"John Danforth, I thought, was a great senator and did a great job with the United Nations. I think he's a good man. I would respectfully disagree with that"

Ken Mehlman is revealing his viewpoint on John Danforth, a former senator and United Nations ambassador. He thinks that Danforth did a great task in his functions and is an excellent male. Nevertheless, Mehlman is also revealing that he respectfully disagrees with this opinion. This could suggest that Mehlman does not think Danforth was as effective as others think, or that he does not believe Danforth is a good man. It is possible that Mehlman has a different opinion on Danforth's efficiency or character, or that he merely disagrees with the opinion of others. Regardless, Mehlman is expressing his opinion in a considerate way, showing that he values the viewpoint of others even if he does not agree with it.