That at least is the suggestion in this AP article, "Colin Powell hints he may vote against Republicans":

"I will vote for the candidate I think can do the best job in America. Whether that candidate is a Republican or Democrat or an independent," Powell told CNN's "Late Edition."

"Frankly, we lost a lot in recent years," Powell added in a swipe at the administration of President George W. Bush, under whom he served as secretary of state from 2001 to 2005.

Powell, a top general and former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, said he would vote for the candidate with a vision "that starts to restore confidence in America. That starts to restore favorable ratings to America."

"I am going to be looking for the candidate that seems to me to be leading a party that is fully in sync with the candidate and a party that will also reflect America's goodness and America's vision."

He also praised Democratic hopeful Barack Obama, who is also an African-American, and locked in a battle for the White House nomination with Hillary Clinton.

"I think he's been an exciting person on the political stage. He has energized a lot of people in America. He has energized a lot of people around the world," Powell told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

"And so I think he is worth listening to and seeing what he stands for."

Take it with a grain of salt. Despite his hawkish foreign-policy views, John McCain is likely a guy Powell can get behind. But you can be sure that this article has Obama aides salivating with giddy anticipation. A Powell endorsement would be, well, huge.

UPDATE: Here's video of Powell's comments:

(h/t: Amy Proctor)