There'd been rumors throughout the day about David Petraeus stepping down as the director of Central Intelligence Agency after a year on the job, but the details of the report, first aired by MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell, appear to have caught everyone off guard.
"After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair," the outgoing CIA director said in a written statement. "Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours." He added that he met yesterday with President Obama, who today accepted Petraeus' resignation.
Mike Morrell, the deputy CIA director and a longtime CIA officer, has been named acting director, and may soon be elevated to the job permanently.
Petraeus is perhaps best known for his military career, in which he was a four-star Army general. He served as the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, he led U.S. Central Command, and was the U.S. commanding general of international forces in Iraq.
In case it's not obvious, some positions in government make it far more difficult to get away with such personal missteps. When you're the director of the CIA, and extramarital affairs represent national security risks, it's a career killer.
Leave a Comment:
Why should we be surprised with David Petraeus. When Republican men are constantly shacking up somewhere and are probably under bribery and blackmail by the extreme wealthy. You hear about these rich men having orgy parties at their estate, how many Republicans attended one of those parties. Or the junket flights off somewhere with the rich. And they talk now about being concerned about National security, who are you kidding. Especially when what’s his name Republican released documents immediately for Romney that put people’s lives in jeopardy, apparently these Republicans are not even concerned of how someone could be affected by Republican stupidity.
So you are lumping General Petraeus into two groups - Republican and the wealthy. I'm not sure if he is a Republican, but being a career soldier, he is not wealthy.
While what you say is true, skip, in the abstract, do not forget that there was quite a bit of talk of him running for the Republican nomination for President.
Not to mention you are trying to make the case that marital infidelity is limited to Republicans. Oh, how soon we forget.
This is a personal tragedy for Petraeus (brought about by his own doing) and a loss for our country.
We can (and do) all speculate about this, I still find it distasteful to put rumors out there regarding an ongoing investigation of a terrorist attack.
The mind reels thinking what "might" have happened. This is an act of terrorism that was in the Libyan Embassy. There were friendly and unfriendly Libyans there. Are getting information helpful from some of those folks?
By politicizing this matter, are we alienating the friendly Libyans? What is the policy there?
Who was the affair with, did information come from the person? Did the CIA tell folks it was the video, or it was both, or concealing something that national security could not publicize?
THAT is under investigation and perhaps a whole lot of that should not be made public.
That is BS. I doubt it is related to Libya. The general likely resigned because someone in the media or his staff was going to blow the whistle. Resigning takes away the news story from the whistle blower and allows Petraeus to control the publicity from the story.
As a General in the Army, he would have been making anywhere from 15k-18k a month, Depends on time in Grade, Time in service, other various stipends, ex. combat pay, overseas pay
Deb, We think the same - sounds like Republican Covert Affairs
Republicans did try to get Petraeus to run for them at one point in time, although you are correct Skip that his being sought for a nomination by the Republican Party doesn't necessitate that he's a Republican. I don't have a lot of respect for Petraeus from the @!$%# he pulled with Iraq, but with that said I'm in agreement here with Skip and Rob that we shouldn't be acting like this is somehow a unique character flaw of Republicans. I mean if you were going to overgeneralize it'd probably have just been better to say this is a character flaw of men...but as a non-adultery committing male I'd kind've appreciate it if you didn't. Anyways people in high positions do sometimes have affairs- it happens. Petraeus succumbing to it all just means he has joined a long list of other people who've committed the same act as other powerful men. Unless more details are revealed indicating why this is a big deal I really don't personally care if he's having an affair in terms of his position: that's between him and his wife. If I had to guess he just didn't want the information coming out and getting fired, but that is baseless conjecture.
Oh I also want to say that I don't think Deb was saying Petraeus is wealthy. I think Deb was just talking about stories in general where wealthy Republicans have been caught with hookers or in orgy parties using drugs and what not. But I do agree that it's a little silly to pretend that this is exclusively Republican. Republicans do seem to have this problem more often than Democrats (or perhaps it's just that they seem to get caught more often), but again I'm not sure if that has so much to do with them being Republican as it does with them being humans in positions of power over other humans.
It may well be b.s. My point was supposed to sound b.s. like.
We really only know he admitted to extra marital affair.
"We really only know he admitted to extra marital affair."
Ewwww. And what woman in her right mind would find him "sexy"? Ewww
Aww...still butthurt that President Obama was reelected?
@sandy
My comment was directed to Jeffrey Hart and not you. You just happened to post before my comment appeared.
Yes we are indeed the "most stupidest". You nailed us, Jeffery. I'm gonna go kill myself now.
You hear about these rich men having orgy parties at their estate, how many Republicans attended one of those parties.
Don't knock it till you tried it. There's nothing better than A Conservative Republican orgy....it's the stuff dreams are made of.
Bleh...all those farm animals? I'll pass.
@Mike.
After I posted, I read further up and thought that might be it. Sorry for the confusion. I usually read your posts more than someone I never read before because I greatly admire the knowledge you bring.
Okay, it isn't unique to Republicans, but they are the party of "Traditional American Family Values". Actually, it could easily be argued that TAFV are mainly a sanctimonious fraud, but that is another discussion. And it isn't unique to the military, but I there was way too much of that sort of thing when I was in the military, and considering various events since then, there is still way too much of that sort of thing going on. If a very senior officer in a high-profile position such as Petraeus' sees fit to do such a thing, you can bet your sweet bippy that plenty of people on down the ranks are engaging in all sorts of shenanigans.
Wow Deb. General Petraeus is one of the most decorated military officer's of our time and highly respected by most. Apparently your hatred towards a political party clouds your judgement. I strongly urge you to show some respect for a great man, who has put his life on the line several times over to keep you and the rest of America safe. This is a sad day in our Military.
If he's so flipping great, why did this happen? Don't you need to go lick his boots now?
Actually IntheMiddle;), Petraeus must have not been so concerned about National Security and protecting people's lives when he was shacking up, how do you explain that? Petraeus got ousted because he got caught at doing something he should not have been doing in such a high profile and important position that he has access to important National things that should not be revealed. This is just the same old typical situation of people having excessive power and abusing it. It still is a critical problem that as Republicans and other people can be subjected to bribery and blackmail to do some political bidding which should not be occurring in our government, especially when they are suppose to be serving the people of America, not just a select view corrupt individuals.
How soon you forget. I do believe the President is the highest position in this country with the most access to your important National things and I guess it was okay for Bill Clinton to make General Petraeus look like a choir boy. At least General Petraeus was an honorable man that admitted to his mistake which is more then I can say for our former President. Maybe you should stop throwing one political party under the bus and start driving the truck over the entire Government since they are all accountable.
Bill Clinton. JFK. Roosevelt.
That is all.
Bye bye General, I'm sure some wingnut will be happy to give you a job where you can screw off to your heart's content. I guess you're not "the intelligent general" everyone thought you were.
Now now, TC. We're all human. Sometimes even the "smartest guys in the room" still think with their, um, little heads. :D
Got Enraged and Engaged:
Mooched the Vote 2012!
;-)
So he had an affair with a willing partner. HORRORS!! How could anyone do something like that??
BF DEAL
People like Bill Clinton. What a man-slut. We must denounce and disown him and everything he ever did!! NOW!!
And that filthy pig Jack Kennedy. He had LOTS of affairs. We must condemn everything he stood for, reject him and his presidency. And Chris Matthews will HAVE to withdraw his book on JFK. Otherwise you're all fracking Hypocrites.
Oh and don't forget that horny pig LBJ. Time to sink the Great Society, and everything that accomplished. And don't get me started on that degenerate FDR. Purge him from the history books and destroy the last vestiges of the New Deal. Do the Repuglicans work for them. RIGHT ARM!
BF DEAL. How about everybody get a grip. (Pun intended.)
You nailed it angeleno. Since when was it a requirement to be "completely without blame" to serve in any office? The people who wrote our Constitution certainly weren't saints and didn't expect anyone else to be either!!!
There really was only one Jesus. I don't think we are going to find him running in every election or getting appointed to every public office.
You can lie, you can cheat, you can start a war, you can bankrupt the country, but you can't screw the interns. They get you for that.
Why should we care about the domestic arrangements of anybody. Are we a nation of prudes. The matter should be left up to him and his spouse.
Once the matter was revealed, the power to blackmail or coerce was lost. Let's all grow up a bit. Remember Big Dog?
You're making assumptions here, too. Just because we don't know the details, doesn't mean they are benign.
I am making no assumptions. I do not care a whit who sleeps with whom. In fact, if they are ahppier for it, good on them.
Monica and Bill come to mind as does every French president in memory.
Big so what.
"Monica and Bill come to mind"
As opposed to Marc Foley, John Ensign, Gov Sanford and Anthony Weiner?
His point was that he doesn't understand why the general would be forced to resign over something as silly as an affair. He wasn't trying to scapegoat this on to Democrats or Republicans.
It may very well be that there's more to the story, but we'll have to wait and see until that information comes out. Otherwise it's a conduct code problem.
Once the matter was revealed, yes, it lost its power as a blackmail item. However, the fact that he knowingly compromised his position is disqualifying. His lack of judgement in the past speaks to his character in the present.
I agree. As long as everyone is consenting adults and no money changes hands, or public funds are not used to buy plane tickets or hotel rooms, and it isn't sexual harassment, it shouldn't be any of our business.
The security clearance and blackmail issues get handled by their being open to the people that they would be blackmailed to - in this case, he should have been open about it to his CIA people. None of our business.
It's like ol' Earl Long used to say: don't let them catch you in a motel room with a dead woman or a live boy.
Guess he's not the DREAM candidate all the Republicans thought he was. Oh, wait, I forgot that such highjinks don't matter as long as they're heterosexual. I mean, even Rep. Scott Desjarlais, MD, won re-election in Tennessee after he had affairs with at least two patients (while married) and advocated for one to get an abortion. Oh, and of course he's a staunch pro-lifer.
He should run for Congress from Georgia and then run for President.
It wasn't that he had an affair, it is who he had it with. Early buzz is that it was Rep. Issa, shh don't ask, don't tell.
So, silly question (while we wait for more substantive details to be revealed, if ever):
Does this mean that now we can call him "Betray-us"? Or would that just be for his immediate family?
Got Enraged and Engaged:
Mooched the Vote 2012!
;-)
No mention of Bengazi? People in Washington must think the rest of us are complete dopes.
Yep Right wing twit you are a 'complete dope'
and yet, such a good pick up line. "Hey baby, did you know I'm CIA Director?" A problem waiting to happen.
Any indications yet on the gender of Petraeus' paramour?? Would that it be a he. Hee hee hee!
LOLOL - no, not a he.... They are saying it is Paula Broadwell, his biographer. It is hard to believe ANYONE could consider her a threat - she was an Army Reserve Major and I am sure she was totally vetted before she ever got near Petraeus.
From what I've seen of this lady (on various interviews) she seems like a really cool person, hardly one that would "blackmail" (certainly NOT for the money - she did have a best selling book!) or do anything that could get Petraeus "ousted".
As for that Benghazi crap - Tenet didn't get fired over all the misinformation his agency gave to Bush, why in the world would Petraeus be fired even if it does turn out that the CIA made a mistake. I think the President understands that Intelligence at best is just a crapshoot - you never really know if it is right or wrong until long after the fact.
I still think there is "more" to this story!!!
If he was still in the Army, he could have been punished under Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice(UCMJ) for adultery. Maybe he still goes by those military principles he lived most of his life by and still believes he should set that example. Or...he got caught and resigned before he was fired, like most people in a position like his does, to lessen his embarrassment.
However, since he is no longer a "public servant", it's his and his wife's private business now.
Gay marriage claims another victim. Where will it end? (snark)
Character issue always belittled leaders of mankind in any societies throughout history! Well the truth always set you free, literally so to speak, he can have as many affairs as he want, still loves his wife, children and grandchildren or being part of the LGBT community, we are one big country here, we get along with whoever!
Please don't ask, and too late he already told! Sounds like he got caught doing some undercover work! Maybe he had a dishonourable discharge!
Petraeus is beyond stupid and deserves everything he gets. End of the day, his affair is between him and his wife.
For the conspiracy idiots like @Jeffrey Hart, how about choosing facts for a change instead of inuendo, rumors, and assumptions?
Because I'd rather complain about how grossly incompetent and useless my government is while simultaneously saying that they caused a natural disaster because they are cartoon evil geniuses like Mr. Burns.
Sorry, but this story about Petraeus doesn't pass the "sniff test" for me. I'm going to withhold judgement on what is going on here until I hear "the rest of the story".
Lot of boo-hoo over 1 guy who can't keep his jeans buttoned. Something
exotic involving gender, ethnicity, religion, species that hasn't been revealed yet?
I really don't think there WAS an affair... I think that is what they WANT you to believe... I think whatever happened in Benghazi is a huge mess... He obviously knows something... and would have been able to testify next week in the hearing... By claiming an affair... he resigns and is taken out of the hearing.... Very convenient. I also question that someone with this kind of career would knowingly compromise himself and KNOW he would have to resign... over sudden "poor judgement"... Men have been known for poor judgement when it comes to women... but Not thinking Petraeus would be willing to jeopardize his career so easily... but then... I am not a guy... Sure he could have had an affair... and if that is the case... why is this all coming out NOW??... Post election?? Seems a bit fishy on the timing of all of this.
I don't support conspiracy theories, but there is too much coming out on what was known early without any denial from the admin. Now, with the resignation so close to the hearings raises more suspictions - it's just too coincidental. There may have been some bad decisions, but we need the full report before coming to any conclusion.
All the comments regarding sex and repubs are just silly. It's said that Ike had a mistress. Remember JFK, LBJ, Billie, Elliott Spitzer. Who cares unless it can be proven secrets were passed on. But, to have an affair with your biographer does raise questions about objectivity with her book.
Anyone can be called to testify before Congress, but they can also lawyer up.
My advice> Take a deep breath and let the facts come out.
The General/CIA Director is scheduled for testimony next week, I don't think his resignation exempts him from testimony. It was probably going to come out in testimony, WHATEVER it is (the woman allegedly accessing his email, is what I "heard").
I think there are going to be things we never know, perhaps that is for the best, if we have CIA out there doing covert national security intelligence.
I recommend watching "Homeland" that deals with CIA and terrorism, if folks would like to follow a fictional plot of high suspense and drama.
Ya cause, you know, if you resign from office over an event when you were in office you are tots exempted from it *eyeroll* Good job Tom and Jeff. You have once again proven that conspiracy theorists only look for information affirming the lie, not disproving the lie. Lol u mad bro?
heh a. because you apparently don't know what sarcasm is (I'm 42 dun dun dun) and b. because you apparently think you're smarter than everyone else. That's it 'eh? You're the one with 178 IQ and not me (how could I have known I mean I only took tests for it, sheesh!!!) and you're the one with the Harvard education and not me (again how could I have known, I only went to school there!!!) but you're smarter cause, ya know, you voted for the dude you wanted to so therefore you're better than those who didn't.
So again I'll ask (this time even more sarcastically) U mad bro? Hahahaha
But seriously you wanna stop with the logical fallacies and actually attempt at a coherent thought? How about you do that before you insult other people and their responses to you, hmm? How about you attempt a coherent argument and then we'll see where that goes. I'll meet you half way: present a at least half awake argument and I'll either agree with you, argue against you, or whatever else on the basis of what you say. How's that?
Hey Cartoon:
I said let's wait for the report. I only want to affirm the truth, not some theory
@Tom
Fair enough man- I was mostly addressing my comments to Jeff...but you're right, since I did name you in my section, I should be fair. You're waiting for further evidence and that's what everyone should do. So I do applaud you and I'm sorry for not making that clearer. Good job. Just stay to that kind've mentality and you and I will get along great ;-). Take care man!
TEMPTATION TEMPTATION TEMPTATION, for some odd reason , we put safety gear on everything , but a man cant make a good choice to keep his career safe because theres some woman that makes him weak enough to screw it up!!
wow all the guys who fall have that woman that knows thats what will happen when it is exposed from the Detroit chief to Elliot Spitzer, wow!!
who says women dont have the power!!
Was the affair with a man or a woman?
Baggerbabble from the troll.
If there is anything more to this story, it most likely will be that this isn't the first time and that he was "less than truthful" during his background check.
That would be a definite no-no!
The troll still spews baggerbabble.
Bill Clinton. JFK. Roosevelt.
That is all.
Rachel, I think you realize you weren't very tactful when congratulating Andrea Mitchell for getting the "scoop" on this story. I could tell by the look on your face that you wanted to take back that kudo. Andrea was definitely uncomfortable. I guess it just proves to all the haters that you are "human" too. I'm still a fan but you need to get some sleep lady! Good Luck.
Deathwishing! Ban this effing troll!
There was a time when Steve and Will wouldn't put up with this kind of Rachel-insulting troll - they would have deleted him immediately.......but no more!!!!
Rachel how do you feel is it possible? Nov 09, 2012 @9:55P.M.
Was Petraeus a double.agent to get Osama bin Laden/wPaula Broads help?
Is this probable; it looks like Petraeus.
Has gotten away with being a double agent and protected people from death that helped and trusted him from Afghanistan to Pakistan.
In order to protect people from prosecution with legal ramification & humiliation.of powerful friends.
Our dedicated fellow Americans soldiers start the mantra..
Remember "Petraeus is a double agent for the C.I.A.--boo ya-- boo ya."
one more time
"Petraeus is a double agent for the C.I.A.--boo ya --boo ya."
Blowing a career with Paula Broad-well ?
Sorry i can't feel it's even believable enough to cover a alleged affair with a Afghanistan/Pakistan double agent; to prevent a military or civil trail.
Could it be President Obama didn't tell Petraeus how to exactly do it; just do it.
Think about it after all Obama did get Osama Bin Laden!
No, Seal Team Six got Bin Laden.
Because of the strident urging of Hillary.
In spite of the protests from Biden.
Osama Bin Laden was dead in 2003. Bhutto went back to Pakistan and when she felt she was 'safe' at home, told David Frost, that Bin Laden was dead. She took a bullet for revealing that. Obama was worried about his fake birth certificate, so made up the story so his people could adore him.
Jeffery Hart banned for having multiple accounts.
Concerned 4 the country, also banned.
hipriestess4u
Osama Bin Laden was dead in 2003. Bhutto went back to Pakistan and when she felt she was 'safe' at home, told David Frost, that Bin Laden was dead. She took a bullet for revealing that. Obama was worried about his fake birth certificate, so made up the story so his people could adore him.
And you learned this startling information from the Easter Bunny.