Former Secretary of State Colin Powell reportedly announced Tuesday at a Long Island luncheon that he would be voting for Hillary Clinton in the upcoming presidential election.
Robert Brodsky, a political reporter for Newsday, first tweeted Powell’s announcement:
Boom. Colin Powell says he will vote for Hillary Clinton. Says will serve w/ distinction and cites experience and stamina
— Robert Brodsky (@BrodskyRobert) October 25, 2016
Colin Powell is apparently over being annoyed with Clinton -says at Long Island Association he plans to vote for her, and condemns Trump.
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) October 25, 2016
Powell’s endorsement has been the subject of much anticipation. In hacked emails from the former secretary of state published by DCLeaks.com, one of the websites mentioned by the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security in their statement formally blaming Russian-backed hackers for attempting to influence American politics, Powell said of Clinton, “I would rather not have to vote for her, although she is a friend I respect,” according to The Guardian.
In another email, Powell lamented, “I have told Hilleary’s [sic] minions repeatedly that they are making a mistake trying to drag me in, yet they still try,” according to NBC News.
In another email to a former aide, Powell called Donald Trump a “national disgrace” and “international pariah,” according to the same report.
