Powell lauds Obama as ‘transformative,’ criticizes McCain

Powell, a Republican who made history twice as the first black secretary of state and first African-American chief of the U.S. military, hailed Obama as a potential “transformational president” and criticized McCain’s campaign.

Powell, who was President George W. Bush’s first chief diplomat, carries the burden of his role in promoting the Iraq invasion. But his endorsement was still a stinging rebuff to McCain, 72, and could help sway swing voters and military veterans.

His backing came as the Obama campaign announced a fundraising take of more than U.S.$150 million dollars last month, demolishing its previous record of U.S.$66 million set in August.

The gigantic treasure trove is enabling Obama, who enjoyed a 10-point lead in Sunday’s Gallup tracking poll, to hit McCain even harder with a nationwide advertising blitz in the days leading up to the November 4 election.

Addressing a carnival-like rally of more than 10,000 supporters here, Obama, 47, said he was “beyond honored and deeply humbled to have the support of General Colin Powell.”

The Illinois senator said the Fayetteville area of North Carolina, home to the giant Fort Bragg army base, knew something about military heroism.

“And this morning, a great soldier, a great statesman, a great American has endorsed our campaign to change America,” said Obama, who aims to become the first black U.S. president.

“And he knows, as we do, that this is a moment where we all need to come together as one nation — young and old, rich and poor, black, white, Hispanic, native American, Republican and Democrat.”

Powell, on NBC program “Meet the Press,” said Obama had “met the standard” to be commander-in-chief “because of his ability to inspire” all ages, ethnic groups and political persuasions.

McCain remained a friend, Powell said, before launching a hard-hitting critique of the Republican’s rightward lurch, his haphazard response to the U.S. economic crisis and his choice of Sarah Palin as vice presidential nominee.

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