Colin Powell endorses Obama

Gingrich to Stephanopoulos: Powell endorsement ‘eliminated the experience argument’

Powell also said McCain’s slimy campaign tactics were a factor, and that Palin is not ready to be president. (“Which is what the Vice President’s job is.”)

You might argue in fact that in making up his mind so late in the campaign Mr Powell is demonstrating a political version of the so-called “Powell doctrine” he practiced as a military man.

That essentially involves only making your move when you are certain that overwhelming force is on your side. Or, in this case, that you are on the side of overwhelming force.