Colin Powell will not attend the GOP convention.
 

Interesting.... I wonder has he lost favor in the Bush administration or just got smart and decided to distance himself from Bush?

My guess is this is Powell's decision. I think he's tired of policy/strategy battles with Rumsfeld/Cheney et.al. Whether Bush wins or is defeated in November, I think Powell leaves the administration in January.

Correct. Mr. Powell had decided at least six months ago that we will not be returning for a second term in his current position. As for Condi, I believe that they have said that she will not be returning either.

'bout time....
 

I am glad that they (Condi and Colin) woke up and realized that they were being USED by the Republican Party...

The White House is saying that this is nothing new. That there are always cabinet members who do not attend in case something happens at the convention. They do not want the entire administration wiped out.

Do I believe that? Naw, especially since such an explanation has not been given before. If this is common practice then it should be no big deal. Me thinks they doth protest too much.