August 20, 2008
In advance of the endorsement, I had an opportunity to discuss the (then rumored) Powell endorsement with one of my neighbors whose opinion I highly value. My stated opinion was that Powell would hurt his reputation if he did. He/She strongly disagreed with my conclusions.
Now, it is one day after the endorsement has been made. The venue (Meet the Press) and the follow up comments of many on both sides of the discussion only reinforces that which I originally anticipated.
The rational for his decision was weak coming from him. He has been a professional soldier and former Secretary of State. His stated reasons for support dwell on the economy and the impact on the Supreme Court. He has no credentials of value on these issues other than those of any regular citizen.
To have meaning to me, I would have preferred that he concentrate on the alternative approaches for ending the war honorably and bringing the troops home quickly. He did neither nor did he contribute any opinion on the Candidate's proposals for dealing with the other trouble spots in the Region. If he was going to dance around these still important issues, why go on Meet the Press to NOT discuss?
I still have great respect for the man, but I have some nagging doubts about what led him to this decision. I hope that he hasn't sold his reputation too cheaply in anticipation of being offered a position in the future.