Obama buoyed by Powell backing, funding boost
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to attend rally in Florida to capitalise on endorsement of Colin Powell
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Former US secretary of state Colin Powell has publicly backed Democratic candidate Barack Obama to become the next president of the United States. |  |
Monday, 20, Oct 2008 02:05
Barack Obama's campaign team headed to Florida on Monday after receiving the backing of Colin Powell and revelling in a record fundraising haul in September.
This weekend the Obama team received the double boost of endorsement from former secretary of state General Powell, while it was also revealed $150 million (£86.4 million) had been raised for his campaign last month alone.
With just over two weeks to go until Americans elect a new president, Mr Obama is looking to cement his lead over Republican nominee John McCain in the opinion polls.
Today the Illinois senator is due to attend a rally with defeated Democratic nominee hopeful Hillary Clinton.
Mrs Clinton remains immensely popular in Florida, where she defeated Mr Obama in the party's primary only to see the result declared null and void due to a row over the timing of the poll.
Mr Obama reacted to the endorsement of Gen Powell be saying he was "beyond honoured and deeply humbled".
"Colin Powell has reminded us what is at stake in this election – for America and the world," the 47-year-old said.
"He reminded us that at this defining moment, we don't have the luxury of relying on the same political games, the same political tactics that have been used in so many elections to divide us from one another and make us afraid of one another," Mr Obama continued in reference to perceived negative campaigning from Mr McCain.
He said claims from Mr McCain and running-mate Sarah Palin that his tax plans amounted to socialism were "outrageous accusations".
Mr McCain said Gen Powell's endorsement for Mr Obama "doesn't come as a surprise".
Gen Powell, who served as secretary of state under George Bush from 2001 to 2005, said Mr Obama would be a "transformational president" with the "ability to inspire".