The New York Times has its own story on Powell’s maneuvering today. The Times notes in his conversations that Powell also praised some of Bolton’s past accomplishments, but “stopped well short” of offering the level of endorsements made publicly by President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice this week.

A question worth asking is how the Times and Post acquired their Powell stories. Did either Hagel or Chafee’s office pass along the scoop? And if so, what was their motivation? Was it to add Powell’s public credibility to the debate, therefore making a “no” vote from either of these senators more palatable? Or, did it come from Powell’s office, with the former secretary of state desiring a role in the Bolton debate while still appearing to be an honest broker?