Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama Sunday on Meet the Press. His statement was concise, clear, coherent and eloquent. He set forth a compelling case for his choice for the next President of the United States. Just as importantly, he set forth an equally clear case for why neither Sen. McCain nor Gov. Palin are suitable for that job. All in about seven minutes. Then the great monster reared its ugly and predictable head. Tom Brokow asked Gen. Powell the question that no sane American would ever ask a white leader: Are you ­ a distinguished African American ­ supporporting another African American solely because of his race. Imagine asking former Mayor Giuliani or former Secretary Haig if they were supporting John McCain because he is a white man born of privilege. Just one of the good guys.

Even couched as it was in the smoky haze of…some will sayy… it is a question that should not be asked. If asked, itt should only be answered with a tired smile and a long sad sigh.