Former Reagan chief of staff endorses Obama

by Alex Koppelman, Salon, Friday, Oct. 31, 2008

Sometimes, earlier this year, the Republican primaries seemed to be a contest where the winner would be determined based on which candidate could use the words "Ronald Reagan" most often. It's hard to imagine there'll be much mention of the former president and conservative icon today, though. That would bring up a recent event that's decidedly less comfortable for the GOP: Former Reagan Chief of Staff Kenneth Duberstein has endorsed Barack Obama.

Duberstein told CNN's Fareed Zakaria that he'll be voting for the Democratic nominee on Tuesday. He cited Colin Powell's endorsement as one factor, saying, "Well, let's put it this way -- I think Colin Powell's decision is in fact the good housekeeping seal of approval on Barack Obama."

On MSNBC, he added a little insult to injury -- literally. Referring to John McCain's choice of running mate, Duberstein said, "What most Americans, I think, realize, is that you don't offer a job, let alone the vice presidency, to a person after one job interview. Even at McDonald's, you're interviewed three times before you're given a job." Watch the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CMwGPpcKQ4