By Robert Parry

Retired Gen. Colin Powell made what sounded like a heartfelt endorsement of Barack Obama - hailing the Democrat's presidential qualities and criticizing the nasty tone of John McCain's campaign. But why should anyone care what George W. Bush's first Secretary of State thinks?

Not only did Powell lend his personal credibility to Bush at key moments - from the Florida recount battle to the Iraq War to Election 2004 - but a serious examination of his career would reveal a person who consistently has put his career ahead of his country's best interests. [More on this below]