He has recognized that the public's high esteem for him never faced the test that can diminish heroes when they become politicians. He went on to talk about patriotism and needy children. A man who refers often to America's legacy of racism, he is also one to talk beyond the American preoccupation with race. As is typical, his speech that day turned his audience into admiring goo. This, he said, could mark a productive change from the bluntness of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
People talk around subjects to get to a bottom line.
His is going to be a more seductive approach. Powell's approach may be different in other ways, too. As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell was key in assembling a force of astonishing strength in freeing Kuwait from Iraq in the Gulf War. Once committed, he was deeply committed. But Powell, before and after, exhibited familiar hesitation.