Colin Powell Book Signing in Downtown McLean Draws More Than 200

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and McLean resident Colin Powell  signed his new book for more than 200 fans who crowded into a downtown McLean bookstore Thursday evening.

Powell chatted amicably with the guests who lined up around the Books-A-Million on Chain Bridge Road to meet one of the most respected men in America.

A couple near the front of line had six copies of his new book, "It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership."  "I hope some of these are gifts," he told the couple. He was assured they were.

Grandparents brought their grandchildren. There was lots of picture taking: wives snapping husbands with the retired four-star general. Husbands snapping wives.

Powell spent two hours signing and chatting in the evening hours. Earlier in the afternoon he had spent an exuberant few hours at the White House.

The occasion: The unveiling of the official White House portraits of former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.

Powell, one of Bush's two Secretaries of State, joined other Bush administration cabinet officers and advisers for the ceremony and Bush reunion.