[Changleen]

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1302806,00.html

Martin Bright
Sunday September 12, 2004
The Observer

A furious row has broken out over claims in a new book by BBC broadcaster James Naughtie that US Secretary of State Colin Powell described neo-conservatives in the Bush administration as 'fvcking crazies' during the build-up to war in Iraq.
Powell's extraordinary outburst is alleged to have taken place during a telephone conversation with Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. The two became close friends during the intense negotiations in the summer of 2002 to build an international coalition for intervention via the United Nations. The 'crazies' are said to be Vice-President Dick Cheney, Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his deputy, Paul Wolfowitz.

Last week, the offices of Powell and Straw contacted Public Affairs, the US publishers of Naughtie's book, to say they would vigorously deny the claims if publication went ahead. But as no legal action was threatened, the US launch of the book, The Accidental American: Tony Blair and the Presidency, will proceed as planned this week.

Naughtie stands by his claims and is said to be privately delighted that Powell and Straw have reacted so violently to the suggestion that the former US general had fallen out with the 'neo-cons'.

Provocatively, the phrase 'fvcking crazies' will be quoted on the jacket of the book, according to a source at the publisher. 'We were surprised to receive calls from the offices of Jack Straw and Colin Powell within 24 hours of each other,' the source said.

Naughtie claims that Powell and Straw spoke on an almost daily basis. Powell's concerns were said to have chimed with Straw's and those of Blair himself - that if America acted without UN sanction, allies would be lost.

(More in link...)

So, Even Powell thinks Rumsfield et al. are a bunch of loons. George, of course, doesn't think...

 

[valve bouncer]

If he did say that then he is even worse than the "fvking crazies" as he has shelved his dignity and credibility to continue serving their interests and is beneath contempt.

 

[Toshi]

If he did say that then he is even worse than the "fvking crazies" as he has shelved his dignity and credibility to continue serving their interests and is beneath contempt.

he's still suckling on the teat in hopes that he will be nominated, perhaps?

 

[Silver]

he's still suckling on the teat in hopes that he will be nominated, perhaps?

You're thinking of McCain. Powell has shown no interest in the Presidency.

 

[Toshi]

You're thinking of McCain. Powell has shown no interest in the Presidency.

i've read otherwise.

That became glaringly evident when Powell made some soundings that he might seek the Republican presidential nomination in 1996. Pat Buchanan and a mighty coalition of conservative groups were appalled.

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/14075/

 

[Silver]

Thanks Toshi, I've never read that.

Still, the stuff I've seen lately leads me to believe that he won't. Can you imagine what the right wing machine would do to a non-fvcking crazy (eg. not Alan Keyes) black primary candidate?

 

[Changleen]

I doubt it had anything to do with his career - he probably just thinks the neo-con agenda is ridiculous. Which it is. I actually have more respect for this guy than the rest of the GW junta - but still not that much.