David Petraeus resigns as CIA director

[Kulindahr]

The only sort of behavior in the military that should be counted as unprofessional is something that renders a person unfit for duty. If a soldier wants to go out and join an orgy, get drunk and stoned, and howl at the moon while dancing naked around a bonfire, it's all irrelevant so long as he shows up for duty bright and alert and energetic.

If Petraeus had been in any post but the CIA, this would have been no big deal. So I think he should just lay low till the midterms, then Obama can make him SecDef.

[bankside]

The only sort of behavior in the military that should be counted as unprofessional is something that renders a person unfit for duty. If a soldier wants to go out and join an orgy, get drunk and stoned, and howl at the moon while dancing naked around a bonfire, it's all irrelevant so long as he shows up for duty bright and alert and energetic.

If Petraeus had been in any post but the CIA, this would have been no big deal. So I think he should just lay low till the midterms, then Obama can make him SecDef.

The trouble is, he may well have had an affair with an irrational security risk.

[justdra]

Looks like another top official is mixed up this scandal and now I'm betting there will be others who get exposed because of the fallout. All because he couldn't keep it in his pants. His image or legacy will be tarnish over this. It reminds me of John McCain. His legacy of being a POW is also marked by his pick of Sarah Palin as his VP. She completely overshadowed him and almost seemed as if she was running for POTUS.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2120609.html

[Lostlover]

Looks like another top official is mixed up this scandal and now I'm betting there will be others who get exposed because of the fallout. All because he couldn't keep it in his pants. His image or legacy will be tarnish over this. It reminds me of John McCain. His legacy of being a POW is also marked by his pick of Sarah Palin as his VP. She completely overshadowed him and almost seemed as if she was running for POTUS.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2120609.html

Another top general is busted in this investigation? That one trashy woman that alerted the FBI was screwing this guy too.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...8AC05Z20121113

Where's the professionalism in our army? Conservatives get on the post office's case for delivering mail slow. I'm going to love to hear what they have to same about this growing scandal.

[EastMed]

It's a case of the surveillance state eating its own children.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...ance-state-fbi

[Jack Springer]

I don’t think an honorable discharge can be changed when the conduct in question took place after military service ended.

Petraeus retired from the U.S. Army on August 31, 2011.

Timeline of the Petraeus affair (CNN)

The timeline is not in concrete yet.

[Jack Springer]

even without this scandal, I'm not sure that would have happened (and with this, definitely not... I don't think Obama's demonstrated much of a tendancy to try and weather a storm when he can just throw the offender under the bus instead)

the next Secretary of Defense seems likely to be John Kerry, a fact that fills me with utter dread (although, it's marginally better than Secretary of State Kerry).

The word on the street is that Kerry will be Defense Secretary.

Hard to believe that Hillary will give up SOS -- she'd have to move back home -- could Bubba and her live together?

I think Petraeus is done as a public figure. His indiscretions now appear to be worse than just an affair -- he may have exposed himself to blackmail or even worse exposed our country's secrets.

[opinterph]

The timeline is not in concrete yet.

Agreed. The timing of the affair noted in the CNN article is “according to a Petraeus friend.”

[Jack Springer]

It's a case of the surveillance state eating its own children.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...ance-state-fbi

Sex-starved generals and their bimbos involving themselves in junior high school drama.

[BostonPirate]

This is delving into a pool that people ought not. Years of work... all getting ready to get shredded.

This is an inter agency squabble between the FBI and the CIA.

It needs to be left alone.

[Lostlover]

Does anyone know what happened to the professionalism in the army?

[TX-Beau]

What the whole army had an affair with that woman?

Damn she must have been sore.

What does adultery have to do with professional competence? Plus he wasn't IN the army when he banged her.

[maxpowr9]

What the whole army had an affair with that woman?

Damn she must have been sore.

What does adultery have to do with professional competence? Plus he wasn't IN the army when he banged her.

Security reasons for one. Thought that would have been obvious...

Paula Broadwell, the biographer revealed as the woman having a secret affair with the now-former CIA director, gave a talk at the University of Denver on Oct. 26 in which she appeared to reveal sensitive, maybe even classified information about the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. The most interesting revelation is her claim that the CIA was holding several Libyan militia members prisoner, which may have prompted the attack.

After giving a bit of background, [Broadwell] mentioned that the 'ground forces at the CIA Annex were requesting reinforcements'. Then she added: I don't know if a lot of you have heard this but the CIA annex had actually taken a couple of Libyan militia members prisoners. She told her audience that the attack was thought to be an effort to get them back. Oops. U.S. officials have not made reference to that possible motive in numerous accounts of the Benghazi attack and for good reason. 'The CIA has not had detention authority since January 2009, when Executive Order 13491 was issued. Any suggestion that the Agency is still in the detention business is uninformed and baseless', said a CIA spokesperson in a statement issues on Sunday night.

Broadwell, who attended the university's Josef Korbel School of International Studies, spoke at length of her career ambitions. 'My longterm goal had always been to become national security advisor,' she said. That's probably not going to happen now.

I think the affair is mostly smoke and mirrors for the interdepartmental fighting going on between the FBI and the CIA.

[TX-Beau]

The army isn't exactly full of celibate teetotalers, and while I MIGHT buy that excuse at the CIA I don't buy it at all for the army.

It's the standard fig leaf for the witch hunt.

What did he do that was illegal?

[BostonPirate]

It's not about what it looks like. This is about methodology, Humint S.A. versus gray psyop plant.

The sex is the distraction. It's the shiny object for everyone to stare at while something big happens.

[maxpowr9]

The army isn't exactly full of celibate teetotalers, and while I MIGHT buy that excuse at the CIA I don't buy it at all for the army.

It's the standard fig leaf for the witch hunt.

What did he do that was illegal?

There actually are bylaws against adultery in the military: Article 134, Paragraph 62.

[TX-Beau]

But he wasn't in the Military.

- - - Updated - - -

I can't believe I'm defending a Bush Republican.

[White Eagle]

I'm sitting here watching Chris Matthews try to explain what is going on and he can't. I think Petraeus is being a pimp for other generals.

[TX-Beau]

I want to know why that one woman was cyber-stalking the adultery woman in the first place?

You just know it's juicy - I suspect frustrated, unrequited lesbian obsession - or maybe quited lesbian spurning.

Inquiring minds want to know!

[Kulindahr]

Maybe we should just do what a umber of armies ion the past did -- have a "pleasure corps" to handle sexual needs.

[TX-Beau]

I believe that's a Falcon video.

[Lostlover]

What the whole army had an affair with that woman?

Damn she must have been sore.

What does adultery have to do with professional competence? Plus he wasn't IN the army when he banged her.

The top tier of the army had an affair with the woman. I can totally understand if he fucked the shit out of her behind closed doors. But under a desk and using government email accounts and computers for hook ups?

NOT VERY PROFESSIONAL.

[Jack Springer]

it seems like the woman Petraeus was having an affair with was crazy... she was jealous of the other woman (a family friend) and sent her threatening emails.

the family friend also happened to be "friends" with an FBI agent, who got the investigation started into the threatening letters.

unrelated to all of this as far as I can tell, the family friend is also "friendly" with the General overseeing the Afghan war.

wonder when the photo of the shirtless FBI agent will come out, lol

Petraeus' GF is a member of the Army Reserve -- she will for sure face charges.

[maxpowr9]

Not really related but Paula's husband seems a bit swishy or as my brother put it to me once, "only fags wear scarves"...

[Kulindahr]

The top tier of the army had an affair with the woman. I can totally understand if he fucked the shit out of her behind closed doors. But under a desk and using government email accounts and computers for hook ups?

NOT VERY PROFESSIONAL.

Did it render him unfit for duty?

[Lostlover]

Did it render him unfit for duty?

It makes me question his judgement and his ability to to act in a rational way.

Sex under the desk? Seriously? Couldn't wait to get a motel?

[BostonPirate]

reminds me of kids looking at shiny pennies.

[JayHawk]

Yes Loki that is all utter speculation. What has been reported is that the email was done on Google's Gmail. Last i checked that was private. Patraeus was also a civilian at the time and OH BY THE WAY the second General from the Marines... General Allen has no allegation of sexual misconduct. He was simply too candid with a family friend which was uncovered as the FBI went on a easter egg hunt after they got access to the complainant's email account.

But dont let the facts get in the way of fearing a loathing by others as they obviously have some issues to get off their chest.

[maxpowr9]

where is that "sex under a desk" thing coming from?

I don't think I've seen that reported in any legitimate news source.

Sadly, The Daily Show where Jon expounds his own journalistic ingenuity over the whole affair.

Yes, using work stuff for non-work related things is against many company's policies. Hell, I remember at my old job that when my own mom sent me an email to my business one, IT guys intercepted it and I got an email back from them saying that I shouldn't use my work email for "personal endeavors".

[JayHawk]

Sadly, The Daily Show where Jon expounds his own journalistic ingenuity over the whole affair.

Yes, using work stuff for non-work related things is against many company's policies. Hell, I remember at my old job that when my own mom sent me an email to my business one, IT guys intercepted it and I got an email back from them saying that I shouldn't use my work email for "personal endeavors".

[TX-Beau]

So DID he bang her under a desk at work or not?


Seems the email thing is right out.

[TX-Beau]

Is that Peggy Noonen? Why are we still listening to her?

[maxpowr9]

Actually watch the whole clip...

Spyfall - Part 1

Spyfall - Part 2

[Kulindahr]

It makes me question his judgement and his ability to to act in a rational way.

Sex under the desk? Seriously? Couldn't wait to get a motel?

Your personal life must be incredibly boring if you think sex under a desk is bizarre. Now, if the desk had been out in a room with a half dozen other desks, with people at them, yeah, that would be a bit over the top. So would sex in a dumpster, or on an escalator. But under the desk tells me he has an orderly and disciplined character that wouldn't let him disturb the top of the desk.

[Lostlover]

Sadly, The Daily Show where Jon expounds his own journalistic ingenuity over the whole affair.

Yes, using work stuff for non-work related things is against many company's policies. Hell, I remember at my old job that when my own mom sent me an email to my business one, IT guys intercepted it and I got an email back from them saying that I shouldn't use my work email for "personal endeavors".

I'm not that much of a prude. I read Gawker and Media Matters at work, but that's far different from having sex under a desk.

I find it troubling that the FBI is making an issue over the affair and that he had to resign because of it, but these lurid details of his sexual indiscretions take their toll.

[TX-Beau]

So, has ANYONE been charged with anything yet? And who was Cantor fucking?

[JayHawk]

Awesome Maxpwr9 thanks I hadn't seen the whole thing....

Both clips are funny end to end but the miriad of clips where fox news 'pundits' express outrage over whatever vague conspiracy they cantrive and then Stewart (a comedian mind you) blows up their arguments with their own news broadcast.... amazing....utterly republicans are so fucking full of shit amazing.

[Just_Believe18]

I find it troubling that the FBI is making an issue over the affair and that he had to resign because of it, but these lurid details of his sexual indiscretions take their toll.

This is actually turning out to be a much deeper problem than just a lurid sexual affair of adultery. Now more people are involved and it includes harassment and classified information. I don't think we've seen the full story yet, and it may be far worse than it appears even now.

[Jack Springer]

Actually watch the whole clip...

Spyfall - Part 1

Spyfall - Part 2

Stewart seemed to know the Broadwell chick pretty well in an earlier episode. What is their connection?

[Jack Springer]

This is actually turning out to be a much deeper problem than just a lurid sexual affair of adultery. Now more people are involved and it includes harassment and classified information. I don't think we've seen the full story yet, and it may be far worse than it appears even now.

Even John Kerry now.

[White Eagle]

Dammit! Here I sit with an article about Cantor and he has already been mentioned. HE tried to cause an October surprise and failed.
I'm gonna post the article anyway. Fuck Stewart!

http://www.truth-out.org/buzzflash/c...fbi-stood-firm

MARK KARLIN, EDITOR OF BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT ericcantor2 Eric Cantor: His October Surprise Failed

Amidst the sordid details of the high-ranking CIA sex scandal (that has now spread to an investigation of Jill Kelley, the woman who complained of being harassed by Gen. David Petraeus's mistress (Paula Broadwell), being involved in voluminous and questionable e-mail exchanges with the current commander of forces in Afghanistan, Gen. John Allen), one important political factor has emerged in the last day: Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor appears to have tried to put pressure on the FBI to advance the investigation, with the likely goal of an October surprise scandal that would have potentially harmed Obama's chance of re-election.

[Ninja108]

No shock at all at the fact Fox News fails to mention Cantor's role in all of this.
And I'll also say this..over and over people have said Petraeus is a man of integrity,yet some people at Faux News and elsewhere have said he might have been blackmailed into lying so he could keep his job.
Doesn't sound like he has much integrity to me in that case.

[Jack Springer]

FOX reported last week that Cantor had be told -- I think it was Oct. 26 or 27 -- and referred the person who told him to the FBI.

MSNBC and MediaMatters doesn't report all the stuff from FOX News. In fact, I hear they have an agenda regarding FOX.

Sources tell Fox News that Reichert talked to the whistle-blower, then referred him to Cantor. The whistle-blower talked to the majority leader’s office, then to Cantor directly. The whistle-blower -- who purportedly was concerned about a possible national security breach -- was then put in touch with FBI Director Robert Mueller.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012...#ixzz2CDiherap

[TX-Beau]

OK genius, why did some no name FBI special agent HAVE to tell Cantor?

Specifics - if you can find any. What regulation or rule was there that the Hose Majority Leader HAD to be told but NOT the Senate or anyone else evidently.

SOOOOOO Has ANYONE been charged with a crime yet?

[BostonPirate]

I have a big simple question to ask the republicans here.

Why did Cantor not tell the nation and the president when he was made aware of the problem by the people involved in the issue.

When you answer that question, and think of all its implications, things start to become clearer.

Why is it that all participants are GOP members? How did they conspire to keep this secret from the executive office, yet leak it to the legislature.

Who has the most to gain from all of this?

People need to stop being tittilated by the real housewives of the Armed forces, and a bit more attuned to the players and the effects that they caused.

Who can benefit from the head of the CIA being removed, and who would be able to do it through contacts? The last CIA director, who is now.... gasp.... The Sec of defense. You know... the guy that the generals report to in the pentagon.

Oh yeah, on a side note... a budget negotiation is getting ready to happen that may cut funding for agencies across the board. I wonder what effect these events are going to do to the budgets of these departments now. Anyone have a guess?

Who was the first politician who knew all about this and didn't tell the commander in chief?

OHHH Cantor that's right. He would have no reason to want leverage in an upcoming budget negotiation.

[MisterB]

Why does this Paula woman remind me so much of the Glenn Close character in Fatal Attraction? Their eyes?

Here's what I don't get--if we gay folks don't want people focusing on our sex life, so why is it okay to focus on theirs? This is a personal issue between Mr. Petraus and his wife, period. I felt this same way about former President Clinton.

And please don't lecture about morality, holding some people to higher standards. If you want to go there, then why are so many philanderers still in Congress? Why didn't they resign immediately? Folks like Ensign from NV; Vitter from LA. And please understand, I am not singling out republicans--these two are the first who come to my mind.

As I learn more about this case each day, I am reminded about that old adage "Be careful what you ask for". I wonder if the woman in Florida (Jill somebody?) who went to the FBI thought through the potential that her family's dirty laundry would be aired?

Now we've learned about her and her husband's financial problems; her twin sister's custody battle? Wow...

This event should be a teaching moment for all, especially our young folks--if you write it, post it, it's forever. Kinda like those stupid sexting nude shots that get posted...

IF we learn that any security/defense information was compromised, then it's time to throw the book at all involved. And don't get me going on the FBI guy who informed Cantor, et al.

[Jack Springer]

OK genius, why did some no name FBI special agent HAVE to tell Cantor?

Specifics - if you can find any. What regulation or rule was there that the Hose Majority Leader HAD to be told but NOT the Senate or anyone else evidently.

SOOOOOO Has ANYONE been charged with a crime yet?

It was a unnamed whistle blower who contacted Cantor -- you know as much as I do now.

[BostonPirate]

It was a unnamed whistle blower who contacted Cantor -- you know as much as I do now.

Why didn't he either use it as an election issue, or inform the commander in chief that it occurred? There is no answer that looks good for Cantor.

[Jack Springer]

Why does this Paula woman remind me so much of the Glenn Close character in Fatal Attraction? Their eyes?

Here's what I don't get--if we gay folks don't want people focusing on our sex life, so why is it okay to focus on theirs? This is a personal issue between Mr. Petraus and his wife, period. I felt this same way about former President Clinton.

And please don't lecture about morality, holding some people to higher standards. If you want to go there, then why are so many philanderers still in Congress? Why didn't they resign immediately? Folks like Ensign from NV; Vitter from LA. And please understand, I am not singling out republicans--these two are the first who come to my mind.

As I learn more about this case each day, I am reminded about that old adage "Be careful what you ask for". I wonder if the woman in Florida (Jill somebody?) who went to the FBI thought through the potential that her family's dirty laundry would be aired?

Now we've learned about her and her husband's financial problems; her twin sister's custody battle? Wow...

This event should be a teaching moment for all, especially our young folks--if you write it, post it, it's forever. Kinda like those stupid sexting nude shots that get posted...

IF we learn that any security/defense information was compromised, then it's time to throw the book at all involved. And don't get me going on the FBI guy who informed Cantor, et al.

The reason everyone is focused on his sex life --- one simple fact -- Mr. Patraeus was the head of CIA. He made himself open to blackmail. Think about the possibilities.

- - - Updated - - -

Why didn't he either use it as an election issue, or inform the commander in chief that it occurred? There is no answer that looks good for Cantor.

He referred to the FBI -- you should be glad Cantor did not make it an election issue.

[BostonPirate]

Jack that makes no sense.

Cantor is part of this, in some way, and we will find out. If there's one thing I trust, it's a politicians instinct to hide damaging situations well.