David Petraeus for President

Perhaps with his recent re-assignment announcement as Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) this may be a bit premature. Too early for a bid in 2012 as the Democrats’ face-off candidate to Donald Trump? Conjecture is often worthless, but in this case envisioning Petraeus as president is pretty easy for me.

Here’s a soldier statesman approaching 37 years of public service; 41 if you wish to include his four years at West Point. He graduated in 1974. David’s a scholar as well with a Ph.D. in International Relations from Princeton University. He’s a prolific writer and a calm wise communicator. Is he the right person for the job? I think so.

Serious times ahead that demand serious competent skillful leadership. Times will require strong wise diplomacy, too and despite David’s insightful military skills, he knows the paramount importance of diplomacy and international engagement. Business and economics? Consider his experience stewarding the defense budget. His multiple talents include dexterity with the numbers and resources necessary to “support and defend”.

It’s comforting to me knowing that Petraeus will be advising our National Command Authorities as part of his full-time yet-to-be-approved job. His counsel will be priceless; counsel we’ve needed for a while in this less-than impressive Cabinet.

David’s greatest talent, in my opinion, is the value he places in people and their education. For in the end, people matter most. He more than knows this. He lives it. We’ll see where this all goes, but it was wonderful to hear that General David Petraeus is candidate for DCI. It’s cool to think of all the talented people he’ll bring into his new fold. It’s amazing to think of all the people he’s mentored over the years and he’ll be the first to tell you, he’s thankful for countless mentors as well.

I hope he runs for President some day. Best wishes, General.

And if he chooses not to run, here’s a nudge to General Lloyd Austin… :-)