Gandalf for President?

Originally Posted by Formendacil

That's like saying that the White House takes its counsel from the CIA... if the CIA were unable to talk, composed of no people, and only capable of handing reports to the president that were taken down by agents in the field.

The CIA vs the Palantir is an impossible analogy.

Denethor's entire mind and thoughts behind his plans were a direct result of what he saw in the Palantir. Sauron broke Denethor's mind through forseeing doom in the Palantir, submitting deadly fear and submission in the heart of Minas Tirith.

Originally Posted by Formendacil

Just because Sauron had the power to make sure that what Denethor saw in the palantír appeared overwhelming and invincible does not mean that Denethor took counsel with Sauron!

You have jumped about a google of steps further than what I originally meant. The visions Denethor saw in the Palantir were the works of Sauron, hence all of Denethor's thinking was indirectly under the control (but not command) of Sauron. I did not advocate that Denethor spoke with Sauron, and although I was quite vague, I am still suprised you were not able to read between the lines:-

Denethor took his counsel from the Palantir, i.e. Sauron.