He want to change the subject to save himself from embarrassment. President looked really angry when Powel was mentioned in the presser.
He had every right to be. Powell was stabbing him in the back. We all should be angry. Treason should cause that reaction.
Now, that comment will draw criticism as being too harsh. But treason is a crime defined in Article III, Section 3 of the US Constitution:
Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.
Colin Powell, John McCain, Lindsey Graham and even John Warner are clearly giving "aid and comfort" to the enemies of the United States. It's not a hard case to make. Folks like Kos and Michael Moore are clearly "adhering to their enemies" and, arguably, "levying war against" the US. The list could go on. I'm not questioning their patriotism. I'm flat out calling them traitors.