(CNN) -- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign." "I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Sen. Barack Obama," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Powell said he was concerned about what he characterized as a recent negative turn of Republican candidate Sen. John McCain's campaign, such as the campaign's attempts to tie Obama to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.
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NEW: Obama praises Powell at rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina
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Ex-Secretary of State Colin Powell voting for Barack Obama
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Powell makes announcement on "Meet the Press" Sunday
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John McCain says announcement does not come as a surprise
Colin Powell
Powell
Powell
Powell
Colin Powell
Powell
@placeholder, a retired U.S. general and a Republican, was once seen as a possible presidential candidate himself.
Colin Powell
Powell
Powell
Powell
Colin Powell
Powell
"I have been honored to have the benefit of his wisdom and counsel from time to time over the last few years, but today, I am beyond honored and deeply humbled to have the support of General @placeholder," Obama said.
John McCain
John McCain
"It isn't easy for me to disappoint Sen. @placeholder in the way that I have this morning, and I regret that," Powell said.