Actually, I think that the title deliberately distorts what Powell says here.
That's exactly right. Powells comments are measured and not any different from what other responsible people have said. The headline writer turned them into something they are not.
You're absolutely right. Powell was saying something measured. It was the headline writer who wrote a sensational headline that did not match what Powell said - just to get attention!
But, over-all, Powell is still smarting from having gone before the nations and saying there was evidence of weapons of mass destruction - and then being proved wrong. I believe that is why he no longer supports President Bush. He blames Bush for looking foolish.
Powell will Never run for office of President because he loathes that office and Perhaps those that are in it!