PETRAEUS - AT 7:10 P.M. ET:  Went to to a Hudson Institute briefing today by General David Petraeus, commander of Central Command.  It was off the record so I can't report anything said - although, frankly, there was nothing much that couldn't be reported publicly  These things are often off the record to protect the speaker in case anything slips,.

Petraeus, in person, is a smaller man than I'd thought.  But, in person, he's also more impressive than he seems on television.  He spoke for about half an hour without notes, using a Powerpoint presentation, was thoroughly knowledgeable and articulate.  In addition to being a West Point graduate, he holds a Ph.D. from Princeton. 

There were some hints around the room about a possible political future for the general, but of course he didn't respond to any of that talk.

Unfortunately, I can't say anything more, but I had the distinct feeling that Central Command is in very good and skillful hands.

November 6, 2009