unhinged. Declaring that she enjoys visiting the "Pro-America" areas of this country. Her despicable declarations of Obama palling around with terrorists has increased the political temperature. To quote Senator Bernie Sanders, if Obama wins there will be people who believe there is a terrorist in the White House, if Obama doesn't win, there will be a bunch of angry people.
Again, what does this have to do with Colin Powell's endorsement?
Should Colin Powell endorse Obama it will effectively destroy any notion that Senator Obama is a terrorist ready to use the White House to kill Americans. Powell's endorsement will give anxious voters who have yet to decide on a candidate, that Obama loves America just as much as I do.
But that's not the point of the possible endorsement.
Should Powell endorse Obama it'll put Sarah Palin in a bind. Governor Palin is the undisputed spokesperson of the Republican Party. And, the only road to victory for Republicans is to feed off of resentment. Palin is perfect. She is Spiro Agnew version 2008. What could she possibly say if Powell endorses Senator Obama?
"My fellow Americans, I'm saddened to announce that General Colin Powell has given his endorsement to a man who's know to pal around with terrorists. So, my question to you is, who is the real Colin Powell?"
Imagine this coming out of her mouth? Follow by shouts of "Kill him!!"
"Terrorist!!!" and other despicable things.
It's not out of the realm of possibility.
What a Powell endorsement might mean is that Sarah Palin's sad, comedic act will have to cease. I don't think no one in the McCain camp will want Governor Palin to question the patriotism of a respected, retired General. It would go poorly amongst all Americans, and will splinter the Republican party. It might work for the Sean Hannity/Michele Bachmann crowd who believe that anyone engaged in Liberal activity should be investigated, but I like to think those people make up a world that I would never, ever recognize.
Essentially, A possible Powell endorsement of Obama is an invitation for Sarah Palin. A dare to be exact to further engage in her toxic meandering of who loves this country and who doesn't. To question Powell's patriotism would even damage McCain's reputation beyond repair. It might mean that McCain could contemplate the idea of dropping Palin from the ticket with 2 more weeks before election day. Nevertheless, regardless of what we might feel about Powell, we should all be interested to know what he is going to say tomorrow morning. It just might mean that Sarah Palin would finally have to shut up.