Powell Confirms Meeting with Obama

ABC News’ Jonathan Greenberger Reports: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell confirmed reports that he and Illinois Senator Barack Obama have met to talk foreign policy.

"True, I’ve met with Sen. Obama twice," Powell said on NBC’s Meet the Press. "I’ve been around this time for a long time and I know everybody who is running for office. I make myself available to talk about foreign policy matters and military matters with whoever wants to chat with me."

In late April, Howard Fineman reported in Newsweek that Powell and Obama–who is seeking to the Democratic nomination for president in 2008– had met at the urging of mutual friends: "Powell has had a history of offering his expertise to anyone who is interested, but especially fellow African-Americans, since there aren’t many blacks in the top ranks of the foreign policy establishment."

When asked on Meet the Press about his future plans, Powell did not rule out a return to government service and refused to commit to supporting a Republican in 2008. Russert did not ask about Fineman’s claim that Powell would endorse Obama in the general election if he receives the nomination.