国际英语新闻：Former U.S. Secretary of State Powell endorses Obama

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- 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.

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) speaks at a campaign rally in Kansas City, October 18, 2008

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

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell speaks during a taping of "Meet the Press" at NBC in Washington October 19, 2008