Obama 'beyond honored' for Powell's support

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Hours after winning the endorsement of Colin Powell , Barack Obama thanked the general for his support at a North Carolina rally, calling Powell a trailblazer who embodied America's highest ideals through his distinguished public service.   Obama's tribute to Powell's service took on an added dimension during his remarks in Cumberland County, where he campaigned not far from Fort Bragg in an area rich with current and retired military servicemembers. George Bush won the county by about 3,400 votes in 2004, but Al Gore narrowly beat Bush here in 2000 by about 500 votes. Obama encouraged the mostly black crowd of some 10,200 people in a stadium here to vote early.   "With so many brave men and women from Fayetteville who are serving in our military, this is a city and a state that knows something about great soldiers and this morning, a great soldier, a great statesman, a great American has endorsed our campaign for change," he ... (link)