Indys Love Powell Endorsement

Gen. Colin Powell’s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama is living up to the hype.

From the new Washington Post poll:

Two in 10 independent voters said they are more inclined to vote for Obama because of Powell’s backing.

That is a huge share of a key voting bloc in an era when few people say they are swayed by big-name endorsements.  Powell retains a special appeal — especially among independents — for his reputation as a moderate, honest and respectable foreign policy figure who has served both parties. (For supportive data, see my post about Powell from before the endorsement.)

Now, I don’t think any endorsement is going to be the crucial factor for the people who truly remain undecided 12 days out from Election Day.  But the nod from a Republican foreign policy expert is clearly solidifying Obama’s support among independents — and may be helping him among military families and conservative Democrats.