Former Bush Secretary Of State Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama

Powell says he takes issue with McCain campaign's decision to go negative. By James Montgomery Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell on "Meet The Press" Sunday Photo: Brendan Smialowski/ Getty Images Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced on Sunday that he is supporting Democrat Barack Obama for president, calling him "a transformational figure" and citing his campaign's "inclusive nature." "He is a new generation coming onto the world stage — onto the American stage," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "And for that reason, I'll be voting for Senator Barack Obama." Powell — a Republican who served as Secretary of State under George W. Bush from 2001-2005 — said that he's been concerned in recent weeks not only by the direction of his own party, but by the decision made by Republican candidate John McCain 's campaign to go negative, attempting to link Obama to former 1960s radical William Ayers. "I think that's inappropriate. ... (link)