Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Barack Obama, citing the Democrat’s “ability to inspire” and the “inclusive nature of his campaign.”

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell speaks during a taping of “Meet the Press” at NBC in Washington October 19, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

“Obama displayed a steadiness. Showed intellectual vigor. He has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well,” he said.

Powell, a retired U.S. general and a Republican, was once seen as a possible presidential candidate himself.

He said he questioned Republican presidential nominee John McCain’s judgment in picking Sarah Palin as his running mate because he doesn’t think she is ready to be president.

Obama also said he was disappointed with some of McCain’s campaign tactics, such as bringing up Obama’s ties to former 1960sradical Bill Ayers.

Powell served as secretary of state under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet