Colin Powell Endorses Obama

Democratic Candidate Barack Obama picks up a big endorsement from the Republican party.  Former Secretary of State Colin Powell made his announcement Sunday morning, criticizing John McCain's campaign. 

Locally, Ropewalk Tavern in Federal Hill is a place where republicans often get together.  Signs of the Reagan years hang above the bar with pride.  But today, they aren't speaking so high of Republican Colin Powell throwing his support behind Democratic Candidate Presidential Barack Obama.

"I think it's unfortunate that he's crossed party lines.  I really think he's looking more toward his agenda to get into the White House himself," said Jeff Samuel, a republican. 

Powell's endorsement has been anticipated since he has impressive foreign policy credentials, a subject in which Obama is criticized for being weak. 
Powell said Obama is better suited to handle the nation's economic problems. 

"You know, we have two wars.  We have economic problems.  We have health problems.  We have education problems.  We have infrastructure problems.  We have problems around the world with our allies.  And so those are the problems the American people want to hear about not about Mr. Ayers.  Not about who's a Muslim, who's not a Muslim," said Powell.   

We're 16 days away from election day.  People we talked to are wondering why this political bombshell came so late in the race.   

"Maybe he wanted to see how each would feel and what they would do," said republican Rachel Damalouji.  

On the endorsement, Republican Senator John McCain says he has a respectful disagreement with Powell's choice and believes American people will pay close attention to his campaign's message.