Powell: we're all okay

This is why I continue to have little respect for Colin Powell. He apparently doesn't get out much.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said Wednesday the United States is "not doing bad at all'' diplomatically, despite anti-American sentiment over the war in Iraq.

"If you stand back a bit,'' Powell told an audience at the University at Buffalo, "you might see we have done very well in most parts of the world.''

Powell, a guest in the university's Distinguished Speakers Series, outlined strides made in Europe, China and Asia, and predicted nuclear disputes with North Korea and Iran would be solved diplomatically.

Although Powell last month called his prewar speech to the United Nations accusing Iraq of harboring weapons of mass destruction a blot on his record, he said Wednesday the United States could not walk away from the current fight until Iraq is stronger.

"We are where we are,'' he said.

"We have to stay the course,'' he said to applause.