Colin Powell endorses Obama for president

Colin Powell (pictured) has finally said what many have predicted for some time.

Retired Gen. Colin L. Powell, one of the country's most respected Republicans, stunned both parties Sunday by strongly endorsing Sen.

Powell, once considered likely to be the nation's first African-American presidential nominee, said his decision was not about race.

Oprah also said her decision to back Barack Obama was not about race.

Moderator Tom Brokaw said: “There will be some ... who will say this is an African-American, distinguished American supporting another African-American because of race.”

It is about race but maybe not entirely.

While Colin Powell was Secretary of State, he was often at odds with President Bush.

Powell left the State Department under somewhat of a cloud. Perhaps the retired general harbors some animosity towards the President, the Secretary of War or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

A logical conclusion would include a good measure of race (backing a black man for president) and discontent with the Bush administration.

Link to the Powell announcement story here.