Powell: Bush Similar to Reagan

Secretary of State Colin Powell expressly compared President Bush to Ronald Reagan Friday morning, telling NBC "Today Show" host Katie Couric, "I think there is a similarity."

Like Reagan, said Powell, "President Bush has spoken in broad themes and has put broad brush strokes on the world tapestry."

"There is always controversy when you go down this road. Talking about Middle East reform: [It's] controversial," he added.

Making the rounds of all the morning TV shows, Powell continued the theme on CBS's "Early Show."

"We are, to some extent, following what President Reagan would have told us to do. And that is reach out to our friends and partners," he said, according to ABC's "The Note."

Powell explained that just as President Bush's foreign policy has caused disagreements, "There were disagreements during Reagan's time."

But he insisted:

"When you know you have to do something and you're confident it's the right thing to do, do it, even though it may result in temporary disfavor. If you've done the right thing, those partners will come back and join you in that greater effort."

Editor's note: