In his book Frank Rich asks, has there ever been a direct link between al-Qaeda and Iraq?

He responds: No. No direct operational link, and that's been said by the 9/11 Commission itself. …

In 2003, Colin Powell made his case for war at the United Nations and presented evidence of weapons of mass destruction in the country that later proved false.

Oprah: What impact do you think that had on the nation?

Frank: I think it had dramatic impact because he's a very credible, honorable guy, and it was very graphic. It was made for television. He had a vial with anthrax in it and photos.

Oprah: Yeah. I certainly believed Colin Powell.

Frank: I did, too…a lot of people did.

Oprah: Do you now think that his presentation was not truthful?

Frank: [Colin Powell] now says it's a blot on his record. … He was fed this intelligence.