Colin Powell , a Democrat , endorsed Barack Obama for re - election . Some believe that blurring the boundaries of the two major political parties would be a very good thing as it would make legislative compromise more likely . Mohammad Salam : Some mourn loss of moderate Republicans but sharper partisan lines are good . He says a liberal party and a conservative party enable voters to express themselves . Obama : To avoid gridlock , Democrats should be given more power over members of Congress .
Colin Powell , a Democrat , endorsed Barack Obama for re - election . Mohammad Salam : Some mourn loss of moderate Republicans but sharper partisan lines are good . He says a liberal party and a conservative party enable voters to express themselves . Obama : To avoid gridlock , Democrats should be given more power over members of Congress .