This is turning out to be endorsement weekend. First, the conservative Chicago Tribune. Now, local Philadelphia conservative talk show host Michael Smerconish, who has the morning drive show on the Big Talker 1210, WPHT. And rumor has it that this Sunday, Colin Powell will be endorsing as well.
Endorsing who? The Democratic nominee, Barack Obama.
“I’ve decided. My conclusion comes after reading the candidates’ memoirs and campaign platforms, attending both party conventions, interviewing both men multiple times, and watching all primary and general election debates.
“John McCain is an honorable man who has served his country well. But he will not get my vote. For the first time since registering as a Republican 28 years ago, I’m voting for a Democrat for president.
….
“The candidates disagree as to where to prosecute the war against Islamic fundamentalists. Barack Obama is correct in saying the front line in that battle is not Iraq, it’s the Afghan-Pakistan border. Osama bin Laden crossed that border from Tora Bora in December 2001, and we stopped pursuit. The Bush administration outsourced the hunt for bin Laden and, instead, invaded Iraq.
…
“No one in Iraq caused the death of 3,000 Americans on 9/11. Our invasion was based on a false predicate, so we have no business being there, regardless of whether the surge is working. Our focus must be the tribal-ruled FATA region in Pakistan. Only recently has our military engaged al-Qaeda there in operations that mirror those Obama was ridiculed for recommending in August 2007.
I listen to him a little every morning, mostly in between commerical breaks on Angelo’s show on WIP. I listen to him mostly because he is less evil than Hannity or Limbaugh and their ilk, and mostly because he is a thinking conservative rather than an automaton. He is also local, and has been on the right side of some local issues.
Further, you could see this coming since the primary. He has always been effusive with praise about Obama, especially on the Pakistan and Bin Laden issue.