KERRY V. POWELL:

Powell rejects Kerry assertion on Iraq (BARRY SCHWEID, August 5, 2004, AP)

Traditionally, secretaries of state avoid political battles. And Powell told the minority reporters Thursday that he was obliged as secretary not to take part in "parochial debate."

But Powell stoutly defended Bush's foreign policy in response to questions, and State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said, "The secretary is happy to explain the foreign policy of the Untied States and how it's going in the usual open and objective terms that he does."

"He is not going to get into the political debate when it's political slogans or charges or countercharges that he is asked to comment on," Boucher said.

It's a fight the Senator loses by starting.

Posted by Orrin Judd at August 5, 2004 6:16 PM