 The criticism of Obama based on his purported relationship with Ayers was subsequently carried on by McCain himself.By late October, voter reactions to Palin had grown increasingly negative, especially among independents and other voters concerned about her qualifications.Republican and former US Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell endorsed Obama on October 19 and said of Palin "Now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president."