[Jhoffa_]

Well, my understanding is that Powell is kind of dovish on the whole issue and that the State Department didn't agree at all with Dubya's "axis of evil" comment. I guess Bush even told them not to water down the message.

Thought I read it right here actually.

[Faraday]

One game the media seems to play is drive a wedge between Powell and the rest of the administration. Admittedly, the State Dept. comes with a lot of baggage from prior administrations. Also, part of Powell's job is to relate the views of the weak sisters around the world. In general, he seems to have performed well in a difficult role. The President is clearly leading. Anytime the Secretary doesn't like where he's going, he is free to quit.