So I was writing a comment in Green Cottonham's diary about the possibility of a Colin Powell endorsement of Obama and what that would mean for the race when it got a little lengthy. This is a subject I have been thinking a lot about for a long time. I have read several books on the Iraq Buildup over the years as well as several interviews with Colin Powell on-line and in political magazines such as Newsweek and Time.
A reoccurring theme in all of the interviews and discussions surrounding the lead up to the Iraq War seems to be Colin Powell's gullibility. That for a distinguished military leader; Colin Powell is still very much a follower and maintains that boot camp mentality of obey your commanding officer even if you believe they are wrong.
I realize there are a lot of folks around here (and I tend to agree with them) that believe Colin Powell is a war criminal. Even Powell himself has expressed regrets for his U.N. Presentation.
When asked if he feels it has tarnished his reputation, he said, "Of course it will. It's a blot. I'm the one who presented it on behalf of the United States to the world, and [it] will always be a part of my record. It was painful. It's painful now."
Sept. 8th, 2005
http://abcnews.go.com/...
But if Powell wants to salvage his reputation so as not to die with this "blot" on his record; than admitting his mistake is only half the equation. Working to make it right is the other half. This country deserves to hear a full fledged apology from Colin Powell and a commitment to setting things right in regard to Iraq. That means getting the troops out and working toward peaceful solutions in regard to the problems facing us with Iran, North Korea and possibly Russia.
That would of course require those of us on the left who are rightfully angry at Powell to set aside those feelings and give him an opportunity to do so. I will probably get a lot of negative comments for this but I think we should give him that chance. And I think Barack Obama will in fact give him that opportunity whether we support it or not. And thats why I am writing this now, before the endorsement takes place.
Having read Colin Powell's comments on the prospects of electing a Black President. Having read his criteria for choosing who he will support in this race. And the very fact that he, a life long Republican, and long time friend of John McCain has even considered endorsing a Democrat is a sure sign that the endorsement is coming. It will be huge news, it will help turn the page on the Iraq occupation, it will refocus the campaign on the Iraq war, and it will be a McCain campaign crusher.
There are a lot of people out there who still like Powell and for a very important reason. He is, or at least was until this war; an honorable man with an honorable military record. Aside from being a staunch conservative, (none of us are perfect) it wasn't until the end of his career that he made a fatal and tremendous error of judgement.
While his lies at the U.N. were a crime, his mistake was believing in a basic level of honor and integrity that in reality did not exist in the current administration.
It is true that Colin Powell's lies in front of the United Nation are at least partially responsible for the American people being duped. And the simple fact that he believed the lies he told does not excuse him. But having said that, Powell was the messenger for a reason. Particularly because of his service to our country that includes 34 years of military operations as well as decades as a Statesmen in the public sector.
President Bush cashed in on Powell's loyal service to our country and his misplaced belief in the mission. He used the American peoples respect for Colin Powell against them. Bush needed a man with an impeccable reputation, particularly on military matters to spew their lies and Powell was picked for the job. Used as a political tool in much the same way the media was. In much the same way Democrats were. And ultimately in much the same way every American soldier currently or formally deployed in Iraq has been used as a political tool.
The constituency of tools is large and diverse. And in many ways Colin Powell embodies the sense of betrayal felt by the majority of Americans who originally supported this war; and made the fatal mistake of trusting George Bush to live up to the standards of our great nation and the men and woman who serve us in uniform to defend it.
So while I do not believe in forgiveness for the sake of forgiveness. I do believe in second chances for those with a deed they wish undone. Particularly if they have a history of service to our nation and are willing to fight to set things right. As Liberals and as Americans it is not right for us to say 'I told you so' and laugh at those looking for forgiveness. To truly move forward we need to welcome those who have realized their mistakes.
Colin Powell's mistake was standing with George W. Bush. The only way for him to redeem himself and his legacy is to work on behalf of change, and to assist in ending the Iraq Occupation. To use his reputation and his unique position as a former war advocate to advocate on behalf of troop withdrawal. Ultimately, that means standing with Barack Obama.
I for one think Obama (as well as those of us in the blogosphere) should accept a Powell endorsement and view it not only as a vindication of our beliefs and of our policies but as a step in the right direction for our country. It is ultimately an admission of error that should be embraced and held up for all to see. Colin Powell should be used as an example of Obama's knowledge of the issues and ability to bring this nation together.
It will send a clear signal to anyone else out there who was duped by Bush that they are not alone, and that they are welcome to join us. That we will be humble about their conversion. That we will not point the finger of contempt but welcome their change of heart and mind with open arms. That Obama will be the President of all America and work with folks on the other side of the political spectrum.
It also sends the message that John McCain is alone in clinging desperately to a position on the war that even Colin Powell no longer supports. That we can and must to stay there indefinitely.
Just skip past the crap about boycotting the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
The endorsement may also serve as the tipping point for any Republicans out there who are still on the fence about Iraq and considering a vote for change. Or for those who doubt Obama's "Americanism" or his ability to effectively protect our nation. Those who want to believe in Obama and his message but are fearful of the smears they have heard. The American people know that Colin Powell would not endorse a "Muslim extremist who pals around with Terrorist." so Barack Obama must be legit.
Powell also has the bona fide military credentials to back up a lot of Obama's military policies which should carry a lot of weight. Particularly on the issue of diplomatic talks with our enemies which Powell supports as seen in this video.
My point is that despite his obvious faults Powell has come a long way on Iraq and politics in general. We should be happy about that progress and encourage positive participation as opposed to just words. His service to our country warrants a chance to set things right. I believe that is in keeping with Obama's promise of a new chapter in American history.
I do not believe Powell is looking to join the Obama administration in any official role. He has been fairly clear about staying out of politics. But I do think he is hoping to work with the Obama administration on some of the problems he helped create. His role as an unofficial military adviser to Obama's campaign is a good indication of intentions. But ultimately it is up to Obama/Biden to decide to what extent Powell will be involved.
Thankfully, we have candidates who are intelligent enough to do so in a way that doesn't undermine our agenda.
To close, I just want to say that while many of us may not like him or trust him; I believe Colin Powell could be an asset to our team whose endorsement will only help. For his reputation while stained is still well regarded (rightly or not) in this nation as a man who truly puts his country first.
But the best reason to embrace an Obama endorsement by Powell has to be the intense anger and sense of betrayal that will engulf the Republican Party the moment his endorsement is announced. That will be hilarious. To have Obama's military policy proposals backed up by a decorated General, Statesmen and personal friend of John McCain will be devastating to the other side. The narrative of a fractured Republican Party will only add to my personal delight as McCain struggles to keep the party from eating itself alive.
I predict at least one racist statement about black people sticking together to be made by a Republican operative. Followed by days of coverage surrounding how far McCain has fallen and if there is any hope for McCain's campaign to recover as the election looms. It should be fun to watch and brutal for McCain's campaign. It is not often our side gets to have an October surprise.
I for one will be watching tomorrow.