“Colin Powell was one of the truly great Americans of my generation. He was someone that whether you agreed with him or not, he always made decisions that reflected his honest view of the best interest of the country he loved so much.
I learned a lot from him in particular during two periods of time.
The first was when he was Secretary of State in the aftermath of 9/11. I never hesitated to do whatever he needed to construct the strategy to keep us safe from Islamic extremist terrorism.
The second was in civilian life when we often gave talks together as part of the same program. During those occasions we had a great deal of time arriving the night before and then the next day waiting to speak, to have discussions ranging from foreign policy, to politics and sports. I looked forward to the meetings as much as the program itself. In addition to his compelling and unique views on serious subjects, he had a truly unique sense of humor.
In 1996, I was part of a small group who urged him to run for President. I endorsed him in the hope that he would run. I was disappointed that he did not run but understood and respected his reasons for not doing
In 2008, when he endorsed Barack Obama instead of Senator John McCain, our views began to diverge on politics. But it never lessened my affection for him or his willingness to be generous with his time and advice.
It was always clear to me that any position he took, whether I agreed or not, it was motivated by compelling love of America and “his” soldiers.
I offer my deepest condolences and prayers to Alma, his wife of 59 years, and to Linda, Michael and Annemarie, his children.”
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