Earlier today, Colin Powell became a Democrat, endorsing Barack Obama on NBC’s Meet the Press and trying to keep a straight face when he said race was not a factor in his decision.

It is believed that George H.W. Bush, who essentially gave Powell his entire career, is trying to get his hands around Powell’s throat at this very moment.

According to Powell, Obama is a “transformational figure” – sort of like Sarah Palin, but without the disadvantage of being a white, female conservative.

In Powell’s parallel universe, John McCain’s poor choice of running mate Palin – who has more executive experience than Barack Obama and just as much experience in economics and foreign affairs – was what convinced him to endorse Obama.

Voters trying to figure out how Powell got away with this double talk had to remind themselves: The endorsement took place on NBC.

It has nothing to do with race, Powell insisted. He has been thinking a long time about this important decision; finally he decided to accept Barack Obama as his personal Lord and Savior.

It has nothing to do with race, he emphasized.

Nothing whatsoever. He promises.