Endorsement watch: Colin Powell

It had been rumored for months, but today it happened: Former Secretary of State for President Bush Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama.

"I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Sen. Barack Obama," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Powell said he was concerned about what he characterized as a recent negative turn of Republican candidate Sen. John McCain's campaign, such as the campaign's attempts to tie Obama to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.

"I think that's inappropriate. I understand what politics is about -- I know how you can go after one another, and that's good. But I think this goes too far, and I think it has made the McCain campaign look a little narrow. It's not what the American people are looking for," he said.

More here, with video clips here and here. As far as endorsements go, this is huge, as it undercuts even more just about all of McCain's arguments for his election. I mean, if even a loyal Bush Republican like Colin Powell thinks we need the change of direction that Obama represents, then who's left to advocate for the status quo?

UPDATE: MyDD puts it in perspective.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on October 19, 2008 to The making of the President