Yeah, I hate to be cynical too, but this makes sense. I mean, I wondered why Giuliani is getting his hands dirty by getting involved with the Bush campaign, but then I realized he has a consulting firm to look out for.
Powell is backtracking a bit... http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002074911_taiwan28.html
No. He just "carefully avoided repeating a suggestion he made". That's all. I wouldn't call that backtracking.