Sneed: Powell may be poised to endorse Clinton

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Attention!Is retired four-star Gen. Colin Powell, a Republican, getting close to a presidential endorsement of his former secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton?

Betting?

Well, Sneed hears it’s a good bet to hit the “Yes” button.

• Slap shot: Although Powell has tried to stay out of politics and has jokingly claimed he remains a Republican “because it annoys them,” an endorsement would not be a surprise.

• Back shot: Powell, 79, who was secretary of state under president George W. Bush, not only endorsed President Barack Obama’s presidential bid — he also defended Clinton’s handling of the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, saying it could’ve happened under anyone’s watch.

“I think she’s had a distinguished record,” Powell said in 2013. “I don’t think it’s a blot on her record.”

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Late last year, however, Powell — whose parents immigrated to the United States from Jamaica — blasted GOP presidential candidate Donald J. Trump for his stance on immigration.

During a Washington Ideas Forum last October, Powell called Trump “Don” and offered him some advice.

“If I was around Mr. Trump — Donald, who I know rather well — I would say, ‘You know, Don, let’s see what happens. Let’s tell all the immigrants working in Trump hotels to stay home tomorrow,’ ” stated Powell.

• Flap shot: Earlier this week, Republican Sen. Mark Kirk, who pulled back his Trump endorsement because of racist comments, told the press he plans to write in Powell’s name as a candidate for president, but would not vote for Clinton because she supported the U.S.-led agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program.

• Upshot: Powell also supported the Iran deal.

Thus far, however, Powell has remained publicly mum about his political feelings and did not attend either the Republican or Democratic National Conventions this summer.

• End shot? Peggy Cifrino, a Powell spokesman, told Sneed on Thursday: “It remains to be seen when, or if, General Powell will comment on either of the presidential candidates.”

Thumping Trump . . .

The stew pot! Sneed is told RNC chief Reince Priebus, who has been desperately trying to corral Trump’s errant mouth, has not only read the riot act to Trump — but a potential state finance revolt is brewing! Hello top GOPer Ron Gidwitz!!!!

Ka-Ching!

Hillary Clinton hit the Chicago Club last night to fill her campaign coffers with money from a fundraiser tossed by Wendy Paulson, the wife of former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who are top GOPers.

It was an in-and-out event and the bucks were big.

The event was off-limits to press, and about 25 to 30 people attended at $50,000 a ticket.

Common ground . . .

Oscar winner Common is on the peace patrol.

Watch for Chicago’s stellar hip-hop artist/songwriter to hit St. Sabina Church, 1210 W. 78th Place, at 10 a.m. Friday to rev up the neighborhood peace patrols at the closing ceremony for St. Sabina’s summer work program.

“At a time when violence is soaring in our city, I am grateful to a friend and a voice respected by all to take time to show his love for our youth,” said the Rev. Michael Pfleger, the church’s pastor.

I spy . . .

Batter up! Former Yankees star Derek Jeter and a brace of buddies hit Chicago Cut Steakhouse on Tuesday night for dinner minus wife, Sports Illustrated model Hannah Davis. . . . Denver Broncos GM John Elway spotted at RPM Steak on Wednesday night. . . . Chicago native/actor Michael Madsen, a Quentin Tarantino film regular, at Gibsons in Rosemont on Thursday. . . . Chicago Bulls newest player, Rajon Rondo, at RPM Italian on Sunday night. . . . Singer Josh Groban at RPM steak Sunday. . . . Chicago Blackhawk Scott Darling at Bub City Rosemont last Tuesday.

Sneedlings . . .

The Quinn bin . . . Hear ye! Pencils poised. Cameras ready. Former Gov. Pat Quinn will lecture on the state of our state on Oct. 18 at a City Club of Chicago luncheon at Maggiano’s eatery. Be still my tongue. . . . Today’s birthdays: Cara Delevingne, 24; Mario Balotelli, 26, and Manuel Brooks, 63.

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