Republican Colin Powell gave Barack Obama a "full throated" endorsement this weekend. One of the most respected political and military leaders in the U.S. as well as the world fully endorsed Obama but he went even further.

Powell, from a respected position of authority, made three assertions that while obvious from the perspective of many, gave these assertions great weight coming from such a celebrated and decorated conservative figure:

1. Obama is "intellectually curious", a "transformational figure" in American politics and prepared/ready to enter the office of President of the U.S.A.

2. John McCain is running a petty campaign based almost soley on character attacks that threaten to tear apart gains this country has made in civil rights. He called Mccain out for trying to capitalize on american fears and ignorances about terrorism and muslims. He went further to say the obvious that even if he is Muslim, so what? America was formed on religious freedom and tolerance of ideas and beliefs. He essentially called out McCain's campaign as running on prejudices and backwards ideas.

3. He expressed what many have already said that sarah palin, while talented in many ways, is no where ready to be vice-president let alone president of the U.S. Her choice as running mate illustrates McCain's lapses in judgement and what could expected from him in the future.

Powell not only endorsed Obama but he shredded the credibility of the Mccain/palin ticket. Independent voters will have just one more reason to feel comfortable with Obama/Biden.