Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General, agrees with Obama’s decision to talk to nations that are not our friends.  Powell surmised that it is a step towards restoring favorable relations with foreign states.  Regarding speaking with Iran, the General affirmed Obama’s position by stating that he would also engage in talks with Iran.  He continued to say that we have to speak to foreign nations of which we have significant disagreements in order to move forward and begin to get out of the situation that we have been in since the Iran hostage crisis of 1979.  Powell went on to say that this must be done without imposing impossible preconditions on such conversations.  Having someone of General Powell’s stature, with the resume and experience to match, corroborating Obama’s judgment on foreign policy, calls into question some of the criticisms that have been waged against the Senator.  General Powell also shedded light on how he will vote in November.  The former Secretary of State said that he is keeping his options open but did emphasize that he will vote for the candidate who will do the best job for America, whether the candidate be republican or democrat.  The General further stated that he will vote for the person who has a vision that reaches out to the rest of the world and begins to restore favorable ratings to America.  Concluding his interview, the former Chairman said that the candidate who is most competent and represents the vision and goodness of ALL of America will get his vote.