Petraeus aims to be Secretary of State and win a Nobel Peace Prize

[jsr]

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-1125-mcmanus-20121125,0,5882115.column

Petraeus, the comeback general
By Doyle McManus

Gen. David H. Petraeus, long the most famous overachiever in the U.S. Army, is already on his way to a new career distinction: breaking the land speed record for rehabilitation from a scandal...

He's had offers to teach from at least four universities and had conversations about seats on corporate boards. He's thinking about giving speeches, writing a book on leadership or even becoming a talking head on television.

"Down the road, a return to public service isn't out of the question," a friend who talked with Petraeus told me last week. Not as an elected politician but as a potential Cabinet officer in a future administration.

"He just doesn't see himself as a politician," the friend said. "He sees himself in the vein of George C. Marshall more than Dwight D. Eisenhower." That would be Gen. Marshall who was Army chief of staff during World War II, became secretary of State under Harry S. Truman and won the Nobel Peace Prize for rebuilding postwar Europe.

[RobertEarl]

1. He needs to made an example of

He needs to be made homeless and destitute.

He betrayed his country, his soldiers and his wife. He needs to be in jail. Oh wait, he wouldn't be homeless then would he? Ok, we give him that... a place to sleep. Right next to Pvt. Manning.

[Coyotl]

11. Public stoning in the media is the only punishment the law allows

if you have committed no crime, but had sex outside of matrimony. Or, is sex illegal now?
If every man that did that was made homeless and destitute, it would destroy the global economy.

There is a good article on how Petraeus did nothing wrong. I guess you missed it.
I'm leaving out all the detailed stories about how I betrayed my country and with whom

[RobertEarl]

19. Did nothing wrong?

That's what wrong with this country.

A general betrays the country, his men, and his wife and some people say: He did nothing wrong.

And a guy who takes a loaf of bread to feed his starving kids gets a criminal record the rest of his life.

This sucking up to the mighty and shitting on the little guy is why we are not going to make it much longer. Shame on anyone who condones such a society.

[sendero]

37. Well...

... I could not agree more. If this were not a darling of the neo-cons, he would be in a cell for disclosing classified information, something we already know he did.
Fuck him, fuck Lance Armstrong and fuck everyone who thinks they are above the rules.

[Kingofalldems]

41. I notice the republicans are not jumping on Petraeus

at all.

[Coyotl]

49. Milbank: Petraeus’ affair was no ‘scandal’

You will enjoy this good read:

http://chippewa.com/news/opinion/columns/milbank-petraeus-affair-was-no-scandal/article_62fed188-35cb-11e2-8160-0019bb2963f4.html

Petraeus resigned as CIA director because an FBI probe uncovered an extramarital affair with his biographer. Lawmakers are demanding to know why the FBI didn’t tell them sooner.

Yet the investigation has found no smoking gun — just a few steamy emails. President Obama said he sees “no evidence” that national security was compromised, and there’s no serious allegation that the affair harmed Petraeus’ spy work, so it’s baffling that the director of national intelligence suggested, and the president accepted, Petraeus’ resignation.

In truth, Petraeus’ behavior doesn’t even merit the label “scandal.” L’affaire Petraeus lacks every element of the definition.

For those too easily scandalized, let’s review what makes a Washington sex scandal:

............

[sabrina 1]

51. Poor Millbank, he's so simplistic. He really thinks it's all about an affair

or, maybe it's his job to promote that idea.

Anyone who thinks this is about an affair, also believes in the tooth fairy.

[dixiegrrrrl]

53. And he thinks an affair does not involve .."hypocrisy or lies"

Millbank...carrying BIG water.

[juajen]

64. But, Weiner didn't commit a crime either? He had to resign.

[Gregorian]

2. Who do you have to sleep with to get a Nobel? Desmond Tutu?

ARGH.

[undeterred]

25. Seems the standard has been lowered over the years.

In case you haven't noticed.

[elfin]

3. Still has the media slobbering over him

The payoff for so assiduously courting those who could advance him over so many years.

Sickening sycophants.

[sabrina 1]

4. So can Bradley Manning look forward to a similar future?

Aren't the allegations the same and why would one be sitting in jail while the other looks forward to a bright future?

[Coyotl]

14. Who did Bradley Manning have sex with?

Aren't the allegations the same?

[sabrina 1]

46. No, neither is being charged with sex offenses. But both

are suspected of compromising National Security. One is in jail, the other is looking forward to a bright future.

[Coyotl]

52. Manning is pleading guilty. Suspicion about Pretraeus is centered on sex not national security

We will see how that shakes out later. I suspect Broadwell abused access moreso than Petraeus did wrong. Maybe his staff will get in trouble for giving her too much access. He seems clean so far.

[sabrina 1]

54. Suspicion is not centered on sex, except by the easily distracted and the media.

Petraeus is and always was a shit head, a Bush guy to the core, probably a war criminal, definitely not a Democrat or an Obama fan. It was a huge mistake which most progressives said at the time, to keep him on after the election.

'Betrayus' We were right then and now maybe the DLC wing of the party who told us to STFU, will be over ruled this time.

Not for a minute would I give him a pass. Interesting too that you are so willing to do that and 'blame' the woman. Lol. I always love it when two grown ups have an affair and if the man is powerful, the woman is always the bad guy. Poor Petraeus, he couldn't help himself. He was just a Top General in charge of two wars and she seduced him. He was just head of the CIA and he couldn't help himself. BS.

There is so much about this case when you get over the prurient fascination with other people's sex lives, which I don't care one bit about frankly, that stinks to high heaven.

That woman is not a fool, she is highly intelligent and no intelligent person would have revealed the info she revealed publicly, without prior approval. Their plan didn't work, it backfired. They decided to let him off the hook by using an affair that the CIA and FBI and the WH probably knew about all about long ago, as the excuse for getting rid of him.

There is an investigation into his actions regarding classified material. HE is responsible for it getting into her hands regardless of how that happened. But I have a feeling he knew all about it.

Lol, and all this happend, her public 'revelations' re Bengazi, right before the election, in October no less.

I think their little Oct surprise backfired and I think they are letting the General off the hook, because it's 'better that we look forward'. Because we never prosecute people at his level no matter what treasonous acts they commit.

And I hope that doesn't happen. I hope it is all revealed. Regardless however, despite any findings that Petraeus compromised National Security or handed over classified info to his girl friend, intentionally or not, possibly for political purposes, he will NEVER be treated the way Manning has been. Manning did what he did to try to stop war crimes. Petreaus? My guess is it was political, a much worse crime if it turns out to be true.

We have a two tiered justice system here in the US. And it's way past time to stop it.

As her father said: There is a lot more to this than anyone knows!

Deals will be made and soon the whole story will disappear from the news. A few years from now counting on the short memories of the American people, both of them reemerge as experts on National Security and the media will help them do it.

[Coyotl]

56. Either that, or this is a non-story after all.

They had an affair. If she wasn't getting free jets to Paris or some other abuse, no harm to the taxpayer and none of their business either. I'll leave the ranting to his wife and her husband, if they want to, which I doubt. The likely want people to mind their own affairs too.

[sabrina 1]

57. No, it's not a non-story. But that's how it will end being characterized.

Unless for once, there is some effort to get to the truth.

The affair imo, is the least of this story.

[MADem]

5. I hear Mitt Romney needs a new landscaper--he should apply.

He's physically fit, and Queen Ann will give him "agua" if he gets hot and thirsty.

I think the Senate would advise and consent on the appointment of Bozo the Fucking Clown as SECSTATE before Petraeus!

Delusional fuckwit!

[leveymg]

6. Hey, he has a shot. Standards for these things aren't what they used to be.

Leaning forward.

[WinkyDink]

8. Funny. Nice right-wing "Leaning forward". That's what Rush does, not what Obama said.

[leveymg]

10. I really meant, "moving forward", as in no Bush war crime prosecutions.

But, you know what I mean.

Now, we know why none of them do it.

[Lightbulb_on]

16. Things change...

My European friends are absolutely baffled by our reaction to all of this.

The idea that an affair could derail such a high speed career is mind boggling to them. Several don't blame him after seeing his wife and think it was a marriage of convenience.

Just another perspective...

[riderinthestorm]

23. Wow! Very sexist. Holly Petraeus was a knockout 40+ years ago when she was married

By all accounts she's a powerhouse in her own right, smart and very, very well connected. She's a perfectly lovely American woman in her 60s now. Your friends' comments about an intelligent older woman are incredibly sexist.

http://www.hlntv.com/article/2012/11/12/who-david-petraeus-wife-holly-petraeus

David Petraeus is the ass in this situation.

Regardless, there's more than a bit of speculation that this is more than simply an affair, and that's why he resigned so rapidly in order to forestall investigators getting close to other more important shit (like passing along classified info to Broadwell etc.)

[Lightbulb_on]

29. A bit...

... several were from females though.

The word used to describe her was "matronly" I believe.

[riderinthestorm]

34. She's a senior citizen. Exactly how is she supposed to look?

By all accounts she's massively intelligent, Elizabeth Warren's friend, she's a high powered figure on the consumer protection board, her father was a general so she's incredibly well connected... yet all they can see is "matronly"?

Wow. You have some very, very shallow "friends".

[Kingofalldems]

36. Oh please

'Matronly' is a word you just thought up, IMO.

[Lightbulb_on]

44. Feel free...

Question though, do you think they don't know it or that no European would deign to use it?

[Kingofalldems]

45. I think you are trying to justify Petraeus' behavior

with the excuse that his wife is not attractive. That actually makes it worse.

[Lightbulb_on]

48. Actually...

I'm relating an anecdote from my personal experience that may or may not interest other posters and contributes to the general dialogue of the conversation.

Believe it... or not...

[GermanSmoker]

58. Honestly

I can understand his point. I could also understand Limbaugh's Wife having someone younger on the side.

[juajen]

66. Actually, I think I remember the media using that exact word and was mad then

They should describe Petreas as "homely".

[aletier_v]

30. "Holly Petraeus was a knockout 40+ years ago"

Ahem.

That was forty years ago.

[riderinthestorm]

33. News flash! Human physiology means we all get saggier, wrinkly and bulgy as we age.

David Petraeus has, and so has his wife. Its the normal course of events. By all accounts she has continued to be the same dynamic, intelligent, high powered woman he married (who has aged the same way he has). Whatever you may think of her outward physical appearance, I am damn sure she's had opportunities to cheat on her spouse over the years. He's certainly no prize.

Yet she stayed true to her promises. She's actually the more beautiful person inside and out than he is. He's a snake.

If you can only judge a person by their physical appearance as they become senior citizens I'm sorry for you.

[aletier_v]

43. Sense of humor goes a long way too

Hate and spite, not so much.

[riderinthestorm]

47. Now you're assigning "hate and spite" to her as well?? ** incredulous**

Honestly, I presume right now Holly Petraeus actually IS full of hate and spite, rightfully so.

Her husband acted despicably.

That doesn't imply she has ever been hateful or spiteful before, regardless of her "looks" now. Furthermore we don't know if Mrs. Broadwell's personality. Plenty of people are hateful and spiteful, regardless of their age.

Unbelievable ASSumptions.

[Ms. Toad]

35. And her appearance,now or then, is relevant why?

Odd that in a subthread in which sexism plays a major role that nearly every post mentions Holly Petraeus' looks - either 40 years ago or now.

[aletier_v]

39. You guys,er, women brought it up.

Personally I think it's rather obvious that men fall for younger, attractive women.

[riderinthestorm]

63. Here's a video of Elizabeth Warren, a fellow Sr Citizen like Holly Petraeus

So unsexy eh?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021880903







Look, this is what an "attractive" woman really looks like imho. These women are smart, intelligent and unfettered by society's norms of how a woman should look or present themselves in public.

[treestar]

32. Not buying it

Because at the same time, Europeans are not judgmental about women aging either.

[Lightbulb_on]

50. I'll let them know they don't conform to your standards...

[treestar]

59. you invented the standard

or. you don't know European standards. Your "friends" are fictional. They have an American attitude towards women's looks.

That's a nasty thing to say. So you wouldn't blame his wife for having an affair either? Because he looks old, too.

[Lightbulb_on]

60. I'll let my European wife know that she is fictional...

I'm sure she'll be surprised.

Who is going to make breakfast now?!

[treestar]

61. She can't speak for all Europeans

Or all men. But we can observe European attitudes over time. Your nasty statement that he can't be blamed due to his wife aging is inconsistent with the European attitude. Rather, it sounds like that of an American sexist.

[Lightbulb_on]

62. No one claimed that my group of European friends...

... spoke for all Europeans, women or men.

I just found a consistent thread across our circle of friends. Take it for what it's worth...

[sendero]

38. This isn't Europe..

.. where having a mistress is practically expected. And it is not just about having an affair, it is about compromising information, abusing power and generally thumbing the nose at the rules.

[Kingofalldems]

42. Not surprising at all.

[juajen]

65. Oh yeah, but men don't age. Swap that baby in for a new model.

Wouldn't be sexist at all, would you? What do you say when it's a young woman swapping her 49 year old husband for a younger model?

[KoKo]

20. sadly....lol's..."LEAN FORWARD." n/t

[WinkyDink]

7. Bwahahahahaha! Good one!

[Tutonic]

9. He needs to go to rehab.

n/t

[KoKo]

12. The "Communications Group" he hired is working Overtime on this!

This is what these people do like the Wall Street Bankers, CEO's ...and Grand PooBah's of Media and Finance. They hire these "Communications Directors" who work with their Lawyers and the Message get's Massaged to the MS/Corporate Media and the hunt for the better position making millions and even billions for "speaking engagements, BOD positions and CEO of War Making Companies all start bidding for your Bod!

Hey...Way to go Petraeus and Paul Broadwell will rake it in also with the same offers (on a lesser scale) but she's definitely the "Woman who Brought Down the General" and will have many contracts for Books, Media appearances on "The View"...Late Night Shows...Jon Stewart (again), Steven Colbert, Faux News, Oprah's new Network and wherever else she can make the Millions.

And the SHOW GOES ON!

[DearHeart]

13. He needs to retire and take up pottery. nt

[KoKo]

17. lol's ...not in the cards for that guy with the EGO size of Mt. Olympus! and his paramour n/t

[amandabeech]

15. He's comparing himself to George Marshall?

Petraeus came up with the hare-brained "surge" program that did not help turn Iraq into a functioning country and has only resulted in more deaths and a prolongation of our engagement there. The thought that Afghanistan will turn into a functioning, normal country is insanely humorous.

Marshall had a huge hand in finishing Nazis in German and Austria and demolishing malignant militarism in Japan.

Petraeus should be checked for schizophrenia because he has enormous delusions of grandeur.

[coalition_unwilling]

18. Pardon me while I throw up in my mouth a little. Fitting that this story appears

in the LA Times, an epic fail of journalism if ever there were one, matched only by Betray-us' epic failures in Iraq and Afghanistan. (McManus is such a toady, isn't he?)

[longship]

21. It appears that he's been going for the piece prize.

Sorry. Had to do it. Couldn't resist.

My bad.

[kooljerk666]

28. lol......................good one!..........n/t

n/t

[sendero]

40. It's as close to a Peace Prize as he is going.

.... to get, the Nobel committee is not made up of a bunch of neocon idiots.

[juajen]

67. Too funny, but I don't think she is a prize.

[libdem4life]

22. Absolutely. I'm with the Europeans on this one. Hopefully this will put a public dent in the power

of the genitals...either gender...either party...any sexual preference...to cause blackmail and create "security threat" status. And I'm thinking Hillary Clinton isn't going to say a word against it. "He who is without sin, cast the first stone."

The Victorian hypocrites and the prurient crusaders limit those who would aspire to any kind of leadership to be perfect humanity. Pure Insanity. Before long, 3...2...1 Grover Norquist will have a Purity Pledge litmus test.

[Fumesucker]

27. As long as someone is hiding the affair from their spouse it is a security threat

An open marriage is another thing but a hidden affair leaves possibility of blackmail.

If the Director of the CIA didn't know this then he's not smart enough to be DCIA.

We've been given a gift to derail this megalomaniac before he kills a whole bunch more people in his climb to the top of the power structure.

[Coyotl]

55. Women in veils is not the direction we want to go in.

I'd rather people were allowed to have personal lives and their personal lives were not useful as a threat because noone would care what they did in their personal lives, just so it does not impact their professional responsibilities. Let's not become a bunch of Puritans on DU now!~

[Ilsa]

24. The FBI and CIA haven't completely sorted out

why Broadwell had classified documents, have they? If she got them through him or because of the affair (without his knowledge), then I say his judgment is poor and he can't be trusted with US secrets any longer. I think he's toast.

[cloudbase]

26. Well, he DOES need some experience

with foreign affairs to go along with his domestic affairs.

[aletier_v]

31. Oooh, la la!