Colin Powell: A Vote for Change?

Yesterday morning, ex-Bush Administration Secretary of State, Colin Powell, endorsed presidential candidate Barack Obama. This move has sent shockwaves throughout the Political world and has new voters like myself curiously scratching our brows. How often does an event like such happen, with an ex-Republican leader endorsing a Democratic leader in such tumultuous times?

The answer: almost never. A tenured Republican like Powell endorsing an "inexperienced" democratic Obama just doesn't happen very often, if ever. This is a sign of just how tumultuous the Republican party is right now, with such high profile people jumping ship merely days before the election. Powell is essentially endorsing that another four years of an administration he was an integral part of is just not the right answer.

I personally cannot decide whether this is more of a boost for Obama or detractor for McCain. I guess this cannot come as a shock for McCain, as the self-proclaimed Maverick certainly does not seek to please his fellow Republicans at all times, and Powell has already publicly announced his support for Obama's foreign policy plans with Iran as opposed to McCain's. This endorsement by Powell also begins the exciting last few weeks before the election, which I would call the endorsement period. Every day now major politicians, newspapers, and even celebrities can be found on the television and internet letting America know who they think should become the next President. This is obviously of great importance, because if Matt Damon is voting for Obama, shouldn't I be voting for him too?

While that last line was clearly a joke, I worry that many voters may be swayed by their favorite celebrity's opinion. While I think America is great for allowing everyone to voice their opinion, I think this is a bit of a problem. Americans need to focus on the candidates and their issues and opinions rather than their favorite celebrity's opinion on the candidate's opinion. I believe it is times like these when major public figures need to encourage Americans, young and old, to get out and vote, as opposed to letting us all know their voting preferences. While it certainly can be interesting to know who Paris Hilton supports, I think we can all wait to hear her opinion after November 4th.