Powell undecided in U.S. presidential race

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says he's undecided on which presidential nominee to back but adds that Barack Obama's run is "electrifying."

Powell, a Republican who served in the Cabinet of U.S. President George Bush, told an audience Monday at George Washington University that the potential election of black man such as Obama, the Democratic Party presidential nominee, would be "electrifying," but added, "at the same time (I have to) make a judgment here on which would be best for America," CNN reported.

Powell, the nation's first black secretary of state, told the broadcaster this year that he regarded Obama as 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. And so I think he is worth listening to and seeing what he stands for."

But Powell also said Monday he had much respect for Republican Party nominee for president John McCain of Arizona.

"I have been watching both individuals, I know them both extremely well, and I have not decided who I am going to vote for," he told CNN.