The American Pundit

Maverick says he respects Powell’s decision, but maybe it would’ve been nice if the General had called his friend of decades before hand or even met the Alaskan Governor that he maligned. They’ve been friends for decades, they’re both respected military men, Powell donated to McCain last year, the General’s son works for Team Mav, and McCain even reportedly considerered Powell for the VP position. And Powell didn’t even call him?

“I was surprised that he didn’t call me before,” McCain told the Tribune-Review in an exclusive telephone interview on the eve of a campaign swing through Pennsylvania that includes a rally at Robert Morris University in Moon…

Powell acknowledged a close relationship with McCain for more than two decades, saying he weighed the decision long and hard. One reason Powell gave for not endorsing McCain was the Republican’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Powell said he doesn’t consider Palin prepared to be president, which is the primary role of the vice president.

McCain chided Powell for criticizing Palin.

“I wished he had taken the opportunity to meet Governor Palin,” McCain said. “I’m proud to have four former secretaries of state endorse me and over 200 admirals and generals who are retired support me.”

As for Powell’s reasoning for the endorsement, I’m not so willing to believe that it had nothing to do with race. Michelle is right that Powell and Obama are both socially liberal, but Powell also is on record as saying an African-American President would be “electrifying”. At the very least, I think skin color entered into the decision. A shame.