Politics | Colin Powell Colin Powell Endorses Obama But says he's still a Republican By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Oct 25, 2012 7:03 AM CDT Updated Oct 25, 2012 7:11 AM CDT Copied President Barack Obama talks with reporters after his meeting with former Secretary of State Colin Powell, left, in the Oval Office at the White in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a longtime Republican, is sticking with President Obama in this year's election. He tells CBS This Morning he respects Mitt Romney, but thinks he's been vague on many issues. Speaking of Obama, Powell said the president got the United States out of Iraq and has laid out a plan for leaving Afghanistan "and didn't get us into any new wars." He praises Obama's economic performance, saying that while difficult choices are ahead on taxes, spending, and budgetary policies, "steadily, I think we've begun to come out of the dive and we're gaining attitude." Powell, for the record, says that he's still a Republican. Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error