Considering Petraeus, the Career and the Exit

Many public figures resort to 'spinning' to stay in power when their human failings are exposed. The general held himself to another standard.

David H. Petraeus was destined to be a general. Fiercely competitive and upwardly mobile, he mixed indefatigable energy with unfailing courtesy. At West Point, he wooed and married the daughter of the superintendent. He won the top three prizes at the tough Infantry Ranger School. He received his Ph.D. from Princeton. In command positions, he issued clear mission directives to his subordinates. He cultivated the press and intellectuals, promptly responding to emails with succinct observations. A believer in "big ideas," Gen. Petraeus was an idealist determined to succeed. In any command or staff position, he performed superbly.

If he had ...

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