Former U.S. Secretary of State Powell endorses Obama

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign."

"He has both style and substance. I think he is a transformational figure," Powell, a Republican, said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"Obama displayed a steadiness. Showed intellectual vigor. He has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well," he said.

Powell, a retired U.S. general and a Republican, was once seen as a possible presidential candidate himself.

He said he questioned Republican presidential nominee John McCain's judgment in picking Sarah Palin as his running mate because he doesn't think she is ready to be president.

Obama also said he was disappointed with some of McCain's campaign tactics, such as bringing up Obama's ties to former 1960sradical Bill Ayers.

Powell served as secretary of state under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005.

美国前国务卿鲍威尔１９日宣布，他将在今年的总统选举中把选票投给民主党总统候选人奥巴马。

鲍威尔当天在全国广播公司的“与媒体见面”节目中说，他认为奥巴马具有当总统的风度和实力、沉稳明智、年富力强，而且将是一名变革型领袖。

鲍威尔是共和党人，曾任美军参谋长联席会议主席，２００１年出任国务卿，２００４年１２月因与副总统切尼、时任国防部长拉姆斯菲尔德等政见不合而辞职。

过去２周来，奥巴马在总体民调和关键州民调中的支持率均稳居领先地位，他的优势似在逐步扩大。