Lots of speculation about whether the purpose of Colin Powell's appearance on Meet the Press Sunday is for him to endorse Obama, like this from Mike Allen at the Politico:
Powell's unassailable national security credentials could sway voters who are vacillating about whether Obama is ready to be commander in chief, and his endorsement of the Illinois senator would make a national security emphasis by McCain in the election's closing days extremely difficult.
Powell, 71, a professional soldier for 35 years, has advised the last three Republican presidents.
The general's camp is being coy about what he might or might not say on Sunday. But some McCain advisers suspect, without being sure, that Powell will endorse Obama.
"It's going to make a lot of news, and certainly be personally embarrassing for McCain," a McCain official said. "It comes at a time when we need momentum, and it would create momentum against us."
On matters like this, it's important to remember that there are two elections, the one going on in Real Land (where voters live) and the one taking place in Media Land. This would be a much bigger deal in Media Land, where it would dominate cable television coverage for two days and where McCain spokespeople would be forced to answer "But doesn't this show...?" questions. Fine by me!
As for Real Land, I would say some impact, but relatively modest, among swing voters.
But honestly: Powell's what national security credentials? After that UN presentation on Saddam's WMD? Such short memories.
