Obama camp takes Colin Powell ad to TV

A day after releasing a minute-long radio ad featuring Colin Powell's endorsement of President Obama, the president's re-election campaign is out with a new ad featuring the Republican former Secretary of State - this one a TV ad that will air in all nine battleground states and Minnesota.

The ad, entitled "Solid," uses footage from the October 25 "CBS This Morning" interview in which Powell announced his endorsement for the president, touting his credentials as "former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff," and "Republican" in text while an edited version of the interview plays.

"The President saved the auto industry," Powell said, staring directly into the camera and listing off a string of achievements for which he gave the president credit. "The actions he's taken with respect to protecting us from terrorism have been very, very solid."

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According to the Obama campaign, the ad "highlights last week's powerful endorsement from retired four star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell." Powell, a well-liked and moderate Republican who also endorsed Mr. Obama in 2008, will serve to deliver something of a closing argument on behalf of the president in some of the most critical states in play.

The ad will air in Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina, Virginia, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

[ellieiero]

I find it sad and pathetic that people just assume that this is a race issue.
Colin Powell sure as heck didn't care about race when he first joined the Republican party. That should've been a sign to EVERYONE that he didn't care.

He cares about politics. He cares about his country. He's a smart man with his own opinions who refuses to bow down to politics of party or racial affiliation. He just wants what he thinks is best for the country he serves....and everyone needs to grow up and deal with that fact.

[gunndee3]

Powell's endorsement of Obama would be news if he hadn't endorsed him in 2008. Since he did though, and over McCain - a former prisoner of war, Powell's 2012 endorsement only invites the obvious racial rationale now. Powell should formally change parties if he wants a political role in the future. His 2008 endorsement of Obama effectively ended his affiliation with the Republican party. His 2012 endorsement permanently ended the Republican party's affiliation with him.

[Ulgnud]

Sorry, but Colin Powell lost his credibility when he expressed support for preferential treatment based on racial quotas.

[scottpatrick1234]

95%+ of all African Americans support Obama. This endorsement is not surprising.

[Thisbudz4OU]

Are you therefore suggesting that 95% of white persons supporting Romney are racists?

[logictoo]

inbethlehem replies:
Your preoccupation with prominent African-Americans shows where your racial attitudes lie. You terrible grammar shows where your I.Q. lies----
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I believe that African American may me the wrong term for Powell or Obama. More than one or two races may be better term. I am not sure that African American is officially recognized by the Federal Government.

[ibsage]

powell is supposedly a republican. no republican could support obama, his record or his policies. powell is clearly voting race. it simply recognises reality. race matters.

[grumpas]

I support Obama!!! What passes for Republican these days isn't the same Republican Party I used to vote for in the 70's. They have taken completely leave of their senses.

[inbethlehem]

Obama gets Powell endorsement. Romney gets Meatloaf.

[1988JAck]

Powell is a great American hero, he understand the government and the military. His endorsement means a lot to me and my family. Obama/Biden 2012.

[wh0622]

Powell was a great American Hero. No more!!! If he supports lies, I want nothing to do with him. Obama lied and people died.

[Noval53]

It's no big deal. Mr. Powell is a RINO. There are many like him in DC. They want to keep their face in the news and stay buddies with liberals in the media that will keep inviting them for interviews. At some point, when it's convenient, Mr. Powell will become a democrat for even more publicity. It's all politics.

[kevcl6750]

Powell endorsed Obama the first time because he said McCain lacked judgement since he nominated Palin to be VP. He also said and I quote, " the job of the VP is to be ready to be president " ! I agreed with Powell at the time but now that we know Biden does that mean Powell thinks Biden is qualified to be potus ? Powell just lost any credibility he ever had ! I would love to hear his EXCUSE for the Bengazi fiasco now that he is an Obama surrogate ! Put it where the sun don't shine Colin !