This is an election for our new president. Why is anyone concerned about who endorses whom? Don't you have enough
intelligence to make yo0ur own decision? If not, you shouldn't vote.

Paul Wade, Gordonsville, USA

If Obama is elected, start making your reservations in the soup lines. He will bring our country to economic depression. Gen. Colin Powell will of course endorse Obama. Obama, the darling of the media, why are you so mean spirited? Why afraid to be honest w/American people? No brainer I guess.

Judy L Bradley, Pasco, United States of America

If he endorses Obama but is NOT a part of his cabinet, America loses-PERIOD. BO is far 2 enamoured with our supposed allies who do nothing but criticize & propagate their socialist crap. There's nothing like the former oppresors pretending to have all the answers for a country who defeated them.

Sarah, Chicago, USA

Obama has proved himself to be the better candidate. Most people can understand a tax plan that would give 95% of Americans a break. Only the loyal right will vote for McCain because they just aren't going to change for anything.

Casey, Hollywood, USA

I hope that Powell doesn't endorse either candidate. If he does endorse either one, it will surely make things more interesting. McCain and Obama have led strikingly different lives up to this point where now they are two sides of the same coin.

D, Utah, USA

No James no such luck. I guess it was a pun 'sir'name instead of the correct spell of surname or maybe just an error?
It is an feat Obama's illusion of 'greatness'.
Uk was fooled by the same illusion the spectre of a great leader Tony Blair.
That image soon faded and we were left poorer.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

Bob Hall, US.

You said 'Obama has become the candidate of the blacks.'

Not true. Obama is candidate of the whites, blacks and all decent caring people of America. You seem to want a clear race difference to separate the two.

James, Beckton, London, UK

Joe, London.

'time for Powell to exact political payback.'

I hope not. The Obama campaign is all about bringing the decent caring people, black, white or whatever, of America together. Judging by the poll figures they are clearly in the majority.

James, Beckton, East London

It says a lot about Bush that Powell was the only decent guy in his administration, and Bush ditched him.

Whoever wins would do well to include Powell in their administration, whether he endorses anyone or not.

Richard, Edinburgh, Scotland

Prudence - I can't believe the dishonesty and moral cowardice of your comment, "Shame on Colin Powell if he speaks out". Don't you believe in free thought and speech as cornerstones of democracy? Shame on you.

ruskee, London,

Powell misled the UN about Iraq. It was his presentation of 'proof' that Saddam had WMD's that led to war. I believe Powell was duped by Bush & Cheney. He was certainly kept out of the loop, as was Rice, as documented in McClellan's expose. Now is the right time for Powell to exact political payback

Joe, London, UK

Dumbells, Its all about Darfur and the Sudan. Colin Powell is a great advocate of stoping the geneocide there. He will go with any President that will send Military troops in since the U.N Resolutions keeps getting vetoed by the Chinese and we get little or no assistance from the Europeans

A Bridges, Long Beach, CA, USA

Not a surprise: obama has become the candidate of the blacks, McCain the candidate of the whites. At lease Powell is black.

Bob Hall, New York, United States

Hey! Prudence. Wow! You have a long sir name. Are you English aristocracy?

Obama does not need to win at any cost. It is abundantly clear that he is the better candidate. John McCain looks as though he is just pretending. I would not be surprised if he throws in the towel before the actual vote.

James, Beckton, East London

I think Powell's an intelligent & patriotic man and the only issue in his mind is who would do the better job. I believe he'd endorse McCain if he thought he would do better. If he does endorse Obama it would be because, like the majority, he considers him to be stronger than McCain, no suprises.

John D, London, UK

To gain Palin and lose Powell speaks for itself. When I saw Obama v McBain, Obama reminded me of F D Roosevelt: dignity, intelligence, integrity and, er, just general niceness.

Kevin Straw, Leicester,

Kate-
Why am I not surprised at your comments
'There is a time to speak and a time to refrain from speaking' that has nothing to do with freedom.
It's called common sense and objectivity of motive.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

This highly-respected statesman with an impeccable military record is clearly concerned about the future of his country and he is right to support and partner with Senator Obama to restore the image of the USA abroad. I cannot think of a better candidate to do this important and sensitive task.

Richard Francis, Mississuaga, Ontario

McCain has a massive credibility issue now.

He'll forever be known as the Presidential candidate who bagged a hockey mom as a VP.

Sheesh, ooky dookums with a dollup of golly!

Marc, Antrim, N Ireland

I have a deep respect for Gen.Colin Powell and his moral uprightness. It is not the question of black and white as many people in their ingnorance end up with. It is the question that a great nation like USA made up of variety of cultures must finally come up a new outstanding leadership.

Tarun Bedi, Rome, Italy

hmm...the republicans have something up their sleeves. i can't help but think that he is going to support McCain and they will try to make it a big blow to Obama.

Ashley, Atlanta, GA, USA

I have the greatest respect and admiration for Colin Powel who had the courage to apoligize to the American people for being a part of the deception by George Bush to invade Iraq. He himself was deceived. Hopefully he sees that Senator McCain may be another extention of George Bush.

Dr. J.M. Seay, Pasco, United States of America

When the moderate Republicans voice their approval and support for Obama, they merely demonstrate that they like a thoughtful, intelligent, and articulate person to be President. One who does most of his own thinking, but gets advice from non-ideologues. Powell endorsing Obama would one such step.

Gunther Steinberg, Portola Valley CA, USA

Just read Obama's own book, and it's obvious that there is really only one qualified leader in the race, and that is John McCain. Obama is an embarrassment to the Democratic system. Now, Colin Powell would easily have my vote.

Al, Sylvania, OH,

Why is Mr Obama afraid to comment about the struggle of African Americans? Is it that he's afraid that America is still too racist to hear that message from a prospective president? It needs to hear the words.

President Omama will be a key healing factor in racial relations. And well deserved!

Simon P, London, UK

Prudence - Colin Powell is entitled to endorse Obama. McCain or Nader or anyone he wants. Are you perhaps unfamiliar with the concept of 'democracy' and 'free speech'?

Kate, Hampshire, UK

Powell has come a long way. It's a credit to his character that he is willing to learn and change....KUDOS!!

francesca Ochoa, hacienda Heights, usa

And the Chicago Tribune has enthusiastically endorsed the Democratic candidate for president for the first time in its 161-year history! Change is indeed coming to America, and not a moment too soon. Godspeed Senator Obama!

Martin, Chicago, USA

If the United States is to survive as a Democratic nation Obama must win.

If you think that this global financial crisis is bad imagine a world where these extremists are successful in maintaining their power.

Two wars, trillions of wealth taken from individuals.

Is that not enough?

E Wright, phoenix, az

I always respected (and liked) Powell, but this may turn to be one more embarrassing moment for him (like the one with the weapons in Iraq). Though, it may fit the statistics, since most African Americans are supporting Obama. Exception made perhaps for Alice Palmer, but who can blame her?

Anne, LA, USA

The number of conservatives endorsing Obama is reaching staggering levels. There must be something to this guy after all.

Steve, DC, USA

You are saying that to win at all costs, Obama must have pressured colin powell to vote for him!! What knid of sense does that make? Doesn't it make more sense that Colin Powell felt so strongly about Obama's candidacy that he is willing to reach across party lines?

milie, hibbing, minnesota

Would prove beyond doubt that this election is about race.

Perry Ford, Wirral, UK

It's not possible for Jim Carey to be President..he's Canadian.

Mike, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

I don't think it's a smear. Colin's black and he's energized that someone of his own race could be president. Not surprising.

Peter, San Francisco, USA

Colin Powell, by any fair & unbiased appraisal is a man of distinction; an officer & a gentleman. His color is the green of the US Army, & his blood is red, white & blue. I, like others have, will follow Colin Powell to hell and back. A true American hero who's opinion always has merit & gravitas.

Edward B Ryder IV, greenlawn, USA

Why am I not surprised.
When push comes to shove it all boils down to this.
Obama must win at any cost.
Shame on Colin Powell if he speaks out.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

I tire of the endless predictions that Powell is about to to endorse Obama. If he actually does, people will think, "Didn't he already do that?" If he doesn't, they'll still think that he did.

Frederick Michael, Hilton Head, USA

Go Obama!

Dane, KC, USA

We had Ronnie Regan, now they need Jim Carey. Think about it, the world may take them more seriously then.

Udo, Melbourne, Australia

I have a great respect for General Colin Powell. His decision to endorse either candidate should be respected. If he decides to endorse U.S. Senator Barack Obama for U.S President doesn't result on a new "smearing of General Colin Powell's name" by the McCain-Palin's camp.

Dr. Miguel A. Contreras, Yuma, USA

Colin Powell has always been a closet democrat. Huge believer in affirmative action, punitive taxes on whitey and a useless general as well! That is what affirmative action gets you.

roger the electrician, Palm Harbor, USA

This election has had me wringing my hands. I am going with my gut this time. I saw a flim flam man on television the other night with no real credits. The statistics are against me but my gut has served me well. I hope Mr Powell doesn't endorse anybody. It could be detrimental in his future.

dawn timmerman, park falls , usa

Surely the Republicans could have fielded a better candidate than McCain and that tongue. If the West has yet another actor as President / PM, then we really are all doomed.

David Smith, cannes, France