Decision '08: Endorsements surface, 'socialist' is new buzz word

In a radio message McCain said, "at least in Europe, socialist leaders, who so admire my opponent are upfront about their objectives."

Ohio Senator George Voinovich called Obama a socialist this week in southern Ohio.

And in Parma Saturday, before endorsing McCain at a banquet for a Ukranian group, Voinovich said Obama wants the federal government to run programs that the constitution gives to state and local governments.

Voinovich says that's a socialist approach.

"Maybe that's a strong word", Voinovich said, "but Obama wants the federal government to take over everything."

Socialism is close to communism.

When asked if he's concerned about using such a provocative word to describe Obama, Voinovich compared him to the first self-described socialist ever elected to the senate.

"There's a guy in the senate, Bernie Sanders" said Voinovich, "who brags about being a socialist. And if you compare Barack Obama's record with Bernie Sanders' record, they're not too far apart."

Former Defense Secretary Colin Powell may endorse one of the candidates when he appears on "Meet the Press" Sunday.

And The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper is endorsing Senator Barack Obama.

Sunday's editorial says "electing every president involves a leap of faith -- a risk. And for a country in need of a new direction and a new tone Barack Obama is a risk worth taking."