The Only Voice I Listen To Is The President's.

• Share

(2 of 2)

Powell: Secretary of State: Quel dommage! I dealt with this six years ago, in one of the most difficult periods of my life, and made a decision that I never had a second thought about and was absolutely correct for me and my family.

TIME: Do you see Saddam as a threat?

Powell: I do not lose a lot of sleep about him late at night.

TIME: If Rwanda were happening tomorrow, what would you do?

Powell: Let's just say, if there was another situation that approached the Rwandan level, I think in light of what has happened in the past we'd have to take a very, very hard look at doing something. I think it would be very difficult simply to turn away.

TIME: People say you can't be fired. But would you resign?

Powell: In seven months I have never seen the situation where I haven't been able to work within this Administration. I think I have a pretty good reputation for problem solving. I am not the general who says, "That's an order." I don't think I've ever done that in 35 years of service. If I have to, I assure you, I can fire people. But I always find it much better to try to solve problems, not to create problems for your bosses.