[Born to Conserve]

Good riddance.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[peyton randolph]

What a disloyal schmuck. Imagine doing this to the CEO of a company where you are employed and expecting to get away with it.

[trebb]

"Differences of opinion are something you as a citizen and I as a citizen should value in your government,'' Armitage said . . .

At least as long as it's a Dim Commie Traitor expressing the difference in opinion...

[GSlob]

One would think that on multiple occasions both Powell and Armitage have had sufficient face time with the president to acquaint him with their opinions and views. If that's the case, then why use the media? Public channels of communication in such a case are for those who do not have sufficient access to other means.

[lilylangtree]

So explains why the State Dept is inept and ineffective.

[GOP_Proud]

< ...in an interview with National Public Radio's "Morning Edition''.. >

Says it all.

Excuse me, but who was it that was whining just last week that Bush only has "yes men" around him?

[dighton]

The effrontery is breathtaking.

[drt1]

"You don't want a government that sees everything the same way,'' Armitage said."

No. It would be antithetical to a dim witted, State Dept. bureaucrat that a single, effective Foreign Policy be enunciated to our allies and foes alike. Who's State Dept. does this guy work for, France's? IMO A real A$$ and I better not see him getting a Medal of Freedom Award soon!

[OldFriend]

Weren't they the perfect fit for State.

[GOP_1900AD]

Stinkin' rat finks! Won't miss 'em.

[JohnLongIsland]

so the state department is admitting that they set their own policy agenda instead of implementing the president's like they are supposed to
and the irony is that united nations wannabee bureaucracy will and is getting away with it

[leprechaun9]

I thought George Bush was elected President. I didn't even know that Armitage and Powell were on the ballot!

This is another data point on the meaning of a team player. When an issue is on the table, that is the time to present all points of view. However, once a decision has been made, it is back stabbing to take your point of view public and try to undermine the decision that was made.

I guess I'm not surprised at this admission from those involved.

[snowsislander]

Powell and Armitage, whose friendship was forged decades ago, share foreign policy views that are distinctly more moderate than those of Bush and other key presidential advisers. They also made far more use of media interviews and speeches to promote U.S. foreign policy than their predecessors.

I will be glad to hear no more of Mr. Armitage's "media interviews and speeches."

[mrsmith]

It's not easy to have staff and subordinates that resist everything you want them to do like Powell had. (Yes, in the media's Bizarro World Powell's situation is morphed into Bush's).

The media desperately tried to invent a gulf, and obviously still won't give up the attempt. Considering how dramatically the president changed foreign policy after 9/11 Powell was a loyal subordinate of historical terms at the State Dept.

[Paul_Denton]

Glad colin powell is gone. I cannot wait until Condeleeza Rice cleans house.

[Stultis]

"I'd rather be feckless than relevant."

[conservativecorner]

I always knew he sucked BUMP!!

[Tench_Coxe]

Just out of curiosity, isn't the State Department under the Executive branch of government?

[hershey]

But you don't want a bunch of loose cannons running around State, making foreign policy, either.