Powell Sticks to Fence in Prez Race

Kissinger, Powell, Baker call on Senate for 'essential' vote

(NEWSER) - The New START treaty got some serious firepower behind it this morning, with the past five Republican secretaries of state writing a Washington Post op-ed in its support. "Although each of us had initial questions about New START," write Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, James Baker III, Lawrence Eagleburger and Colin Powell, "administration officials have provided reasonable answers" and concessions, resulting in "compelling reasons Republicans should support ratification" More»

There are more woman diplos in Washington than ever

(NEWSER) - The number of women diplomats in Washington has jumped five-fold since the 1990s, thanks, in part, to Hillary Clinton. Washington-watchers and female diplomats say the rise of female politicians like Clinton has opened doors for a new cadre of women. "Hillary is so visible," Mozambique ambassador Amelia Matos Sumbana tells the Washington Post. "She makes it easier for presidents to pick a woman for Washington." More»

Former secretary of state admires president's early moves

(NEWSER) - Former secretary of state Henry Kissinger has warm words for President Obama, whom he describes as "like a chess player who has opened his game with an unusual opening" in an interview with Der Spiegel. "I have no quarrel with the opening move," he adds. "I believe that Obama has a unique chance to conduct a peaceful American foreign policy," the German-born diplomat says, because he sees no conflict with a major nation—China, Russia, or India—that would require a military solution, giving him an unprecedented diplomatic opportunity. More»

(NEWSER) - John McCain is disappointed that longtime friend Colin Powell didn't even call him before backing Barack Obama, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. McCain didn't like Powell's criticism of Sarah Palin, either. "I wished he had taken the opportunity to meet Governor Palin," McCain said. "I'm proud to have four former secretaries of state endorse me and over 200 admirals and generals who are retired support me." More»

Obama endorsement from respected statesman will draw swing voters

(NEWSER) - Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama has backed an already-defensive John McCain even further into a corner, writes Politico. Following what McClatchy Newspapers calls a “blistering critique” of McCain’s campaign by the former secretary of state, the Republican has found himself defending anew the Palin pick, the Ayers angle and his recent onslaught of negative robocalls—a tactic he condemned in the 2000 race. More»