Powell praises Obama

GARY, Ind., April 11 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, though a Republican, says he has high regard for Sen. Barack Obama in his bid for the Democratic presidential nod.

Powell said in a television interview broadcast Thursday he admired the way Obama handled a speech on race and his controversial former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, The New York Times reported Friday.

Powell said he valued Obama's counsel and was impressed with the way he has run his campaign despite a lack of experience.