Obama says Powell would have role in D.C.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell would have a role in an Obama administration, the Democratic U.S. presidential candidate said Monday.

"He will have a role as one of my advisers," Barack Obama said during NBC's "Today Show." "Whether he wants to take a formal role, whether there's something that's a good fit for him, I think is something that he and I would have to discuss."

Powell, a prominent Republican who also is a former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman and one-time national security adviser, announced his endorsement of Obama during NBC's "Meet the Press." Obama said on the "Today Show" he and Powell did not speak until after Sunday's political talk show.

Obama said he asked Powell if he would campaign for the Illinois senator.

"And I think that, you know, this is an example of why General Powell ... is admired. He said, 'Look, I'm not a politician. And I don't want to go out there and hit the stump. That's just not what I do. I think it's best for you and John McCain to duke it out.'"

Of course, if Powell wanted to attend a campaign event, "he's going to have an open invitation," Obama said.