Powell didn't get where he is without being very, very ambitious. (That's not necessarily a bad thing.) I've read his two autobiographies, and he's a fascinating guy. He had a lot of demanding, time-consuming jobs. Additionally he was away from home for long periods.

He also has his own ideas as to how things should be run. He is not simply an order-taker.

I think anyone that ambitious, hardworking and talented would move to the next level at the slightest provocation. I suspect there is something which would come out if he were scrutinized as carefully as a candidate for President or Vice President is.

They've been financially secure for a long time. He stays very busy on the Boards of many companies and on the speaking circuit. I think the wife excuse is just that. And that's just an opinion.

Arf