I heard a political rumor today that put a chill down my spine.  I know someone who's dad is a successful defense contractor living in D.C.  Both also happen to be black Americans.  The defense contractor was a supporter of McCain...notice the was.  He's now switching his support to Barack Obama.  And here's why...

  The latest political scuttlebutt out there is this...Obama will select Colin Powell as his running mate.

   Chilling.  Calling Obama/Powell a formidable duo would be an understatement.  Powell would give Obama credibility in the areas of military defense, foreign policy, and national security.  Powell would pull more independents/moderates over to Obama that might have voted for McCain otherwise.  Powell is younger and more likable than McCain. 

  According to these same sources, the talk of Powell joining Obama is creating lots of excitement in the black community.  I think a lot of whites would like that ticket too.

  Personally, I don't think the point of race would be able to stop Obama/Powell.  Some might argue otherwise, but just take a moment to picture the charismatic Obama and Powell on television.  Now picture McCain together with Mike Huckabee (who I predict will be McCain's running mate.)  Which pair would you bet on?

  The GOP would be toast in that showdown.

  Am I supporting Obama/Powell?  Absolutely not.  My politics are based on substantive ideas, not personalities and sound bytes. 

  But I'm also a political realist, and the winds of change are already favoring the Democrats.  An Obama/Powell ticket would probably seal the deal for the donkeys.