Reports: Petraeus off the list, Trump down to three candidates to replace Flynn

[TomCADem]

Source: The Hill

Retired general and former CIA Director David Petraeus has reportedly pulled his name from consideration to replace Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal Friday, Petraeus's name was floated for the role, but the White House was miffed by his concerns about staffing and independence. It's not clear how seriously he was being considered.

* * *
Petraeus said on Friday at a conference in Munich that anyone considering the job should have control over personnel and gain a commitment from the White House to have a disciplined process for crafting security policy.

“Whoever it is that would agree to take that position certainly should do so with some very, very significant assurances that he or she would have authorities over the personnel of the organization, that there would be a commitment to a disciplined process and procedures,” Petraeus said at the Munich Security Conference. Officials told the WSJ that the White House wasn't open to Petraeus's demands


Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/320206-petraeus-no-longer-being-considered-to-replace-flynn-report

[Phoenix61]

1. So a guy on probation won't take the job?

Seriously? That might be the scariest thing I've heard so far.

[TomCADem]

2. Hilarious That Ted Cruz Is Pimping John Bolton...

...who is as pro-War as Bannon, but does hate the Russians, so he is out of the question. Indeed, he had been criticizing President Obama for not being even more aggressive on sanctions against the Russians. Still, if he gets it, it would be interesting to see him squirm as he defends cozying up to Putin at Trump's request.

[Eyeball_Kid]

3. Bannon wants war. He lives for war. Bolton loves war.

Although they might be hearing different tunes, they both are on the dance floor.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Apparently Bolten's mustache is a deal breaker for Trump....

not having Bolton or Patreus makes me happy.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

15. Good. Mark Twain is safe and will never be asked. . . nt

[lark]

17. I totally agree.

Seems like Petraeus is pretty canny and knows drumpf wants a russian puppet in the job who will look the other way when drumpf commits treason and so won't play. Good for him!

[Honeycombe8]

5. What odd comments by Petraeus.

“Whoever it is that would agree to take that position certainly should do so with some very, very significant assurances that he or she would have authorities over the personnel of the organization, that there would be a commitment to a disciplined process and procedures."

Now those are interesting comments he made. Sounds like he thinks there's dysfunction in the administration (along w/everyone else). He had concerns that an authoritarian and his minions would try to run the org. Seems like he was right because the W.H. "wasn't open to Petraues's demands." It's a demand to expect that a Director have the authority to direct the organization he's charged with running?

Trump's getting quite a reputation even among his own.

[safeinOhio]

6. Anyone that could do the job, don't want

to take orders from Bannon or the Son in law.

[BainsBane]

8. That's was a major concern of the last one who turned it down

and then after watching Trump's press conference said he wasn't interested in further negotiations.
He said he wanted nothing to do with that "shit sandwich"

[Hortensis]

11. Foreign Policy reported that Harward had planned to

replace many in the NSC with professionals, no more talking-heads hired from Fox, etc. If he had taken the position, SecDef Mattis would have had two former deputies "at the table" in some meetings, the other John Kelly, new sec for Homeland Security.

Harward "had been startled by media accounts of Mr. Trump telling the deputy national security adviser, who was close to Mr. Flynn, that she could stay in her post. It added to his concerns about working for a mercurial president."

Steve WWIII Bannon would have lost a lot of power with Hardward and also with Petraeus, who scarcely share his determination to destroy western-style democracy.

[adigal]

13. He knows Bannon running the show along with Kuschner, future felon

No way does Trump want an independent voice.

[BainsBane]

7. They might go with an active duty officer

Who is not allowed to turn down the job. That's how difficult it is for them to find someone to out up with their shit.

[pfitz59]

9. Military officers can turn down orders.

Unlike enlisted, officers swear to protect and defend the Constitution, not obey the President.

[BainsBane]

10. Oh, I heard a comment to that effect on CNN

In regard to McMaster, I believe. They said he would be required to take the job because he was on active duty.

[briv1016]

19. Officers can only disobey "illegal" orders. (Targeting civilians, killing prisoners, torture etc)

While serving as National Security Advisor is unwise, it's not illegal. On the bright side, he/she would have a good excuse when it all goes to shit.

[UCmeNdc]

12. Who ever takes the job is a fool, if he or she cannot appoint their own staff.

Trump's administration is riddled with compromised moles. When the failure goes down they will blame whomever is in charge.

[adigal]

14. Beside from Bannon and future felon Kuschner

There is that little detail of Trump being a traitor that may concern them. You know, his top aides in cnstant contact with russian intel? Might be a career-ending move, even ending their freedom. Jail and stuff, you know.

[oberliner]

16. Trump likes playing these games

To get people talking about which guy will get the rose, instead of the actual horrors going on with this administration.

[workinclasszero]

18. Keep looking Orange Hitler

eventually you will find a loser stupid and or crazy enough to join your administration.

How about Rush or Hannity? Alex Jones maybe???

[Bayard]

20. "a commitment from the White House to have a disciplined process..."

As opposed to the current undisciplined and total chaos process. He's looking for another yes man, like Flynn. Does anyone really think Flynn was acting independently?

Trump is finding out he can't run the country like he does a business. He's totally in over his head, and refuses to acknowledge that he can't swim. There are people who do not want to work for him, and can't be bought. Like Harwood, don't want any part of his shit sandwich with a side of Russian fries.