Oh, poor Donald, someone told him no. Someone wasn't flattered by his offer. I'm glad that Mr. Harward turned down the offer. Given Trump's propensity for attacking anyone who disagrees with him or speaks out on an issue in ways that aren't in line with him, Harward made the right decision. HIs sanity is more important than Trump's vanity.
13
Amanuenses with amnesia. Petraeus didn't resign just because of aqan affair. He was guilty of leaking classified info to his lover. Let's have some responsible reporting, especially if we want to gin up support for blocking this narcissist.
9
The man saw the press conference and ran the other way. We've all had difficult bosses over the year, but anyone around Trump 24/7 will be dealing with heart palpitations and stomach ulcers. Trump appeared irrational yesterday. I watched that entire display of ego and inhumanity. Of morbid focus on getting the best reviews, even if he has to invent them or distort them.
Then you have his unkempt sidekick Bannon, who probably likes being the lone sycophant in the Trump room. Every bit the narcissist himself.
As an American and tax payer, you have to feel the Trump family is embezzling wildly in such a short time. I'm not even talking about him never paying taxes.
Our treasury is being pick-pocketed for his sons to open multiple hotels as far as Dubai. This is all the time now. Secret service lodging, fuel costs, security costs. Third weekend for Trump to goof off at Mar-a-lago. Mounting costs--Air Force One, on the ground security, 10+ million drained for 3 weekends, it is estimated. Not to mention we still are spending a ton in New York since this family is entitled, and decided not to move for months to D.C.
Did anyone show Trump Camp David? He can go there when he's bored.
Invite a physician and counselor. Time to invest in a anti-manic medication.
Then you have his unkempt sidekick Bannon, who probably likes being the lone sycophant in the Trump room. Every bit the narcissist himself.
As an American and tax payer, you have to feel the Trump family is embezzling wildly in such a short time. I'm not even talking about him never paying taxes.
Our treasury is being pick-pocketed for his sons to open multiple hotels as far as Dubai. This is all the time now. Secret service lodging, fuel costs, security costs. Third weekend for Trump to goof off at Mar-a-lago. Mounting costs--Air Force One, on the ground security, 10+ million drained for 3 weekends, it is estimated. Not to mention we still are spending a ton in New York since this family is entitled, and decided not to move for months to D.C.
Did anyone show Trump Camp David? He can go there when he's bored.
Invite a physician and counselor. Time to invest in a anti-manic medication.
11
I can't imagine anyone with self-respect would be willing to allow their name to be used as branding on Trump's tower. Look what happened to Tillerson, sidelined, kept in the dark, not allowed to set up his own team. A figurehead.
10
It's a viscious cycle. Trump doesn't want competent peers in his White House inner circle. He wants unthreatening underlings. He and they aren't up to the job and blunders follow - including the almost completely ignored Yemen disaster that resulted in the death of children and one of our military.
The enormity of the task of running the country requires he expand the circle, that he reach out and work with autonomous, talented adults. But he fears them. They might be (constructively) critical, they might necessarily be smarter in certain areas, they might have said something critical before the election. More than anything, he cannot stand any challenge to his idealized self image, any person who would expose his limits.
The more this pattern continues, the less likely talented people will want to board his ship.
The enormity of the task of running the country requires he expand the circle, that he reach out and work with autonomous, talented adults. But he fears them. They might be (constructively) critical, they might necessarily be smarter in certain areas, they might have said something critical before the election. More than anything, he cannot stand any challenge to his idealized self image, any person who would expose his limits.
The more this pattern continues, the less likely talented people will want to board his ship.
7
What Trump needs is a tough chief of staff who Trump allows to do his job without inference from any of his other advisors nor from Trump. In the top security post he needs a man like Eisenhower who can establish a cooperative NSC that will give Trump sound advise regarding international affairs. The Trump needs to find a silent audience to absorb his venting in private.
6
Petraeus would be an excellent choice for this post, and bring back to government an exemplary and highly effective public servant. As a matter of fact, I predict that he WILL be offered NSC and take it, as Trump needs to take some heat off his more political cabinet picks.
Consider that David Petraeus, now shamelessly campaigning to step into Flynn's vacated position as National Security Advisor, himself pled guilty to "mishandling" classified information recently in a dirty little adultery case that cost him his Directorship of the CIA, as well it should have considering that he was guilty of delivering classified information to his mistress. The Justice Department had sought felony charges again Petraeus, but he got off with only a slap on the wrist. A person of this quality of character may be the best the Trump administration can come up with. What respectable person would stoop to stepping into Flynn's shoes?
6
The last line of this article really does not give the full context of why Petraeus resigned. He resigned because he shared classified information with his mistress.
11
Who would want a job as a deck hand on the Titanic?
10
Viola turned down the Secretary of the army job last week.
5
Oh, the company one keeps! Harward is absolutely right to turn down this post. Look at the company he would be keeping as the NSC is currently constituted: Bannon, Miller (the robotic Mr. Miller), the President's son-in-law. Sure, a trusted deputy or two is understandable, but the whole lot are no-nothing ideologues. Trump is uncomfortable with experts, 'lest his own instincts be questioned. (Compare to Obama who served a larger goal.)
On display at the press conference were the characteristics that won Trump sufficient following to take the election, which his opponents will never cease to lament. He problem solves like many of us in an "ordinary" situation might. He looks at what makes immediate sense to him, does not delve deeply into the topic, and arrives at a decision that does not make him uncomfortable -- the proverbial "gut" that people admire. The problem with Trump is that he's a pathological liar through and through, and he doesn't even know it. Couple that with the narcissism and you have an ugly, dangerous spectacle. He cannot accept any fact, any info that does not directly burnish and affirm his own sense of importance. Imagine participating in a Conference in which the typical agenda of facts digested, wisdom applied, and solutions found has little bearing.
Trump is a bully and his belittling of the press a national embarrassment. The Press will have to begin shouting back, on the spot. So what if one risks losing "access." The norms are gone.
On display at the press conference were the characteristics that won Trump sufficient following to take the election, which his opponents will never cease to lament. He problem solves like many of us in an "ordinary" situation might. He looks at what makes immediate sense to him, does not delve deeply into the topic, and arrives at a decision that does not make him uncomfortable -- the proverbial "gut" that people admire. The problem with Trump is that he's a pathological liar through and through, and he doesn't even know it. Couple that with the narcissism and you have an ugly, dangerous spectacle. He cannot accept any fact, any info that does not directly burnish and affirm his own sense of importance. Imagine participating in a Conference in which the typical agenda of facts digested, wisdom applied, and solutions found has little bearing.
Trump is a bully and his belittling of the press a national embarrassment. The Press will have to begin shouting back, on the spot. So what if one risks losing "access." The norms are gone.
6
According to insider sources, Harward turned down the job because he was not allowed to bring his own staff. I'm sure there are other qualified people out there to choose from.
3
Calling all opportunists and masochists.
3
What a mess. trump is so far over his head, he's drowning. No smart person will allow themselves to be part of this train wreck.
5
What's this 'Mr.' nonsense? Surely Admiral Harward and General Petraeus have earned the right to be addressed by their earned ranks.
3
We are facing a real risk that Bannon may be the only one accepting this job when all sane people turn it down.
The SecDef needs an ally in the WH. Somebody will need to accept the sacrifice for the Nation knowing that history may not be kind to him or her.
The SecDef needs an ally in the WH. Somebody will need to accept the sacrifice for the Nation knowing that history may not be kind to him or her.
2
I thought Bannon already had Sec of State.
How many offices can one person hold simultaneously in the US Government?
How many offices can one person hold simultaneously in the US Government?
1
Did they not think to ask him if he wanted the job before they made the announcement?
7
Would you want to work for Donald Trump who never gives autonomy to do your job? Good candidates will pass and weak ones aren't needed. What's a country to do?
1
Anyone else worried about Trump's inference that he had not been fully briefed before placing Bannon on the NSC's principals committee?! Shouldn't someone who boasted about his lack of political experience be doing his goddamn homework before signing executive orders left and right (not to mention choosing cabinet members). Not that he would necessarily be influenced by any briefings, since those few briefings he allows himself he often ignores. See the article about his problem with the intelligence agencies. I'm sorry, but this is scary stuff, scarier and scarier by the day (unintentional comedy notwithstanding). I thought Ivanka and Jared had moved to Washington to help keep the president on the straight and narrow. Where are they?!!!
1
Notably, this article did not discuss Mr. Harward's qualification for NSA. He was no doubt wise to turn it down.
Until Mr. Trump recognizes that a government is not a for-profit business and that his whims are not law, this administration will continue to be in turmoil.
Just yesterday, Mr. Trump proved once again that his main priority is his ego, not America.
Furthermore, his refusal to answer the question of a Jewish reporter during a period of increased hate crimes--one was foiled at my own SC synagogue this week, thank goodness-- shows he is out of touch with the chaos he has sown with his own hateful remarks.
Until Mr. Trump recognizes that a government is not a for-profit business and that his whims are not law, this administration will continue to be in turmoil.
Just yesterday, Mr. Trump proved once again that his main priority is his ego, not America.
Furthermore, his refusal to answer the question of a Jewish reporter during a period of increased hate crimes--one was foiled at my own SC synagogue this week, thank goodness-- shows he is out of touch with the chaos he has sown with his own hateful remarks.
9
How about Ivanka or one of the Trump boys....., anyone??
3
Admiral Harward obviously has the integrity to recognize that Trump and his entourage are too crazy to work with. After 40 years of service to the county, he probably didn't like the idea of Putin's ties to Donnie and his crew either.
10
The real reason he didn't accept the post? He's honorable.
13
You can just hear the hum of that finely tuned machine doing it's work hmmmmmm..........
6
Doesn't the National Security Advisor need to pass a top secret security clearance? How could a general who was convicted of giving top secret documents to his unauthorized concubine (Petraeus) possibly pass a top secret security clearance?
What the Heck is Going On?
What the Heck is Going On?
12
If he'd given it by mistake and admitted (mistake), I think you could still have it?
But with knowingly providing it and then lying about it, subsequently convicted for it,...I don't see how even a Pardon could erase the numerous violations?
But I don't blame him for this current issue. I blame the current Administration for bringing his name up.
But with knowingly providing it and then lying about it, subsequently convicted for it,...I don't see how even a Pardon could erase the numerous violations?
But I don't blame him for this current issue. I blame the current Administration for bringing his name up.
5
My brother is a Navy SEAL and has 23 years active service. I messaged him about this as he is someone in the trenches of war and in the rooms for intelligence meetings. His response to Admiral Robert S Harward turning down the job was quite interesting. First, he said it was simply a very tough position to assume. Secondly, he asked me two rhetorical questions. 1) Would you give up close to 1 million a year for NS adviser? And 2) Then add on top of serving under Trump? He answered: Most would turn it down with for first question before considering number two. And that is because Two is a total chaotic blood bath with the Trump administration...and no matter how good your skill or intentions, you will be shredded for association with trump.
38
I don't believe most former military men would turn down a call from the President of the United States for a few bucks. The problem is this President.
3
But I believe very many former military men would turn down a call from the draft-dodger-in-chief. You know, the one who's "smarter than the generals".
5
A president advocating torture.
A president who said John McCain wasn't a hero because he was captured by the North Vietnamese and tortured for 5 years.
This after Trump got himself multiple deferments to avoid Vietnam, finally using a medical deferment with some vague foot ailment he can't remember because daddy did all the paperwork.
A president who said John McCain wasn't a hero because he was captured by the North Vietnamese and tortured for 5 years.
This after Trump got himself multiple deferments to avoid Vietnam, finally using a medical deferment with some vague foot ailment he can't remember because daddy did all the paperwork.
5
It is wise for this guy doesn't want to work for a leader such as Trump or be associated with.
Why?
You will end up being Trump's scapegoat if things go wrong or be constantly subjected to Trump's fabricated accusations if his willful ego is threatened or become a hired gun doing the billings of a small man without integrity.
Why?
You will end up being Trump's scapegoat if things go wrong or be constantly subjected to Trump's fabricated accusations if his willful ego is threatened or become a hired gun doing the billings of a small man without integrity.
3
" In an executive order last month — which Mr. Trump later complained privately that he had not been fully briefed on ..."
So we know that the President of the United States of America is not reading the executive orders that he is signing??!! AND no one is paraphrasing them accurately either. AND that is how a "white nationalist" got onto the National Security Council.
I'm sorry, I am trying to imagine what would happen if a Clinton or Obama were not reading what they were signing and that's how someone morally unfit and wildly unqualified got onto the National Security Council.
So we know that the President of the United States of America is not reading the executive orders that he is signing??!! AND no one is paraphrasing them accurately either. AND that is how a "white nationalist" got onto the National Security Council.
I'm sorry, I am trying to imagine what would happen if a Clinton or Obama were not reading what they were signing and that's how someone morally unfit and wildly unqualified got onto the National Security Council.
7
Announcing the appointment before finding out if the guy will take the job? President Extreme Vetting must have been too busy checking his holdings in the Russian stock market.
7
Admiral Harward is too intelligent and respected to get involved with Trump's corrupt, inept, gang of lackeys. Unlike the other minions in the west wing, the Admiral is a career American first and foremost.
5
Yeah let's hope it's not Petraeus, too much baggage. Mattis is over in Europe today reassuring allies of the US commitment to NATO. We will hear him say one thing DT probably another. One thing that bothers me is that only military is on the list. Cannot DT come up with any suitable civilians.
According to National Public Radio this morning, Mr. Harward turned down the job because would not be able to assemble his own National Security team. Why would he want to do that? Trump has a crack team in place. I mean, who can argue with the unadulterated brilliance Stephen Bannon brings to the NSC. Unfettered by mindless talking points, Bannon is the kind of strategist we need to meet the global security threat head on. I would hate to see Patraeus offered the the position, as his track record with protecting secretive information is as bad as Hillary Clinton’s. Thank you.
2
" the president placed Stephen K. Bannon, his chief strategist, on its principals committee,"(NSC).
We should not forget, it was Bannon, who wrote himself into that position, by inserting that language into an Executive Order that the president admitted he HADN'T READ BEFORE SIGNING! He perpetrated a fraud on his boss!
And, by Federal law, Bannon CANNOT be in that NSC position without vetting and voting by the SENATE! This has NOT happened! He should not be there!
We should not forget, it was Bannon, who wrote himself into that position, by inserting that language into an Executive Order that the president admitted he HADN'T READ BEFORE SIGNING! He perpetrated a fraud on his boss!
And, by Federal law, Bannon CANNOT be in that NSC position without vetting and voting by the SENATE! This has NOT happened! He should not be there!
7
Well, if Pruitt just got confirmed for EPA, Patraeus should be in like Flynn (or whatever it is we say now when we mean something's an easy shot.)
(Good news for food cart vendors in the city; they can now make an extra bit of cash selling gas masks with your flafel or Philly soft pretzel. Sounds like another win-win.)
(Good news for food cart vendors in the city; they can now make an extra bit of cash selling gas masks with your flafel or Philly soft pretzel. Sounds like another win-win.)
4
Trump appears to be unstable and his administration is in chaos. Until he fixes that image, I'm sure lots of good people will pass on government work - no matter how high up the food chain.
And I though W was incompetent - boy was I wrong.
And I though W was incompetent - boy was I wrong.
9
"Mr. Harward’s withdrawal from consideration prompted David H. Petraeus, the former general and director of the Central Intelligence Agency, to step up his lobbying for the national security adviser post, according to officials familiar with the process."
Good grief! I'm not sure who's more desperate here - Petraeus or Trump (if he even considers him for the position). With Petraues' history of whispering classified information in his pillow talk sessions, why would anyone in their right minds even entertain Petraeus' offer? It appears that "Pin The Tail On The Donkey" is in full force at the White House. Honestly, I bet Frank Bruni would make a better National Security Advisor than Petraeus. At least I trust him and what he has to say.
6
One guy wants to not commit his life to a job after retiring and you folks act like everybody rejects the jobs from our president. Why can't you think straight?
Jack, in America, when the President of the United States asks you to serve, you serve. Vice Admiral Harward is aware of the obligation (Do you know that our military members at his rank can always be called back in times of war and must serve even though "retired"?). The story is that Vice Admiral Harward turned the President down - not the reasons that he gave for doing so. He is clearly a man who does not want to sully his good character in this "so called administration"!
2
Actually, SOME are questioning the incompetence and embarrassment of publicly offering such a prestigious job and being turned down, in public.
They appear unorganized or desperate?
I'm sorry, make that both unorganized and desperate.
Not a position of Strength, I might add, not even for a delusioned Bully.
They appear unorganized or desperate?
I'm sorry, make that both unorganized and desperate.
Not a position of Strength, I might add, not even for a delusioned Bully.
3
Haven't heard that from anyone here. The subject was Harward, and potential replacement appointees. That's ONE man, and ONE job.
The real story is WHY, and, as he is a working man, not idly retired, he could have accepted the position, if he'd so desired. It appears he does NOT want to be part of the so-called administration, and with good reasons.
The real story is WHY, and, as he is a working man, not idly retired, he could have accepted the position, if he'd so desired. It appears he does NOT want to be part of the so-called administration, and with good reasons.
5
“This job requires 24 hours a day, seven days a week focus and commitment to do it right,” Mr. Harward said in a statement. “I currently could not make that commitment.”
So... if you have a working moral compass, you're well qualified and understand the commitment, but you can't make the commitment, you turn down the role which seems very honorable.
If you lack a moral compass and/or are completely unqualified and/or with no understanding of the commitment, you gladly accept the role (Betsy DeVos. Ben Carson, Scott Pruitt and Rick Perry to name a few). I'm afraid under this scenario, when you drain the swamp the only thing you have left is garbage.
So... if you have a working moral compass, you're well qualified and understand the commitment, but you can't make the commitment, you turn down the role which seems very honorable.
If you lack a moral compass and/or are completely unqualified and/or with no understanding of the commitment, you gladly accept the role (Betsy DeVos. Ben Carson, Scott Pruitt and Rick Perry to name a few). I'm afraid under this scenario, when you drain the swamp the only thing you have left is garbage.
10
Given all the foreign connections of members in the Trump administration, it is hard to understand why they are still allowed to hold security clearances. Also, Bannon does not have the experience to be sitting in the NSC. Being an LT in the Navy decades ago does not give him the experience to have seat with the nation's highest ranking officers. It is concerning that an ideologue concerned with culture and domestic policy is there because he will try to direct and use the powers of the NSC for domestic purposes and to advance his cultural agenda.
7
Admiral Harward declining this position is a tremendous loss to the country. From all accounts personal, professional, and in the media, this man was an exemplar of what we would want in a National Security Advisor to the POTUS, and head of the National Security Council.
We suffer this loss because of the mangling of the NSC by Trump and Bannon.
Hard to imagine any professional intelligence or military officer with any integrity wanting Bannon on the NSC Principals committee essentially as a co equal to the Sec's of Defense and State, and above the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Director of national Intelligence – as Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, ADM Mullen, so eloquently stated in his recent NYT OP ED.
This was a ham handed move by Bannon and Trump, and Trump even said he was not fully aware of what was in the Executive Order when he signed, as he had not been fully briefed.
How simple to solve this with a rescinding of the Bannon appointment, and an apology and move on. Trump is incapable of that. He simply can never be wrong.
We suffer this loss because of the mangling of the NSC by Trump and Bannon.
Hard to imagine any professional intelligence or military officer with any integrity wanting Bannon on the NSC Principals committee essentially as a co equal to the Sec's of Defense and State, and above the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Director of national Intelligence – as Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, ADM Mullen, so eloquently stated in his recent NYT OP ED.
This was a ham handed move by Bannon and Trump, and Trump even said he was not fully aware of what was in the Executive Order when he signed, as he had not been fully briefed.
How simple to solve this with a rescinding of the Bannon appointment, and an apology and move on. Trump is incapable of that. He simply can never be wrong.
32
I'm sorry, but that last sentence is inadequate: "Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair." The problem he ran into was passing classified information to his mistress who was also his biographer, a crime of which he was convicted. Let's get straight what matters here, particularly following upon the Flynn debacle.
61
I completely agree. By omitting the crucial aspect to Petraeus' actions only adds to Trump's accusations that the media reports "Fake News". In this instance, it is the NYT who is misleading the reader. Other than Mrs. Petraeus, who really cares if he slept with his biographer? It's the sharing of classified secrets that did him in and for which his actions should never be forgiven nor forgotten.
3
Any competent and sane candidate would rather stick needles in their eyes than accept a job working under this man and within this administration. This is not going to end well.
2
Is there an audio of his quote, I want to ensure he said "Family" as opposed to "Sanity" Considerations.
1
At last someone with character and integrity. Sadly, it's going to require such a person to keep the man-boy in check. I feel sorry and afraid for our military personnel and their families. Who is going to want their loved one to be sacrificed on the altar of this man's ego.
4
Please, everyone, don't be alarmed that a former Navy SEAL and vice admiral is unwilling to take on a top national security position for our country. The former chairman of Breitbart "news" has got us covered!
3
A good leader knows the support team he or she needs to get a job done. Harward appears to have developed such a team in which there is mutual confidence and competence. Sounds like the kind of leader and team the United States should have as national security adviser.
Bannon is untrustworthy in my view and does not belong in any position of responsibility in government. If Mr. Trump feels that he needs to have him around, then hire him for a hotel job and don't impose him on the American people. Enough already with the political hacks.
Bannon is untrustworthy in my view and does not belong in any position of responsibility in government. If Mr. Trump feels that he needs to have him around, then hire him for a hotel job and don't impose him on the American people. Enough already with the political hacks.
1
Translation: "Do you know how much I get paid at Lockheed? Have you heard the phrase, "there is not enough money in the world?"
1
So, Trump only fired the treasonous Flynn when he thought he had a good replacement? Otherwise, Flynn would still be on staff?
6
Sanity exemplified. And a sincere thank-you for your service to our country.
3
We can only hope that Mr. Petraeus is not the next offer. One convicted of the misuse of classified material should never be allowed to access and use it again. There are plenty of other people who would be competent without bringing that level and kind of baggage.
22
I don't know him, but I suspect that Harward is an honorable man. I don't think that there is any room for integrity in this White House.
7
A tip to all competent military members of Mr. Harward's rank hoping to avoid stepping into this administration's dogpile: look busy.
4
Which organization running as a "finely tuned machine" has problems attracting quality talent?
Can President Bannon educate so-called President Trump on George Akerlof's "The market for lemons"?
What's happening is information asymmetry on what the job really is and how much autonomy and independence would the National Security Advisor have. In this case, compounded further by Bannon's parallel organization that undercuts the NSC.
The only way Trump can attract quality applicants for the job is by offering a publicly stated warranty of independence, the public utterance serving as a public commitment from the president.
Unfortunately, even the warranty needs to be one that has credibility, and given the incumbent of the office of president, may not be worth all that much.
The Times reported earlier on Bannon being seen reading "The Best and the Brightest" earlier. He can save himself time reading that book as that particular problem is the ONE problem unlikely to trouble the current administration...
Can President Bannon educate so-called President Trump on George Akerlof's "The market for lemons"?
What's happening is information asymmetry on what the job really is and how much autonomy and independence would the National Security Advisor have. In this case, compounded further by Bannon's parallel organization that undercuts the NSC.
The only way Trump can attract quality applicants for the job is by offering a publicly stated warranty of independence, the public utterance serving as a public commitment from the president.
Unfortunately, even the warranty needs to be one that has credibility, and given the incumbent of the office of president, may not be worth all that much.
The Times reported earlier on Bannon being seen reading "The Best and the Brightest" earlier. He can save himself time reading that book as that particular problem is the ONE problem unlikely to trouble the current administration...
4
Trump and/or Bannon nixed Ben Carson's choice of deputy too.
Forget about picking your own staff if you sign on with these clowns.
Forget about picking your own staff if you sign on with these clowns.
1
@Steve Bolger: Yup. Same for Tillerson when they nixed Abrams.
Why should anyone qualified join these clowns if they are to be second guessed and micro managed every time?
Why should anyone qualified join these clowns if they are to be second guessed and micro managed every time?
What sane person would want to be associated with that group of lunatics? Makes one wonder just what Petraeus is thinking.
7
It's frightening that the minority of diehard Trump supporters around the country and in the Congress (less than 40% of polled opinions) refuse to acknowledge the President's patently transparent illness when it is on full display for more than 90 minutes in a globally televised press conference. I have to believe that House Speaker Paul Ryan has already counted the votes he can depend on for an impeachment indictment and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has counted the votes that will result in a conviction. Surely Admiral Harvard yesterday saw everything HE needed to know to be sure he was making the right decision in refusing to work for a President demonstrating a psychotic disconnect with reality. We need more Americans like Admiral Harvard to turn their back on Trump-- most of all his dishard supporters.
11
Despite all the shortcomings and problems with President Trump, our country sorely needs qualified and interested professionals in key positions. Hopefully Mr. Petraeus will be asked to serve as National Security Advisor.
But he's an admitted felon.
2
It is ominous for this nation when a seemingly experienced, knowledgeable, and ethical individual as Mr. Harward turns down such a prominent position in the Trump White House. This reveals to us that the person who does eventually accept being the next National Security Adviser will be of the same ilk as the president and his commander-in-chief Mr. Bannon. The question is: How long will our Republican Congress be the lemmings they are? They are complicit in the free-fall of democracy that we are witnessing now. The next question is: How long will the GOP'S constituents put up with this debacle? Certainly there must be a good many of them who are reasonable and rational human beings who are willing to swallow their pride and begin speaking up against our Putin-loving POTUS. Meanwhile, and I say this with gratitude, we do have ethical experts in the intelligence community and a reliable, hard-working press, e.g., the Times, who are at this point the only entities who are holding this unstable and diabolical administration accountable. But we need even more help...
5
I wonder why you'd be saying if he accepted. It would be like John McCain...a horrible person when running for President and now an honorable man because he says a few things you like. When does this childishness stop?
It's pretty clear that Mr. Trump would not let this man do his job. Probably because Mr. Trump does not know what the job is, nor did Mr. Flym/Flan. National Security Adviser, Advise and they advise based on information that our Intelligence Agencies bring to them on a daily basis. Mr. Trump continually trashes his intelligence agencies and the people who work for him in those agencies. Clearly Mr. Harward would not be able to do his job, so it would be foolish to take the job. And, it's plain to see -- was plain to see during the campaign, Mr. Trump is not stable and he has no idea what to do or how to do it. He repeatedly shows his ignorance of everything. This is a very dangerous moment for our country. I applaud Mr. Haward, but am terrified as to what is next.
5
In front of Congress, FBI director Comey clearly explained the serious difference between Petraeus's deliberate violations of national security versus Clinton's alleged carelessness. Please, please, please appoint Petraeus so we can finally confirm that Hillary's email server "scandal" was a political witch hunt over an issue that wouldn't have registered if it had been done by a Republican.
4
It's amateur hour for Trump indeed.
Now Trump should realize just what it means to run a government, as compared to a business. You can't just say or do things willy-nlly. You can't just declare bankruptcy to get out of a bind. Your failed policy will lead to ruined lives and country in its wake, rather than just "start over". You can't just hire-and-fire people with no ramification. The list goes on.
The question is, does Trump understand what's at stake? He can't just quit it if things go tough. He wants to set up all these straw bogeymen (mass media, liberal set, leakers, etc) to divert attention and faults, but he doesn't realize what it means by "The buck stops here!" as the president in the White House. How many times can you cry foul when things don't work out, while claiming all credits when they do?
Now Trump should realize just what it means to run a government, as compared to a business. You can't just say or do things willy-nlly. You can't just declare bankruptcy to get out of a bind. Your failed policy will lead to ruined lives and country in its wake, rather than just "start over". You can't just hire-and-fire people with no ramification. The list goes on.
The question is, does Trump understand what's at stake? He can't just quit it if things go tough. He wants to set up all these straw bogeymen (mass media, liberal set, leakers, etc) to divert attention and faults, but he doesn't realize what it means by "The buck stops here!" as the president in the White House. How many times can you cry foul when things don't work out, while claiming all credits when they do?
2
This post has not always had in it, a person with military service; but if it shall; the US Department of Defense is the WORLD'S LARGEST EMPLOYER. Could we not find someone who hasn't committed a crime? Someone willing to serve this nincompoop to help protect the rest of us?
4
The Admiral knows a thing-or-two about sinking ships.
5
As of April 23, 2015 (according to a CNN article with this dateline) David Petraeus was on two years probation for a criminal conviction. So should he now become the National Security Advisor, the Trump White House will have set yet another record: Most National Security Advisors who have to check in with their probation officers. Go get 'em Donald. The Guinness Book of Records loves you!
4
“This job requires 24 hours a day, seven days a week focus and commitment to do it right,” Mr. Harward said in a statement. If only so-called President Trump realized that his job was, too. Integrity and focus are certainly in short supply inside that "fine-tuned machine."
7
He was talking about a pair of pliers.
2
VADM Harward fortunately had the advantage of observing the Trump administration for 28 days (unlike Gen Mattis - original Army Secretary appointed without his knowledge.) so the Admiral knew the questions to ask. The answers were unacceptable, e.g. Bannon and McFarland stay. His decision was a no brainer for someone of his competence and experience.
7
A logical choice for the job would be Richard Spencer. He could prevent the escape of those living in the inner city from escaping the pits of hell and being so scary and burdensome.
Also someone needs to strong arm that Lugenpresse.
Can this be over already?
Also someone needs to strong arm that Lugenpresse.
Can this be over already?
"They also spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the matter." This is code for, 'I am leaking unauthorized information because you bought me lunch and I can stab an enemy in the back.' Or, the reporter made this up because he can stab someone in the back and not get blamed.
2
It is about time someone with a backbone AND some military background appears on the scene, although he did turn down the job offered. Unfortunately, any follow-up to Flynn will arrive with the same Academic baggage from our military academies as those coming before. Once we end up with a President, he/she should have a high-priority job of "cleaning-out the military academies." They are simply training new civil engineers, not leaders, and should not be chosen to do ANYTHING on a national scale.....most of them do not think in world-terms, but aspire toward World Careers as "yes men" to some, until-now, unknown real leaders. Mr. Trump might as well start the tweets now.....
1
Trump does NEED an "intelligence" chief ... or just plain intelligence!
Adm. Harward would have been excellent. However, WH was not going to let him select his OWN staff but work with those put into place by Flynn.
Surely, given the controversy surrounding Flynn and Russia, and Trump declaring Flynn had done nothing "wrong" but he did not trust him. Harward wanted that staff to be "Out like Flynn". No leaks that way.
Did the WH think Harward was dumb? Could not connect any dots, and yet they offered him a job ... without even bothering to find out if he would accept? Or was the WH dumb (rhetorical)?
Is it a surprise that Harward wanted to spend more time with his family?
Adm. Harward would have been excellent. However, WH was not going to let him select his OWN staff but work with those put into place by Flynn.
Surely, given the controversy surrounding Flynn and Russia, and Trump declaring Flynn had done nothing "wrong" but he did not trust him. Harward wanted that staff to be "Out like Flynn". No leaks that way.
Did the WH think Harward was dumb? Could not connect any dots, and yet they offered him a job ... without even bothering to find out if he would accept? Or was the WH dumb (rhetorical)?
Is it a surprise that Harward wanted to spend more time with his family?
3
the best one for me was "which Mr. Trump later complained privately that he had not been fully briefed on"
biggest joke ever
biggest joke ever
6
Shows how smart he is.
2
I can't seem to get this to post anywhere else, so I'll try here.
Just a thought...
Is it possible anybody else showed up on the monitored conversations with Russian intelligence? I'm thinking along the lines of any sitting Congressperson at the time. Jeff Sessions? Mitch McConnell? Maybe Paul Ryan?
Just asking; but it would explain the extreme reluctance to investigate a matter which at the very least should appear disturbing even to the most partisan politician. I mean, even if Mr. Trump was forced to step aside, conservatives would still be able to implement their (in my opinion extreme) agenda because of Mike Pence moving up. Unless he's on the tapes, too.
(If you don't hear anymore from me, assume the FBI has picked me up. Lol. I guess.)
Just a thought...
Is it possible anybody else showed up on the monitored conversations with Russian intelligence? I'm thinking along the lines of any sitting Congressperson at the time. Jeff Sessions? Mitch McConnell? Maybe Paul Ryan?
Just asking; but it would explain the extreme reluctance to investigate a matter which at the very least should appear disturbing even to the most partisan politician. I mean, even if Mr. Trump was forced to step aside, conservatives would still be able to implement their (in my opinion extreme) agenda because of Mike Pence moving up. Unless he's on the tapes, too.
(If you don't hear anymore from me, assume the FBI has picked me up. Lol. I guess.)
6
Remember? Humpty Dumpty, sat on a wall.
Trumpty Dumpty, never a better opportunity for political "onomatopoeia". But after yesterday's performance we have to decide if that fragile figure in the rhyme/cartoon is Donald Trumpty... Or is it the American Democracy ( if you are choosing a more egg-like figure, then Planet Earth).
All the King's Men (and Women). For the most part, the men of Trump's choosing are White Opportunists as I've taken to calling them. People who aren't fully qualified for their positions but will seize the opportunity to elevate themselves to power. His defenders on the cable Networks, as well...
To this we add the Republican Senators and members of the HR who are still enabling the big egg, making a show of propping him up, as they exploit this opportunity to foist minority policies on the majority of Americans. Should Humpty take that fall? Well then, the media induced the vertigo that sent Humpty crashing. Makes alt-right sense.
And after yesterday's news conference? Trumpty is no longer sitting on the wall; he's dancing on the edge. And the cracks are already showing in his thin shell. It won't take much
So Harward refuses to become one of King's Trump's Men. Next up Petraeus, desperate for an opportunity? It probably doesn't make a difference anymore.
Prepare yourselves America. The yolks on you...
Trumpty Dumpty, never a better opportunity for political "onomatopoeia". But after yesterday's performance we have to decide if that fragile figure in the rhyme/cartoon is Donald Trumpty... Or is it the American Democracy ( if you are choosing a more egg-like figure, then Planet Earth).
All the King's Men (and Women). For the most part, the men of Trump's choosing are White Opportunists as I've taken to calling them. People who aren't fully qualified for their positions but will seize the opportunity to elevate themselves to power. His defenders on the cable Networks, as well...
To this we add the Republican Senators and members of the HR who are still enabling the big egg, making a show of propping him up, as they exploit this opportunity to foist minority policies on the majority of Americans. Should Humpty take that fall? Well then, the media induced the vertigo that sent Humpty crashing. Makes alt-right sense.
And after yesterday's news conference? Trumpty is no longer sitting on the wall; he's dancing on the edge. And the cracks are already showing in his thin shell. It won't take much
So Harward refuses to become one of King's Trump's Men. Next up Petraeus, desperate for an opportunity? It probably doesn't make a difference anymore.
Prepare yourselves America. The yolks on you...
6
Sadly we have been subjected to this for almost two years now. Yesterday is just the latest installment of the insanity. Just wait 24 hours, he say something even worse.
1
Any competent experienced nominee for a high position in this chaotic administration must be thinking he has a duty to accept the post, if only to prevent possibly disastrous decisions from being made. When such an individual decides that he can't do that, inspite of the peril the country faces, then he must have made a calculation that he probably couldn't prevent the worst outcomes. When the best of people come to think that all they can do is stand by and watch the coming train wreck, we are in a worse place than we had ever thought possible.
53
Good decision by Admiral Harward... His naval background has taught him that only a fool would jump aboard a sinking ship...
4
Harward surely has reliable contacts in the intelligence community. Without a doubt, those contacts are telling him to stay as far away from this dumpster fire as he can. While originally derided in the press, the dossier prepared by the former British intelligence operative concerning the Trump campaign's contacts with Russian intelligence is now confirmed to have bases in fact. Much more is yet to come, and Harward doesn't want to be around when the treason charges start to issue against Trump and his minions.
3
PLEASE correct this story with an ACCURATE account of why Petreaus resigned! Come on - all the hysteria about leaks yesterday from Mr Trump, and a guy who leaked classified information is in the running now?! Don't you think THAT was worth mentioning?
5
Petraeus's eagerness to replace Flynn is reason enough to reject him. Flynn's memory lapse pales alongside Petraeus's admitted weakness for pretty faces and long, shapely legs.
I'm certain the Kremlin isn't going to be Happy with this latest turn of events.
3
Mr. Harward,
Thank you for turning down this post. In the many ways you have served your country well for some four decades, this decision might be the finest. You are a true patriot for declining to enable an unhinged tyrant. This nation, again, thanks you.
Thank you for turning down this post. In the many ways you have served your country well for some four decades, this decision might be the finest. You are a true patriot for declining to enable an unhinged tyrant. This nation, again, thanks you.
2
Smart guy. I predict that anyone with a modicum of dignity and intelligence will turn down a Trump appointment. Impeach. Convict. Remove.
4
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair."
Wow. What's with these reporters? Petraeus resigned because he gave classified information to his partner in adultery. And he pled guilty to the misdemeanor of mishandling that secret data.
That's a little worse than having an extramarital affair, wouldn't you say? Of course, when it comes to mishandling classified information, I guess Petraeus would fit right in with this administration, which after all came to power via Russian data hacking and the FBI's precisely timed revelations of classified information.
Wow. What's with these reporters? Petraeus resigned because he gave classified information to his partner in adultery. And he pled guilty to the misdemeanor of mishandling that secret data.
That's a little worse than having an extramarital affair, wouldn't you say? Of course, when it comes to mishandling classified information, I guess Petraeus would fit right in with this administration, which after all came to power via Russian data hacking and the FBI's precisely timed revelations of classified information.
7
So wait a minute. According to Trump, Hilary should go to jail for sending emails on her private email server that may or may not have had classified information in them. Yet Petraeus should get a promotion for giving classified information to his girlfriend? Sure, why not.
8
Yes but Petraeus didn't give his mistress emails! It's all about emails, you see, inherently evil, like Ben Ghazi.
1
I'd pay money to see a reporter ask him about this.
3
You liberals are in such a hurry to impeach Trump- Well runner-up Pence is far more dangerous. You guys better be careful what you ask for- Better to contain the idiot than unleash real terror and tyranny on this nation- A TRUE HARD RIGHT CONSERVATIVE POTUS. We may as well beat Pence to the punch and start prayer in public schools now 'cause we'll need them.
1
Amen!
A man with integrity.
5
A very understandable but a brave decision to have to make publicly nonetheless. What are the odds that Haward will no longer be working at Lockheed Martin six months from now? If Trump himself or one of his minions doesn't reach out quietly (well likely not quietly since his team behaves like rampaging bulls) and order that Haward is fired or else lose military contracts... I'll be amazed.
I think Haward applied some reasoning to his predicament and realised that if he said yes he wouldn't likely last a year in this dysfunctional administration and if he said no he would lose his current job in retaliation one way or another. At least the second option gives him a better financial payout.
I think Haward applied some reasoning to his predicament and realised that if he said yes he wouldn't likely last a year in this dysfunctional administration and if he said no he would lose his current job in retaliation one way or another. At least the second option gives him a better financial payout.
2
Admiral Harward is a Navy SEAL. He's not going to board a sinking ship.
BUT, we had better not see FELON Petraeus's name being seriously put forward as the next appointee. Although, with his criminal record, he'd be a "perfect fit" as a member of this nefarious gang. DANGEROUS TIMES!
BUT, we had better not see FELON Petraeus's name being seriously put forward as the next appointee. Although, with his criminal record, he'd be a "perfect fit" as a member of this nefarious gang. DANGEROUS TIMES!
4
The fact that he turned it down means he is way too good a man to work in that pit full of vipers.
6
It's only a matter of time before Palin is offered the job. On the bright side, she can see Russia from where she lives.
5
Right. Like he didn't know what the job entailed and didn't have family commitments before the interview. Like the time I had to turn down that job I wanted at Dairy Queen because I'm so lacto-intolerant.
3
Flynnstones
Meet the Flynnstones
They're a page right out of anarchy.
When you're with the Flynnstones.
You'll have no need for any sanity.
You'll have a wackado, a wackadoo
A wackadoo all the time........
Meet the Flynnstones
They're a page right out of anarchy.
When you're with the Flynnstones.
You'll have no need for any sanity.
You'll have a wackado, a wackadoo
A wackadoo all the time........
6
Don't blame him. No one who values their life or reputation wants to get entangled with the "deep state" or the Trump loonies.
1
The fact that he doesn't want the job, automatically would have made him the single most qualified person in the Trump administration.
9
Good move, Mr. Harward. Running for your life away from the burning building otherwise known as the White House was a wise choice.
6
General Petraeus resigned after admitting he had an extramarital affair and after giving his paramour secret documents. So what if Putin appeals to him?
7
Given the way that Trump operates, expect Lockheed Martin to be threatened further on its contracts. Rather than some much needed introspection on why Harward turned down the appointment, this is the only way that a bully that doesn't get his way knows how to respond.
6
M'y thoughts precisely. Harward may face the unenviable choice of having to step down to protect his employer. Unamerican, to not say putinesque. Sad!
If it's true that he couldn't pick his own team, and that Bannon is really in charge, then only an idiot would accept the job. Trump's problem is he doesn't get, what he doesn't get. So, my hat is off to Mr. Harward. He knows how to pick his battles. The diseased Trump administration is starting to falter at a pretty frightening clip and will soon be completely irrelevant. Who would want to be part of that operation?
7
Amateur hour at the White House continues. Government 101, get the vetting and the acceptance FIRST, then announce the nomination. As Karl Malone once said, "This is not rocket surgery!"
10
First thing you'd erase from your resume: the 4 months you spent at the Trump White house.
Future Employer: How do you explain this four month gap....
Former WH Staffer: Survival?
Future Employer: How do you explain this four month gap....
Former WH Staffer: Survival?
1
Trump's inability to allow even high-ranking subordinates to make independent decisions, regarding choosing their own staff, as well as his inability to trust others to go out and shill for him on TV, give me the strong sense that he wants to micromanage his "managers" in the White House. Retired Vice Admiral Hayward was having none of that! (He's not gonna be the next national security "fallguy.")
All of this tells me as much as I need to know about whether or not his predecessor acted on his own, when he made phone calls to the Russian Ambassador.
Micromanager Trump. That's where the buck clearly stops in this administration.
Thank you, retired Vice Admiral! You want nothing to do with President Vice. Who clearly should be investigated for his subordinates' contacts with Russia.
Bring on the Special Prosecutor!
And give the Retired Vice Admiral the National Medal of Honor!
All of this tells me as much as I need to know about whether or not his predecessor acted on his own, when he made phone calls to the Russian Ambassador.
Micromanager Trump. That's where the buck clearly stops in this administration.
Thank you, retired Vice Admiral! You want nothing to do with President Vice. Who clearly should be investigated for his subordinates' contacts with Russia.
Bring on the Special Prosecutor!
And give the Retired Vice Admiral the National Medal of Honor!
9
The irony is horrifying. In our hour of need, when we desperately require the insertion of sane, experienced and competent professionals into this fiasco, they're TOO GOOD and TOO SMART to fall into the trap of this so-called administration.
6
Color me naive, but wouldn't it have been customary to ask a prospective candidate if they will actually accept a position BEFORE OFFERING THE JOB TO HIM PUBLICLY!
I guess that doesn't happen in a "fine-tuned machine."
I guess that doesn't happen in a "fine-tuned machine."
14
I agree MD
It's competency 101.
And YouAtLeastAppearToKnowWhatYou'reDoingology 301.
It's competency 101.
And YouAtLeastAppearToKnowWhatYou'reDoingology 301.
1
A very interesting turn of events...I suspect there's more to this than meets the eye or ear. Hope we end up with a fully qualified and apolitical NSA on the NSC. Are we in for four years of turbulence, contempt, and division?
http://thewaryouknowcurat.wixsite.com/the-war-you-know-
http://thewaryouknowcurat.wixsite.com/the-war-you-know-
1
Robert S. Harward - "a 40-year military career".
He's already done his bit for his country - and then some. Thanks you for your service, Mr. Harward.
He's already done his bit for his country - and then some. Thanks you for your service, Mr. Harward.
11
Why would any patriot want to serve with this nest of vipers? The overwhelming
majority of Trump staffers - up to and including the president - appear to be either incompetent, grifters, partisan hacks, or Russian moles. Who would want to be in the midst of that?
majority of Trump staffers - up to and including the president - appear to be either incompetent, grifters, partisan hacks, or Russian moles. Who would want to be in the midst of that?
15
In the interest of honesty in reporting, you should have stated that David Petraeus did not resign as CIA Director because he had an extramarital affair. He resigned because, in pursuance of that affair, he admitted to knowingly removing classified documents and giving them to his lover, who was writing a biography about his stellar career. For this, he made a plea deal to avoid prison and to preserve his rank and pension. Sounds like a perfect fit for Trump's administration.
16
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair."
I am surprised that this article fails to mention that Mr. Petraeus plead guilty to unauthorized removal and retention of classified material for providing highly classified material to his mistress. He got a sweetheart plea deal given that he could have been tried on felony charges. This is especially remarkable given the endless investigations and wall-to-wall press coverage of Mrs. Clinton's private email server and the supposed risks to national security which turned up nothing. If Mr. Petraeus is put forward, we will be confronted with the astonishing situation that the nominee to head the N.S.C. is still on probation for mishandling classified materials. How can you not mention this?
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/04/us/petraeus-plea-deal-over-giving-cla...
I am surprised that this article fails to mention that Mr. Petraeus plead guilty to unauthorized removal and retention of classified material for providing highly classified material to his mistress. He got a sweetheart plea deal given that he could have been tried on felony charges. This is especially remarkable given the endless investigations and wall-to-wall press coverage of Mrs. Clinton's private email server and the supposed risks to national security which turned up nothing. If Mr. Petraeus is put forward, we will be confronted with the astonishing situation that the nominee to head the N.S.C. is still on probation for mishandling classified materials. How can you not mention this?
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/04/us/petraeus-plea-deal-over-giving-cla...
29
I'm sorry he didn't take the job. In spite of his correctly seeing the pitfalls the country is in need of high quality people to both run the government and advice this President.
Mr. Petraeus should never get security clearance and that should disqualify him from the NSA post.
Mr. Petraeus should never get security clearance and that should disqualify him from the NSA post.
31
Another flawless execution by Bannon, Trump, Spicer, et al
This isn't about Harward. It's about Harward's trust in Trump's leadership (and his chaotic, incoherent, narcissistic, self-aggrandizing, delusional, misogynistic, anti-Semitic self.)
All the lies and alternate facts coming out of Trump's team, and their constant efforts to undermine this country, our democracy are distressing.
He's a train wreck. The "good news" is that he's also destroying his brand in the process. Of course, good Americans are paying the price for his incompetence.
This isn't about Harward. It's about Harward's trust in Trump's leadership (and his chaotic, incoherent, narcissistic, self-aggrandizing, delusional, misogynistic, anti-Semitic self.)
All the lies and alternate facts coming out of Trump's team, and their constant efforts to undermine this country, our democracy are distressing.
He's a train wreck. The "good news" is that he's also destroying his brand in the process. Of course, good Americans are paying the price for his incompetence.
Shrug ... Some who are currently in place probably wish they had had the view of things that Harwood has so they too could address financial and family issues. I won't be surprised to see resignations in the short term from the few qualified appointees.
3
"The higher a monkey climbs a tree, the more of it's rump you are able to see" is an African proverb.
Donald Trump has climbed the highest political governing leadership tree in the world. And Mr. Trump has become Mr. Rump. Even Mr. Harward could see the ugly hind parts from Lockheed Martin U.A.E.
Donald Trump has climbed the highest political governing leadership tree in the world. And Mr. Trump has become Mr. Rump. Even Mr. Harward could see the ugly hind parts from Lockheed Martin U.A.E.
10
What citizens of the world's greatest country are witnessing is the melt down of Trump and his band of misfits and in their wake of mishaps and lies. a loss of credibility as a nation. Listening to those that still support Trump is understandable as they feel they have been left behind. What is lost on this base is that Trump will not solve their problems and in fact will make things worse for them and the country. In the short time Trump has been in office he as actually destabilized the security of the country and its citizens and hopefully he and his administration are ousted sooner than later.
2
To be associated with this rotten administration is akin to branding one's self with a label that says "Traitor."
4
who wants to work for thin-skinned liar-traitor?
not people of integrity
and certainly not patriots
not people of integrity
and certainly not patriots
4
Awaiting tweet from Trump calling him a loser. And this guy has more courage and sense of sacrifice than all of Trump's cabinet combined.
2
It will be completely in keeping with the bizarre, upside down world of this administration if they turn to David Petraeus to replace Flynn. Criminally convicted of mishandling highly confidential information by dint of giving it to his mistress and biographer, who better to put in one of the highest positions of trust in the country. When all this becomes a movie it will qualify for the horror genre.
5
Smart man.
Now we will be treated to the spectacle of a man being appointed to the National Security Council who resigned in disgrace for compromising national security. And all of the "Lock her up" chanters will be just fine with it.
Now we will be treated to the spectacle of a man being appointed to the National Security Council who resigned in disgrace for compromising national security. And all of the "Lock her up" chanters will be just fine with it.
6
General Petraeus? Now there is an ideal candidate for this administration. He was forced to resign because he would have compromised national security. Now is'nt it a job description for this job available as the national security adviser?
4
Trump should resign and save all of a lot of misery including himself.
5
I thought it was one's patriotic duty to serve if asked by the President. I did not think money or having to move your family was a concern to substantiate a denial. If that is the case why does he not serve.
Surely, you jest.
3
Because intelligence is also a requirement for the job, and his choice unambiguously demonstrates he has what it takes.
He decided to withdraw when he was told he couldn't choose his own staff. Like all would-be dictators, Trump trusts no one and so insists on having his own people on site to report on his other own people. Therefore, Harward could no be allowed to pick his own own people.
1
Trump wants a cheering squad in his NSC.
What will they do when the first crisis happens?
Applaud his brilliance before Americans die in some foreign field?
What will they do when the first crisis happens?
Applaud his brilliance before Americans die in some foreign field?
19
Another sore loser and whiner. You lost we won. Get over it. We had to endure 8 very long years of your choice, Obama. He is a failed POTUS and that will be his legacy.
Harward did not live this long not knowing with what he must contend to fulfill his missions. Trump's White House is not a well oiled machine, it's a game of Chinese Baseball, a la R.G.H. Siu, because Trump is still lost in the never-never and between campaigning and governing. Anyone who joins that team is facing a lot of unknowns complicated by an indiscrete President who is more of an exhibitionist than we have seen in a very long time.
26
I’ve noticed since the reagan era shift in the GOP to using disruption and deceit that over the last 37 years the GOP lies have progressed in scope and use as public standards of behavior and reason declined as the direct result of this tactic so the lies and disruptions got bigger.
I noticed long before he ever won, in 72 or 73 that reagan’s way of attacking hallowed institutions with ambiguous accusations very much resembled the regimes like the USSR we were “standing” against. We are here now as a direct consequence of him not being held to account for his false assertions then.
The general lowering of standards and social degradation for the last 37 years went hand in hand with the ever increasing levels of GOP disruption and deception leading them to reinterpret the rules of language (newspeak?) use and reason to make what they were saying appear to be rational when it clearly wasn’t if said properly.
This lead them to the balkanized fiefdoms (The office was got by dishonesty through gerrymandering and vote suppression.) they hold fearing a removal by the party paying someone else way to replace them they obey and vote according to the party line.
The cognitive dissonance of the GOP may be adopted with intent at first I think many now hold on to it firmly, dissociating it out of fear of facing the fact that they are become traitors.
I noticed long before he ever won, in 72 or 73 that reagan’s way of attacking hallowed institutions with ambiguous accusations very much resembled the regimes like the USSR we were “standing” against. We are here now as a direct consequence of him not being held to account for his false assertions then.
The general lowering of standards and social degradation for the last 37 years went hand in hand with the ever increasing levels of GOP disruption and deception leading them to reinterpret the rules of language (newspeak?) use and reason to make what they were saying appear to be rational when it clearly wasn’t if said properly.
This lead them to the balkanized fiefdoms (The office was got by dishonesty through gerrymandering and vote suppression.) they hold fearing a removal by the party paying someone else way to replace them they obey and vote according to the party line.
The cognitive dissonance of the GOP may be adopted with intent at first I think many now hold on to it firmly, dissociating it out of fear of facing the fact that they are become traitors.
1
Vice Admiral Robert Harward does not want to be thrown under the bus by Mr. Trump, like General Flynn was. The military is learning what the construction industry has known for years. You can't trust Trump.
1
After that embarrassing, completely unhinged performance by Trump yesterday, who can blame anyone who turns down job offers by this administration?
Our President appears to be mentally ill. With the Democrats weakened, wounded, the GOP needs to put country before party and stage some form of intervention.
Our nation is in grave danger today.
Our President appears to be mentally ill. With the Democrats weakened, wounded, the GOP needs to put country before party and stage some form of intervention.
Our nation is in grave danger today.
2
Clearly this guy is wiser than the other picks for this train-wreck of a Republican administration.
The deepening dichotomy between the Trumpian fantasy of order and achievement and the objective reality of chaos and incompetence is oddly reminiscent of the old Soviet Union, where great big industrial buildings would be unveiled, "buildings" that consisted entirely of a facade propped up from behind. Everyone applauded, and loyalists sincerely believed the buildings were real.
As the dictation of truth becomes ever more clownish and fanciful, legions of Trumpists become ever more enthralled and glossy-eyed at the sight of their prophet. Never before has the distance between a democracy in crisis and a deeply-rooted tyranny been so short.
As the dictation of truth becomes ever more clownish and fanciful, legions of Trumpists become ever more enthralled and glossy-eyed at the sight of their prophet. Never before has the distance between a democracy in crisis and a deeply-rooted tyranny been so short.
3
...'the ship be sinking' ...
5
I couldn't get past this sentence in the first paragraph: "...turned down the post in the latest setback for a White House already in turmoil." And of course there is the ever present "chaos". You guys are so addicted to making nearly everything apocalyptic.
1
It's clear this administration is in "turmoil." You're free to disagree with that assessment, of course, but it would be nice if you attempted to actually make a case for your position.
2
Oh, I'm sure having the national security advisor resign in disgrace within a month of the new administration, not to mention everything else, was just a minor hiccup.
Just close your eyes, cover your ears, and keep on winning.
Just close your eyes, cover your ears, and keep on winning.
1
Ellie, it's tiresome, isn't it? I want the facts without the editorializing. As it is, I'm not sure that if there are mitigating factors, the NY Times will report them. I don't want right-wing news, but I don't want left-wing news either.
Robert Harward, a retired vice admiral and Navy Seal must have been a best of the best. Now why would a smart man accept a job under Trump and his cronies? And he declined with panache. Family obligations! Smart and elegant to boot!
18
Robert S. Harward -- a brave man.
22
No one with any honesty, dignity or good character will take a position in Trump's cabinet. Which says a lot about those that did.
36
Mr. Harward may be the only one of Trumps nominees to realize how chaotic Trump and his administration are. He is smart to distance himself form this chaos.
22
The way things are shaping-up means this administration will be taking in the "B" (or worse) contenders for key positions. Loyalty to Bannon and Trump, and mediocre competence (avoid smart ones - they'll make noise eventually) matter for candidate consideration. Tainted past and misdeeds are OK as long as they can be covered-up.
I see more "Flynns" in the horizon...
I see more "Flynns" in the horizon...
19
Interesting that NYT mentions the extramarital affair but neglects to mention disclosure of unauthorized information, by D. Petraeus. A sign of support?
11
No, it's a teaser to click the link for the corresponding article.
1
Anyone with a smidgen of integrity should refuse to serve next to Bannon or for Trump.
19
A finely tuned machine indeed. Republicans control all branches of government, they have the support of maybe 35% of the population, and they have Donald Trump. What they lack is the guts to deal with this extremely dangerous situation, and the basic morals to put their country ahead of their undemocratic agenda and their extremist views, which they share with their unhinged leader. Lots of sleepless nights ahead for all of us, it seems. Thanks again, Republicans.
24
With this astounding development and the recent "mistreatment of Mike Pence by the White House, I'm starting to suspect that he too may be regretting what he has gotten himself into.
I believe his strong religious compass is in direct conflict with the current heading and its only a matter of time before he breaks ranks.
I believe his strong religious compass is in direct conflict with the current heading and its only a matter of time before he breaks ranks.
5
Why would Pence have any regrets? He's just one Trump-beat from the Oval Office.
3
Pence has no "strong religious compass", since he took the job to begin with and sold his soul to the devil. He was failing as governor of Indiana and this was his life saver, or so he thought. He is also Trumputin's safety since he is more right-wing than Trumputin himself. T knew that people would rather take their chances with he himself. That was a smart move. I also believe that a disheveled, disoriented and ultimately ineffectual T is better than the lineup behind him, Pence, McConnell, Ryan, etc.
1
If Pence had any integrity, he would have shunned Trump too.
1
Why should the guy taint his reputation. Trump is nuts and so his his staff.
16
He also makes soooo much more money in the private sector.
1
Now that Ringling Brothers is folding its tent, there should be a number of willing candidates available to the Trump abomination.
15
The Profumo Affair that rocked the UK in the early '60s was precipitated by the knowledge that a senior cabinet officer was having an affair with a woman who was also having an affair with the naval attache (read: spy) at the Russian Embassy.
Given what we know about Gen. Petraeus' propensity for pillow talk, I can't imagine he would inspire confidence in most people in such a sensitive position.
Given what we know about Gen. Petraeus' propensity for pillow talk, I can't imagine he would inspire confidence in most people in such a sensitive position.
7
John Profumo atoned for his errors with a life quietly working to help the disadvantaged. His family stood by him.
He was a far better man than conspiracy theorist Flynn or Tump, Bannon, Miller, Conway and other assorted liars.
He was a far better man than conspiracy theorist Flynn or Tump, Bannon, Miller, Conway and other assorted liars.
1
I agree that Petraeus is disqualified from any position that requires a security clearance. However, I would be very surprised if he made that particular mistake again.
1
The headline:
"Trump’s Pick to Replace Flynn Turns Down the Job"
I wondered why Trump would name Harward if Trump already knew Harward would turn down the offer. Turns out Trump hadn't actually picked Harward. The headline was incorrect.
"Trump’s Pick to Replace Flynn Turns Down the Job"
I wondered why Trump would name Harward if Trump already knew Harward would turn down the offer. Turns out Trump hadn't actually picked Harward. The headline was incorrect.
2
If the headline is incorrect, if Harward wasn't offered the job, then why would Vice Admiral Harward issue a statement setting out the reasons why he decided to decline trump's offer?
3
He offered Harward the job Monday, and Harward asked for time to think about it. He most definitely picked Harward.
2
your problem is wasting time wondering why Trump would do anything.
Don't you have gum to get off your shoe?
Don't you have gum to get off your shoe?
2
As we Marxists say, "I wouldn't be a member of a club that would have me."
9
Hooray for Captain Spalding.
Smart guy.
9
It's a slap in the face for someone like Robert Harward to know that his decision making would be second guessed by a whack job like Bannon. He made the right decision.
43
Harward intentionally dodged a bullet, and Romney did so by accident.
13
Why has no one asked the question: While talking to the Russians during the election did anyone in the Trump campaign ask the Russians to quit interfering with our election? Did they not tell the Russians that Trump wanted to win the election fair and square? It is ludicrous to think the Russian hacking had no impact...it swayed the vote. They didn't have to hack into any machines. The American electorate is not aware enough to realize what was happening...believed all the lies. That is what you call - Sad!
16
Well, at last, a sane person among a confederacy of dunces. I don't know much about the Admiral but he must be one smart dude. He used the old "personal family time" excuse, a classic escape clause, to get him out of the "mess" he saw coming his way. For this action, I like Admiral Harward way more today than I did yesterday. Things must really be a mess. Yet Harward did not did not say so. He has so much more class than the Idiot he would have served under.
I think we should follow the old Groucho Marx line, "I wouldn't belong to a club that would have me as a member". I'll alter that a bit: I wouldn't belong to a Cabinet that has the Captain of the Titanic at its helm.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
I think we should follow the old Groucho Marx line, "I wouldn't belong to a club that would have me as a member". I'll alter that a bit: I wouldn't belong to a Cabinet that has the Captain of the Titanic at its helm.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
9
Turning it down is reason to hope he will reconsider. If it is accurate that Trump promised the #2 spot to the person hired by Flynn, it surely would be grounds to refuse this appointment. The end result of a stab in the back is the same as a stab in the front. Admiral Harward is canny enough to know the importance of "having one's back" as opposed to palace mini-coups for power which seem to the main objective right now. I hope this sorts out.
3
Vic Admiral Harvard made a wise decision. No one involved with this regime will emerge with clean hands, except perhaps Secretary of Defense Mattis.
6
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair." Seriously, NYT? Petraeus's resignation had nothing to do with his mishandling of classified materials? Sloppy.
17
If I were in his shoes, I would have done the same.
It would be tough to work for an administration which is beyond rationale.
It would be tough to work for an administration which is beyond rationale.
6
TRUMPUS promised Flynn's deputy she could keep her job. How kind of him. Conveniently, she would be in place to keep an eye on Harward, and report back to Trump HQ. Harward didn't get where he is by being dumb.
10
The fact that Gen. Patraeus' traded access to classified information for sex with an attractive young woman is no problem for Trump. To him, that sort of behavior makes for an impressive resume.
17
Let's see, how many hearings did GOP Congrssional committees hold regarding H. Clinton's email server? And how many times did D. Trump bring up her emails as a national threat over the past year?
And now Trump wants D. Petraeus, a proven and convicted national security risk to have a position handling the most top secret and confidential information?
Really?
And now Trump wants D. Petraeus, a proven and convicted national security risk to have a position handling the most top secret and confidential information?
Really?
14
It is interesting that the Trump administration will employ Gen. Petreaus after he pled guilty to sharing classified information with his biographer/girlfriend. Where is the outrage that characterized his campaign against Clinton ('Lock her up!')?
15
It's even more ironic that they would consider a convicted "leaker" for such a sensitive position, given the President's recent statements.
3
ADM. Harward surely remembers what the last Republican administration did to Colin Powell.
16
Why doesn't Trump ask Chris Christie to take the job, or is it a "bridge" too far to ask.
12
If it is true that Harward would have had to work with a Deputy NSA not of his choosing but appointed by Flynn I can certainly understand why turned it down. That's the craziest thing I've ever heard.
10
One wonders why Rex Tillerson doesn't resign, after Steve Bannon nixed his choice of deputy. It sure must be a comedown to have to kiss that guy's patootie.
2
Petraeus didn't just resign from the CIA after having an extramarital affair. He's currently on probation for the unlawful sharing of classified information with his mistress. That should disqualify him from any position involving national security.
36
Of course choosing a replacement that declines the position reflects the precision workings of a finely-tuned machine.
12
Picturing retired vice admiral Harward and Secretary of Defense Mattis together gave me a feeling of security. Insecurity returned when Mr. Harward said no. It's easy to suspect that one monkey wrench was having Mr. Barron on the National Security Council's principals committee. Another was Mr. Trump reportedly telling Mr. Flynn's choice of deputy national security adviser that she could remain. (Then too, there's the swamp.) I hope Mr. Mattis continues to serve the American people and recommends a good national security adviser to do the same.
39
Mr. Harward is apparently a man of principles. We are in a world of trouble with whoever takes the job thinking it's a good career move.
9
We have sunk so low in terms of professionalism, just give this job to Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity,. They will tell DT just want he wants to hear. Plus. its only national and global security at issue, How hard can that be folks ?
18
Why can't he go through the process of public interviews, as he did with the Secretary of State job? Great theater, and that's what matters most! I'm sure that Romney will be willing to
6
Petraeus may lobby all he likes, but I'm sure those outside of the Trump inner circle who are called upon to approve his nomination will remember the actual circumstances of his resignation from the CIA.
10
So perhaps Mr. Harward is an experienced, moral, reasonable person with our country's best interests at heart? With the potential to do a good job as national security advisor? So naturally he would turn them down.
9
Leave it to a decorated Navy SEAL to know when it’s best to jump off a sinking ship.
34
Actually, you're not giving him enough credit. He knew enough not to get on board Captain Trump's leaky dinghy in the first place
1
You're right!
Petraeus? Even Trump is smart enough not to do that. If Petraeus wasn't toxic, Trump would have placed him somewhere already - think of him as the military equivalent of Chris Christie.
11
No surprise, Trump's deliberate subordination of the National Security Council to a political adviser like the Breitbart media hack Steve Bannon is going to to continue drive away competent and credible people whose sole consideration would be the security of the country. Meanwhile the fundamental question of who Trump really is working, America or Russia, hangs in the air, unsettled. Trump's rant at the media yesterday settled nothing. Big whoop, of course Trump claims he and his minions have been doing nothing wrong, what else would he say? But the smell of selling out one's country for personal gain is not going to go away on his say so. This stench requires independent investigation and that responsibility rests with Congressional Republicans who control both houses of Congress and all of the committees which have jurisdiction to conduct formal bipartisan investigations with subpoena power. The question now is whether these Congressional Republicans put country before party or not?
19
I'd say, "Not".
The silence from Pence, Mitch and Ryan makes my ears roar.
The silence from Pence, Mitch and Ryan makes my ears roar.
1
I’ve noticed since the reagan era shift in the GOP to using disruption and deceit that over the last 37 years the GOP lies have progressed in scope and use as public standards of behavior and reason declined as the direct result of this tactic so the lies and disruptions got bigger.
I noticed long before he ever won, in 72 or 73 that reagan’s way of attacking hallowed institutions with ambiguous accusations very much resembled the regimes like the USSR we were “standing” against. We are here now as a direct consequence of him not being held to account for his false assertions then.
The general lowering of standards and social degradation for the last 37 years went hand in hand with the ever increasing levels of GOP disruption and deception leading them to reinterpret the rules of language (newspeak?) use and reason to make what they were saying appear to be rational when it clearly wasn’t if said properly.
This lead them to the balkanized fiefdoms (The office was got by dishonesty through gerrymandering and vote suppression.) they hold fearing a removal by the party paying someone else way to replace them they obey and vote according to the party line.
The cognitive dissonance of the GOP may be adopted with intent at first I think many now hold on to it firmly dissociating it out of fear of facing the fact that they are become traitors.
I noticed long before he ever won, in 72 or 73 that reagan’s way of attacking hallowed institutions with ambiguous accusations very much resembled the regimes like the USSR we were “standing” against. We are here now as a direct consequence of him not being held to account for his false assertions then.
The general lowering of standards and social degradation for the last 37 years went hand in hand with the ever increasing levels of GOP disruption and deception leading them to reinterpret the rules of language (newspeak?) use and reason to make what they were saying appear to be rational when it clearly wasn’t if said properly.
This lead them to the balkanized fiefdoms (The office was got by dishonesty through gerrymandering and vote suppression.) they hold fearing a removal by the party paying someone else way to replace them they obey and vote according to the party line.
The cognitive dissonance of the GOP may be adopted with intent at first I think many now hold on to it firmly dissociating it out of fear of facing the fact that they are become traitors.
2
Maybe Trump can ask Putin to recommend an English speaker from the FSB.
29
By "Ask" it's implied doing so "very nicely".
1
As long as the Bannon presidency lasts, no considerate and smart people will join this administration.
39
Robert Harward, a retired vice admiral and former Navy SEAL has served the country well. We salute him for his true patriotism. He is a professional.
It is far better for Mr. Harward to spend time with his family and on any other endeavor he feels comfortable with. Preserving his self respect is important for Mr. Harward. No one would blame Mr. Harward for his decision.
We will all continue to see President Trump applying his personal ego and arrogance. He will be demotivating and driving away professionals from his administration.
We are not seeing a clear direction from the White House. Each day we see more confusion. This is very frustrating.
It is far better for Mr. Harward to spend time with his family and on any other endeavor he feels comfortable with. Preserving his self respect is important for Mr. Harward. No one would blame Mr. Harward for his decision.
We will all continue to see President Trump applying his personal ego and arrogance. He will be demotivating and driving away professionals from his administration.
We are not seeing a clear direction from the White House. Each day we see more confusion. This is very frustrating.
17
Now if only the Republicans in the Senate and House showed as much courage and guts.
3
If the NY Times keeps saying "Refuses Job", when the word is far too harsh and implies more than it was, of course you will then think as you do.
As long as the losing side keep parrotings the NY Times "anonymous sources" to build a narrative, more reprobates will consider themselves policy wonks.
1
A person who will not belong to this "club" is just the person we need (kind of a reverse Groucho Marx).
5
Besides battling the IC 'Deep State', Trump and his allies appear to be experiencing widespread rejection from the professional class, as well as some parts of the professional military class. That's a major story unto itself.
9
Yeah, they should cut pensions and see how quickly the post is filled.
Petreaus would have to ask his parole officer for permission to move to Washington to be the head of the NSC. You just cannot make this stuff up.
15
Thank you Mr Harward. It takes courage to put country before your party. Reassuring to see character in a time when there appears to be childishness and rudeness the order of the day. Even though I am a Democrat, I believe that there are rational Republicans out there who we can work with collaboratively. It doesn't have to be a winner take all scenario. Remeber what Andrew Clay said? "A good compromise is where both parties are unsatisfied".
65
I agree wholeheartedly with you Mr. Gill! Did you mean to quote Henry Clay? I believe Andrew Clay is the comedian. Still a perfect quote and example of the only way things in Washington can get accomplished!
3
Family? I don't think so. More likely, Admiral Hayward, a decorated veteran of Navy Seal Team combat, would have seethed at the thought of being in the same room with a bone spur draft dodger like Trump.
9
He can always wear two hats, be President and Security Advisor to himself. Stands before the mirror and says...Mr. President, refugees are swarming our coast on rowboats, millions of them, think you should know that. No problem Mr. Security Advisor, we will just blow them out of the water, what do you think? I think that's a good idea, Mr. President, and you can tweet that it was a storm that sank all their rowboats, said his Security Advisor Mr. Trump. The guy is so looney that he might do this. After all, he knows more than the Generals.
9
"Current and former national security officials familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, said Mr. Harward had harbored strong reservations from the beginning about taking the post because of Mr. Trump’s unpredictable style and the level of chaos that has engulfed his White House."
This is the level and kind of honest justification and rationale I would expect to read about someone like Robert S. Harward. The level of chaos alone would keep any reasonable, sane, intelligent individual from taking ANY position in this current administration. It's difficult to bully and intimidate someone who stands up to a bully. I am proud of Mr. Harward's courage for turning down a golden opportunity had it been under any other President.
11
It seems that David Petraeus is always available -- for anything. Nobody seems to want him. Increasingly Trump will have to rely on second and third choices. This will not end well.
9
Robert S. Harward - smart man.
Petraeus - security risk surely ?
A guy who gave highly classified journals to his lover and got off with a slap on the wrist unlike many who did far less and are serving prison time. A guy who is still on probation and has to check in with his probation officer when he travels or is offered a job.
Feeling more like the twilight zone than ever.
Petraeus - security risk surely ?
A guy who gave highly classified journals to his lover and got off with a slap on the wrist unlike many who did far less and are serving prison time. A guy who is still on probation and has to check in with his probation officer when he travels or is offered a job.
Feeling more like the twilight zone than ever.
11
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair."
NYT, anything else we should know about Petraeus' resignation? Anything at all?
I expect this kind of convenient half-truth from Fox News, not the NYT.....
NYT, anything else we should know about Petraeus' resignation? Anything at all?
I expect this kind of convenient half-truth from Fox News, not the NYT.....
13
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the CIA in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair." AND that he had leaked classified documents to his mistress, as I recall., resulting in a misdemeanor guilty plea in 2015. So, lobby for your life, General, you may fit into that crowd in ways not imagined
8
What soft reporting!
Patraeus was convicted of knowingly and intentionally giving top secret info to his girlfriend for her book.
Patraeus was convicted of knowingly and intentionally giving top secret info to his girlfriend for her book.
24
Any individual silliest to accept the position of National Security Advisor will be today's hero but tomorrow's zero once the White House chaos takes over.
11
So Petraeus, who LIED to the FBI about his handling of classified materials (and sharing them with his girlfriend to impress her), and got a plea deal to avoid a FELONY, is "stepping up his lobbying" for this national security job?
Isn't ONE breach of national security and the law enough for him? Who could possibly nominated and then vote to confirm someone like that? Oh wait....
Isn't ONE breach of national security and the law enough for him? Who could possibly nominated and then vote to confirm someone like that? Oh wait....
23
Your last sentence is disingenuous at best: Petraeus gave classified information to his mistress, which seems the more important information than that he had an affair.
Anyone who has to ask his parole officer permission to take a job should not be serving as NSA, period.
The best-case scenario here is that Trump gets desperate enough that he realizes he will have to let the new NSA director choose his own staff: rumor is that keeping KT McFarland was a deal-breaker for Harward.
The NSA hopefuls should also demand the Principals Committee once again include the Jt. Chiefs of Staff and DNI director, as well as kicking Bannon off -- but that's very unlikely to happen.
Anyone who has to ask his parole officer permission to take a job should not be serving as NSA, period.
The best-case scenario here is that Trump gets desperate enough that he realizes he will have to let the new NSA director choose his own staff: rumor is that keeping KT McFarland was a deal-breaker for Harward.
The NSA hopefuls should also demand the Principals Committee once again include the Jt. Chiefs of Staff and DNI director, as well as kicking Bannon off -- but that's very unlikely to happen.
10
"David H. Petraeus...[has stepped ip]... his lobbying for the national security adviser post...Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair."
Petraeus didn't resign because he had an extramarital affair. He resigned (rather than be fired) because he'd given his mistress classified information. I never quite understood why he'd done that.
In any event, Petraeus has many Democratic supporters, and so he'd easily be confirmed unless many Republicans are upset about his having turned over classified information to his mistress.
Petraeus didn't resign because he had an extramarital affair. He resigned (rather than be fired) because he'd given his mistress classified information. I never quite understood why he'd done that.
In any event, Petraeus has many Democratic supporters, and so he'd easily be confirmed unless many Republicans are upset about his having turned over classified information to his mistress.
6
His mistress was writing his biography.
He wanted to impress her.
What's "national security" compared to that?
He wanted to impress her.
What's "national security" compared to that?
2
Petraeus, another person who should have been charged with treason, but got off with a slap on the wrist.
21
In the words of a Marine General I spoke with who was not at all political in his words, Hillary Clinton's transgressions exceeded General Petraeus' by at least a factor of 10 and should be tried and placed in leg irons.
But you keep dreaming of "Madam President"
But you keep dreaming of "Madam President"
"...If Petraeus turns him down..."
According to the article, Petraeus has stepped up his lobbying for the job. If that's true (and who can doubt the New York Times?), it seems unlikely that Petraeus would turn down an offer.
According to the article, Petraeus has stepped up his lobbying for the job. If that's true (and who can doubt the New York Times?), it seems unlikely that Petraeus would turn down an offer.
3
You have to respect his decision. But I'm disappointed we won't have his perspective and input for national security. I read that he lived in Iran when his Dad was posted there with the Navy, and speaks Farsi. Would have been invaluable to have someone who knows and respects the region. He wrote a terrific piece in HuffPo about the importance of educating girls and women in developing countries. Sounds like someone to respect and admire.
134
Everything you say about Admiral Harwood is true.Fortunately he was smart enough not risk his reputation.
And that's why he didn't take the position.
2
The idiots offered him the job publicly without knowing his answer. Incompetent.
10
No sane, honest person wants anything to do with this "administration." Can't believe anyone is surprised by this.
3
Mr. Petraeus admitted to a lot more than having an extramarital affair. He pled guilty to the crime of unauthorized dissemination of classified information.
6
Petraeus isn't reporting to a probation officer on a regular basis because he had an affair. Are Ms. Davis and Mr. Schmitt not aware of this?
9
Until Bannon is removed from the National Security Council, who in their right mind would take the NSA job (Flynn was clearly out of control before he accepted)?
11
Harward is a smart guy. He probably spoke with his friend Mattis who told him for his own sake to stay away from this mess. I would have enjoyed seeing Bannon or Trump try to bully him around though but I do think he would have been a good choice in any other administration.
4
Turning down the job proves that he was qualified to do the job because it shows he has a brain. Too bad.
8
A true admiral, can tell a sinking ship from miles away.....
15
New York Times, this is just bad reporting:
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair."
Anyone with any familiarity with this domain knows that Petraeus was brought up on felony charges for sharing classified information with his lover and later plead guilty to a misdemeanor. To omit that is journalistic negligence.
In the current climate the American public needs something close to perfection from you on the basics. Please get your act together.
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair."
Anyone with any familiarity with this domain knows that Petraeus was brought up on felony charges for sharing classified information with his lover and later plead guilty to a misdemeanor. To omit that is journalistic negligence.
In the current climate the American public needs something close to perfection from you on the basics. Please get your act together.
11
Any self respecting military officer at the flag rank would be reluctant to work in an environment as chaotic, unpredictable, and political as exists in the White House under the present office holder. This is sad, because that crew really needs a few people with a moral center and integrity. It must be difficult for Gen. Mattis to be the only person who cares more about the country than lining his own pocket at the expense of the taxpayer.
10
Hayward'd decision is certainly predictable. What is also predictable, is that Trump didn't get his ducks in a row before setting himself up for yet another embarrassment. The so-called POTUS has zero self awareness or knowledge of anything or anyone outside of himself. If he asked Hayward, of course he would reply "YES!" How could anyone not want to work for the greatest POTUS ever? The Donald probably tried to bribe him. Best soap opera ever, except the future of our nation and wellbeing is in the hands of these delusional quacks.
6
Well, there's a man with a lick of sense.
7
Mr. Howard cites family and financial issues as his reasons for turning down the post. He has a military pension with the best benefits in the country after 40 years of service and now is an executive at Lockheed Martin, where you can bet he's paid well into six figures.
What "financial issues"?
I'm beginning to think we should see the tax returns of the head of the NSC no matter who it is. The president, too. That should be true for Petraeus or whoever finally gets the horrible job of working with that crazy man and his Russian minions.
NYTimes, why minimize David Petraeus' betrayal to our country by saying he had an affair. He leaked confidential, classified intelligence materials to his mistress who was writing a book about how great David was (again). Naturally, a former general who leaks classified intelligence will probably be who Trump hires, never seeing the irony in that at all.
Is there no honor any more in America's military? Or are they all on someone's payroll?
What "financial issues"?
I'm beginning to think we should see the tax returns of the head of the NSC no matter who it is. The president, too. That should be true for Petraeus or whoever finally gets the horrible job of working with that crazy man and his Russian minions.
NYTimes, why minimize David Petraeus' betrayal to our country by saying he had an affair. He leaked confidential, classified intelligence materials to his mistress who was writing a book about how great David was (again). Naturally, a former general who leaks classified intelligence will probably be who Trump hires, never seeing the irony in that at all.
Is there no honor any more in America's military? Or are they all on someone's payroll?
6
Think about this for a moment.
The White House claims that one of the key motivations for the travel `ban' was to increase and perfect the `vetting' process. In the middle of all this, we have a president who says firing Gen. Flynn was made easier because he had a world-class successor ready to assume the role of national security advisor. So much for vetting. The so-called successor - I couldn't resist - apparently had plans undetected by this hopeless administration.
The White House claims that one of the key motivations for the travel `ban' was to increase and perfect the `vetting' process. In the middle of all this, we have a president who says firing Gen. Flynn was made easier because he had a world-class successor ready to assume the role of national security advisor. So much for vetting. The so-called successor - I couldn't resist - apparently had plans undetected by this hopeless administration.
9
Harwood is smart to turn this job offer down. Who, in their right mind, could work with, or for such a diseased mind? This cluster of fools, masquerading as an administration are a malignant, sinking ship. Anyone who accepts a job with the con man and his wildly dysfunctional administration will be a pariah in our country. No one can take anything they say or do seriously. These are pretenders to the throne and nothing more.
7
Is this a man with some principles? Very hard to find these days.
6
It's going be harder and harder to recruit people willing to wear newspaper commodore hats and wave aluminum foil swords at the National Zoo, I mean the Trump administration.
19
The very fact that Mr. Harward turned down the job plus the sources suggesting that he wanted his own staff and to make his own decisions makes it clear that he would have made a great national security adviser. Declining was an exceptionally wise choice for him, since he clearly has integrity and honesty and simply would not have fit in with the spineless sycophants in the Trump administration.
162
Mr. Petraeus resigned after admitting he had an extramarital affair and after giving his paramour secret documents. So what if Putin appeals to him?
5
Realy thought Haward would accept. He has shown level-headedness and practicality in military matters before, and is overflowing with experiance. The Trump admistration could use someone of his nature. Change from within is easier achived than change from the outside.
2
I would not want that post on my resume either. The toxic environment at the WH is the spreading cancer and is actually making ISIS and their ilk more attractive. Why step into a lose-lose situation?
4
What is the logic behind this statement? Why would the corruption and degradation of the US President make ISIS,(DAESH), "more attractive"? Does the writer believe that a Trump Presidency means an ineffective US military or a pro terrorist executive? The US survived the late years of Reagan who also suffered from senile dementia. We know Russia has had batches of senile alcoholics . . .
I don't get it. . . . ?
I don't get it. . . . ?
Many are rightly commending Harward for declining this position, but as this administration continues to stumble and flounder the only people willing to come onboard are going to be more profiteers, stooges, and otherwise unemployable miscreants (Christie). These are who will be running our country.
10
Links. Links. Links.
An extramarital affair? How about pleading guilty to providing classified information to his girlfriend and then, lying about it to the federal investigators -- both being crimes. What? All down the memory hole.
And too. Don't we Times readers deserve a story comparing the recent Comey improprieties with the attempt by rogue FBI agent, Frederick W. Humphries II, to undermine Obama's 2012 reelection chances by disclosing the FBI's investigation of Petraeus to House Majority Leader Cantor weeks before the election? For which, by the way, it appears Frederick W. Humphries II was never disciplined by the FBI. New FBI same as the old FBI.
An extramarital affair? How about pleading guilty to providing classified information to his girlfriend and then, lying about it to the federal investigators -- both being crimes. What? All down the memory hole.
And too. Don't we Times readers deserve a story comparing the recent Comey improprieties with the attempt by rogue FBI agent, Frederick W. Humphries II, to undermine Obama's 2012 reelection chances by disclosing the FBI's investigation of Petraeus to House Majority Leader Cantor weeks before the election? For which, by the way, it appears Frederick W. Humphries II was never disciplined by the FBI. New FBI same as the old FBI.
7
They're not gonna Heed it but, be it to APPEAR more organized, professional, Presidential,...
They're supposed to find out in advance of actually releasing a name if the person is going to "Turn It Down" thus not releasing his name to the public.
But maybe that's how they do things in Moscow, Oh and Here now?
Their "Extreme" Vetting Process needs a little more Vet and perhaps less "Extreme"?
They're supposed to find out in advance of actually releasing a name if the person is going to "Turn It Down" thus not releasing his name to the public.
But maybe that's how they do things in Moscow, Oh and Here now?
Their "Extreme" Vetting Process needs a little more Vet and perhaps less "Extreme"?
2
Probable translation of Robert Harward's citing "family considerations" as the key reason for turning down Trump's job offer:
His family telling him, "Don't you dare submit us to that Windbag!"
His family telling him, "Don't you dare submit us to that Windbag!"
8
I can well understand why any person, irrespective of that person's political persuasion, would be inclined to think twice about an invitation to step aboard a sinking ship.
That said, perhaps Mr. Harwood turned down Trump's invitation due to reports in several media outlets of Trump's high-handed decision that Chris Christie, dining with Trump at the White House, would have no choice but to order the meatloaf.
Personally, I would not eat anything made from ground beef, because I consider ground beef almost as bad as bacon -- well, maybe not THAT bad. Trump, a vulgar parvenu whose overall set of beliefs would appear to place him among the most ignorant of people, can hardly be expected to embrace enlightened dietary opinion. Christie, however, should probably learn to take responsibility for his own dietary decisions.
In any case, if Trump were to ask me to join his team, I, too, would tell him to forget about it.
That said, perhaps Mr. Harwood turned down Trump's invitation due to reports in several media outlets of Trump's high-handed decision that Chris Christie, dining with Trump at the White House, would have no choice but to order the meatloaf.
Personally, I would not eat anything made from ground beef, because I consider ground beef almost as bad as bacon -- well, maybe not THAT bad. Trump, a vulgar parvenu whose overall set of beliefs would appear to place him among the most ignorant of people, can hardly be expected to embrace enlightened dietary opinion. Christie, however, should probably learn to take responsibility for his own dietary decisions.
In any case, if Trump were to ask me to join his team, I, too, would tell him to forget about it.
1
How dare you slander bacon.
I expect President Trump to now report that Mr. Harward was NOT the "somebody that I think will be outstanding for the position" and blame the "failing New York Times" and "dishonest media" for jumping to conclusions... Maybe he'll appoint "...the deputy national security adviser, who was close to Mr. Flynn" since he seems committed to insisting she remain in a key position...
2
"OK gang, from here on out, BEFORE we announce a name, we confirm their acceptance."
"By BEFORE, you mean PRIOR, yes?"
"Well, I was thinking of something else but yeah, we can use some laughs right now, put on some Richard Pryor."
"By BEFORE, you mean PRIOR, yes?"
"Well, I was thinking of something else but yeah, we can use some laughs right now, put on some Richard Pryor."
2
Not wanting to join a club that would have him as a member? Can't say I blame him.
7
No sane person could accept a job with big spoiled country-club brat Trump and his bully boys, who don't want to know and don't want to learn. Congratulations to Mr. Harward for saving himself from being put in a horrible position.
When the money is flowing, the truth gets ignored. This is bad stuff.
When the money is flowing, the truth gets ignored. This is bad stuff.
36
The problem is that no matter how well you do a job in a conservative administration, the liberal media is going to relentlessly attack with smears, lies, innuendos and yellow journalism.
This is good. The longer Donald's administration appears in turmoil and the more Donald's communications in public reflect an unstable man, the odds improve that the Republicans in Congress will end their support of Donald to protect the party. Maybe then, there would be enough votes in Congress to open a full investigation into Flynngate and potential conflicts of interest between Donald's position and his financial assets. Republicans could also put pressure on Sessions to appoint and independent counsel with subpoena powers. In politics, survival is everything.
26
Trump is such low IQ person it’s unbelievable. He is short-tempered
and an dishonest business man, NEVER HAD EXPIRIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY. Ignorance and arrogance have no excuse, but Mr. Trump will find one! When can we begin the impeachment process?.
and an dishonest business man, NEVER HAD EXPIRIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY. Ignorance and arrogance have no excuse, but Mr. Trump will find one! When can we begin the impeachment process?.
Smart man.
33
Smart is right. Who would be insane enough to take a position when they know they and their family and anyone associated with them will be ripped to shreds by the media?
This newspaper and most media outlets are doing an excellent job covering a hard to cover man, President Trump, and his hard to cover administration. One important topic that has slipped between the cracks is that in one short month he has undercut his claims to be a great businessman and negotiator. No great negotiator tells China he is reconsidering the "one China" policy, and then in his first phone call with the Chinese leader accepts the "one China" policy getting nothing in return. No great businessman lets leak the name of a person he has offered a sensitive high level job to, before that person has accepted and signed on the dotted line. No great negotiator nor businessman lies openly more than he tells the truth. No great negotiator tells Israel one day a one-state solution might work only to permit his UN Ambassador to deny it the next.
The truth is President Trump never was a great negotiator nor a good businessman. He was and is an entertainer who got very lucky in the business world. Anybody who seriously evaluates the important turning points in their own life will realize luck or chance plays a remarkably large role. And the US, including those who voted for President Trump, has been dealt a really bad hand.
The truth is President Trump never was a great negotiator nor a good businessman. He was and is an entertainer who got very lucky in the business world. Anybody who seriously evaluates the important turning points in their own life will realize luck or chance plays a remarkably large role. And the US, including those who voted for President Trump, has been dealt a really bad hand.
56
I think just like his and his direct staff's lies, there is a purpose and method to the madness with the repeated agitation of foreign leaders. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/opinion/when-the-fire-comes.html
Trump is a bamboozeler who buries people in blustering overconfidence. This method is less effective the wiser the target is
1
Given that the media is 100% focused on character assassination, facts be damned, I don't see any reason for anyone to serve their country. The media's knee-jerk leftist harassment will drive the administration towards even less qualified people, and drive even more people to the alt-right. This is not good for our republic.
4
Yup.
That tinfoil hat will cook well in your microwave. After all, facts are just leftist elitist garbage!
That tinfoil hat will cook well in your microwave. After all, facts are just leftist elitist garbage!
21
The media is just reporting what's going on in the administration. Blaming the media for "harassment" is just an attempt at what the Greeks called killing the messenger.
1
Lol. Just try to think of it as "extreme vetting." These characters are assassinating themselves, no help needed from the media.
1
Gen. David Patraeus (retired) has clearly demonstrated he is untrustworthy and open to blackmail by his admitted providing of Top-Secret documents to his lover / mistress. Excepting that he was a 4-star general, he would have been tried in a military court for treason. To consider Patraeus a viable candidate for National Security Advisor is simply beyond the pale.
50
Petraeus would add to the hot mess that Trump's administration is--in short he's perfect for the job.
Untrustworthy a a job requirement for the Trump administration - along with lying and serving the 1%.
1
The last para in the article is misleading. Petraeus resigned because he provided secrets to someone not authorized to receive them -- not because he had an extramarital affair.
1
This headline is another false narrative of the left.
When approached about the job the admiral said I'll get back to you. He did and said his family wasn't all in.
Once again, the tone and spin of the left trying to create a dark side to the story.
Bad journalism...and why most Americans no longer believe the main stream press.
When approached about the job the admiral said I'll get back to you. He did and said his family wasn't all in.
Once again, the tone and spin of the left trying to create a dark side to the story.
Bad journalism...and why most Americans no longer believe the main stream press.
People who are well-qualified and smart are starting to understand that any association with this administration will leave a taint that lasts a lifetime. Those who are at all qualified will stay far away from anything to do with the toxic Trump brand.
This leaves us with D-list sycophants, desperate for any opportunity to demonstrate their worth to the GOP cause.
This leaves us with D-list sycophants, desperate for any opportunity to demonstrate their worth to the GOP cause.
48
There's a frightening sense of glee among many commenters today about Harward's rejection of the role.
You're thrilled that he thumbs his nose at Trump, while also praising his good judgment and experience, and saying that he would have served our country well.
Think about that for a second - you're GLAD that a smart, ethical, skilled person turned down a job that would help our country, when other Trump nominees' lack of experience and ethics are only surpassed by their racism, hatred of those in need and passion to deny climate change and drill baby drill. You can't wait for the next evil Pruitt or depraved DeVos to get nominated so you can blame Trump, yet again.
You seem prepared to let the country go down in flames to set the stage for your Sanders/Green Party revolution, just like you did on November 8.
This is completely irresponsible, and at this rate, it looks like you'll continue to thumb your nose and stay disorganized straight through losing in 2018 too.
Let's wise up, Dems. Human rights are getting torpedoed in generations-long court changes right now. The stakes are too high for juvenile gamesmanship.
You're thrilled that he thumbs his nose at Trump, while also praising his good judgment and experience, and saying that he would have served our country well.
Think about that for a second - you're GLAD that a smart, ethical, skilled person turned down a job that would help our country, when other Trump nominees' lack of experience and ethics are only surpassed by their racism, hatred of those in need and passion to deny climate change and drill baby drill. You can't wait for the next evil Pruitt or depraved DeVos to get nominated so you can blame Trump, yet again.
You seem prepared to let the country go down in flames to set the stage for your Sanders/Green Party revolution, just like you did on November 8.
This is completely irresponsible, and at this rate, it looks like you'll continue to thumb your nose and stay disorganized straight through losing in 2018 too.
Let's wise up, Dems. Human rights are getting torpedoed in generations-long court changes right now. The stakes are too high for juvenile gamesmanship.
3
Trump stepping down from the job--yesterday, would be a tremendous help to this country. But his 2nd in command, Pence is even worse.
2
He turned the job down because he knew it was useless to be part of trumps debacle, the solution is get rid of trump and that won't happen until the administration completely implodes.
2
Trump made his bed - it is unfortunate the rest of the world has to lie in it. The sooner Trump is impeached, the better for everyone.
1
Dear Trump Supporters and GOP Leaders:
This is a prime example of why you, Trump's base, and GOP leaders like Chaffetz should be gravely concerned: our security - YOUR security - depends on a qualified NSA. When Trump continues to demonstrate the qualities of an incompetent autocrat, qualified, ethical people will turn down this job and other jobs critical to our security.
Don't wait for another 9/11 to stand up to him. Surely the GOP can live with President Pence.
This is a prime example of why you, Trump's base, and GOP leaders like Chaffetz should be gravely concerned: our security - YOUR security - depends on a qualified NSA. When Trump continues to demonstrate the qualities of an incompetent autocrat, qualified, ethical people will turn down this job and other jobs critical to our security.
Don't wait for another 9/11 to stand up to him. Surely the GOP can live with President Pence.
13
As a 5Times Deployed War Vet ...Mr Robert S Haward decision to turn down the job shows a Lot Of Maturity, Honor and A Real Seriousness Toward The Job!
At least one person is Actually Taking Something Serious instead of ignoring the facts.
Thank you, sir.
At least one person is Actually Taking Something Serious instead of ignoring the facts.
Thank you, sir.
23
If Bannon would be removed from the National Security Council, Trump might have better luck finding someone credible to take the job. Bannon will always assure that the council is politicized.
The problem with Petraeus is that he already compromised himself once by having an affair. As Trump (a serial adulterer himself) should know, it's easy to let it happen again, which would make Petraeus vulnerable (again) to blackmail. Wasn't the threat of blackmail (though for a different reason) precisely what the worry was with Flynn?
And, let's not forget another, more important, piece of the story: Petraeus had turned over highly classified documents to Paula Broadwell. He pleaded guilty to this charge, and was placed on two-years probation, which is on-going. So, he would have the honor of being the first person to serve as national security adviser while on probation for mishandling classified materials, which would again be in his possession every day.
The problem with Petraeus is that he already compromised himself once by having an affair. As Trump (a serial adulterer himself) should know, it's easy to let it happen again, which would make Petraeus vulnerable (again) to blackmail. Wasn't the threat of blackmail (though for a different reason) precisely what the worry was with Flynn?
And, let's not forget another, more important, piece of the story: Petraeus had turned over highly classified documents to Paula Broadwell. He pleaded guilty to this charge, and was placed on two-years probation, which is on-going. So, he would have the honor of being the first person to serve as national security adviser while on probation for mishandling classified materials, which would again be in his possession every day.
31
Why, based on all that, Petraeus sounds like a shoe in.
Who could blame him?
Donald Trump's theme Song: "Next"
He thinks everything is just another Celebrity Apprentice season, one after another.
Donald Trump's theme Song: "Next"
He thinks everything is just another Celebrity Apprentice season, one after another.
9
I emailed the White House, also declining. Just in case they get really, really desperate!
35
My great grandfather was widowed at an early age. The story was that when he was asked about getting married again he said that anyone worth having wouldn't have him. Too bad the current president can't recognize the same thing about his admnistration.
12
Looks like we dodged another bullet. Navy Seal/ Lockheed Martin - the military industrial complex President Eisenhower warned about.
I'm sure The Con Don has other democracy-destroyers in his quiver of little-boy destruction and WE must keep a close eye on them. More important WE must keep a close eye on the BIG democracy-destroying money master operatives already inside OUR governments and stop them from further destroying OUR democracy and country. No WWIII for profit. No destroying the public social goods OUR hard-earned taxpayer dollars have given us since FDR and before the money masters put Reagan in the White House as their talking head to strike the first death-strikes against
WE the People.
WE must get the Robber Baron business boys and girls OUT of OUR governments at all levels. Governments are social constructs meant to protect us from THEM. NOW is the time.
I'm sure The Con Don has other democracy-destroyers in his quiver of little-boy destruction and WE must keep a close eye on them. More important WE must keep a close eye on the BIG democracy-destroying money master operatives already inside OUR governments and stop them from further destroying OUR democracy and country. No WWIII for profit. No destroying the public social goods OUR hard-earned taxpayer dollars have given us since FDR and before the money masters put Reagan in the White House as their talking head to strike the first death-strikes against
WE the People.
WE must get the Robber Baron business boys and girls OUT of OUR governments at all levels. Governments are social constructs meant to protect us from THEM. NOW is the time.
25
If Trump insists on working only with people who have never said or written a critical word about him, he will have only a small number of people to choose from.
15
Rational Thoughtful Experienced people who could be an asset to our country in a time of need will avoid being involved in the Trump administration.
28
Hayward is smart to turn down what can only prove to be an immensely frustrating job in a toxic environment. Why should he subject himself to that when he's had a good career already and has a good job now? The WH is in turmoil and those who are part of it won't find that it enhances their resumes in future.
17
What is troubling with good people turning down government positions is who is left to fill them. We want to move away from the Flynn types but we can't if the better qualified won't serve.
14
I actually think Flynn was following orders and fell on his sword for POTUS. This runs deep.
1
It says loads about this so-called presidency that a career military man would turn down an opportunity to directly serve the so-called commander-in-chief in a vital national security position.
45
Another humiliating embarrassment for "president" trump.
22
Finally a man of integrity. I wish all the Republicans would stop their Party Line support and see the man for what he is, uninformed, unprepared, and a habitual liar and a gloom monger.
44
With Bannon in the mix Mr. Harward is smart enough to know that Trump would be constantly informed about his performance. Anytime that Bannon disagreed or felt disrespected he would run to the boss. Seals don't play office politics! Then again, who needs the aggravation after serving his country for 40 years? Time out for quality love and family.
23
A qualified candidate turns down the position of national security advisor because of family reasons. However, there are reports it was also because of doubts about having the independence to pick his own staff and political interference by Trump's political advisors. Now we hear that Petraeus who admitted to sharing classified information with his mistress is campaigning for the position. Given Trump's record so far he will probably choose him. After all he has surrounded hi self with such "terrific" people (they reportedly lie to the FBI, they support the alt-right, they will head agencies they aim to destroy, etc.). It's time for the Republicans in Congress to step up and put country before party and desired agenda. Trump will destroy our democracy and that is a steep price to pay for them to achieve their dream agenda.
23
I agree with Anna K. I believe it is the Republican "bosses" who got us into this Problem. But can they, will they, do the necessary moves to get him out? Will they save our country? As an 80+ year old who grew up on L.I. with all the patriotism we were taught in school those many years ago I am afraid for our country.
3
Ah, "Betray Us" Petraeus, the man who ACTUALLY IS GUILTY of every crime Hillary Clinton was accused of! Well, maybe he will take the job, but he can't come in on Tuesdays because that's the day he has to see his probation officer.
This guy is right up Trump's alley. Mistresses, divorce, sharing classified materials with the unauthorized....
Oh, yeah. Trump will pick this puppy.
And the Evangelicals will love it.... or else.
This guy is right up Trump's alley. Mistresses, divorce, sharing classified materials with the unauthorized....
Oh, yeah. Trump will pick this puppy.
And the Evangelicals will love it.... or else.
3
Unfortunately, the "Republican Bosses" are thrilled with the distractions created by Trump. Do any of us even know what frightening things they are doing in Congress? No! And they need to keep Trump happy so he will sign into law whatever terrible things they pass. It's a win-win for them, but disaster for us!
It reminds me of the old adage about impossible jobs, "Anyone who is dumb enough to take it is too dumb to do it."
16
I really shouldn't laugh at the misfortunes of our president, but I just couldn't help myself on this one. This has got to hurt a man as thin-skinned as Trump obviously is.
15
Only "yes" men need apply.
13
Why would any sane person want to spend every day of his life working with a person like Trump? Anybody who comes in close contact with this President gets tainted for life. Even if one decides to work for the White House in the name of Patriotism, working close with an unbalanced, ignorant, shameless, unethical megalomaniac would be mentally and spiritually draining. Good choice.
21
Harward turned down the job showing he’s sane and competent, which makes me feel he should change his mind and take the job so there’s a sane person running the NSA but, then again, if he does change his mind and take the job, I’ll seriously question his sanity and mental stability…So…Anyone with any degree of sanity couldn’t possibly consider joining this dysfunctional administration…so does who does that leave? I’m going back under my covers now…
15
Great, now we move closer to Patraeus, a guy who likes to give secret documents to his mistresses.
23
So, Trump really can't negotiate. This admiral wanted nothing to do with him.
20
Trump's transition remains a mess. I think that he assumed that he could focus on "Making American Great Again" and not actually governing. I see several major challenges going forward which more than likely will wind up in a real crisis. First, a highly functioning state needs a merit based professional bureaucracy that has some measure of independence. Trump is inclined to fill the bureaucracy along "patrimonial and personalistic" lines which will lead to political decay on its own but he also, as this episodes suggest, will lead to difficulty even finding enough people to staff the government. Eventually, these trends will come to a head and result in a bad outcome. So many tail risk we face right now as a country.
4
Is Kellyanne Conway not available? National Security could use some ‘alternative facts’.
87
With the blot of her association with Team Trump on her resume, Ms. Conway's only prospect for future employment will be with the National Enquirer and tabloids of that ilk.
I bet Sarah Palin's available.
1
where is KAC, anyway? I haven't heard/seen hide nor hair of her since her fatal "attention K-mart shoppers!!" faux pas...lol...
1
Family considerations, indeed. No one in his right mind--or who isn't trying to rehabilitate his shattered reputation--would take an important job where Steve Bannon would be pulling the strings.
If Petraeus turns him down there's always Chris Christie--although he might be tied up for the next few months.
If Petraeus turns him down there's always Chris Christie--although he might be tied up for the next few months.
76
@NA: Trump is sadistic towards Christie. Yesterday when Chris had lunch at the White House, everyone else got to order what they wanted but Trump forced him to eat meatloaf.
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair."
Poor focus. The story is about security yet you say "extramarital affair" is what Petraeus is guilty of. Actually & more importantly it's his giving over of top secret documents to her that's pertinent!
Poor focus. The story is about security yet you say "extramarital affair" is what Petraeus is guilty of. Actually & more importantly it's his giving over of top secret documents to her that's pertinent!
357
Michael Gordon--I hope it's General Betray-us. That'll supply a few yuks for the next few months. But, I will bet that Betray-us is smart enough to realize what a mess he would be getting himself into. He's probably had enough media scrutiny.
3
For anyone who has ever been in a position in the military where a security clearance is a requirement of the position, extramarital affairs are more than frowned upon, especially for someone in as critical a position as Patreus. An affair makes the person ripe for blackmail, and he wouldn't have been the first person who fell that way.
1
Bravo for pointing out this vital point. I was surprised that the Times cited the affair as the reason for his resignation, when the real reason was indeed how he gave classified information to a reporter — something that Trump went on a tirade about during his awful press conference yesterday. If Trump nominates Petraeus, it'll be the pinnacle of hypocrisy, but then again, daily and regular hypocrisy does seem to be how the President rolls.
4
Good call for Admiral Hayward not to joint Robbin Trump and his Merry Band of bad men and one woman. They are all poised to pilfer money from the poor and middle class to increase the riches of the wealthy. Admiral Hayward doesn’t want to be associated with that kind of corrupt group and neither do most Americans.
65
David Petraeus would never make it in the White House. Who can work for a dictator??? Unless you have one of your oars out of the water or your elevator isn't all the way down! Which pretty much explains who Flynn was. It will not be much of a feather in ones cap to say I worked in the trump White House. You would end up with the same stain on your coat and never really get that smell off of yourself. Trump has enough money. Buy someone. With the right amount someone is bound to take it.
27
Flynn worked for Obama for a couple of years, didn't he?
Yes, until Obama fired him.
1
My, my, another public mistake from the 'well oiled machine' that is this administration. Not sure when Harward's change of heart came (before Trump's Feb 16 press debacle or after) but clearly in an attempt to rapidly change the subject, the White House put this guy's name out there too soon. It obviously isn't the first time Trump's inner-circle failed to properly vet their own nominees/appointees, and I'd guess it won't be the last either. All administrations have a learning-curve at the beginning, but it certainly seems like Trump's crew of outsiders is woefully inexperienced.
35
"...another public mistake from the 'well oiled machine' that is this administration."
Mistakes happen. Remember Bill Richardson? Obama nominated Richardson for the position of Secretary of Commerce on December 3, 2008, but due to a federal investigation into some of his political donors, he withdrew himself from the nomination on January 4, 2009. And how Judd Gregg? He was Obama's second try to seat a Secretary of Commerce, but Gregg, citing fundamental disagreements with the Obama administration on certain policy issues, withdrew his nomination. So it took Obama three tries before he finally found someone who stuck him after being asked to serve as SOC. And don't forget Chuck Hagel, who got forced out as Secretary of Defense...
Now that's what some folks would call rather chaotic...
Mistakes happen. Remember Bill Richardson? Obama nominated Richardson for the position of Secretary of Commerce on December 3, 2008, but due to a federal investigation into some of his political donors, he withdrew himself from the nomination on January 4, 2009. And how Judd Gregg? He was Obama's second try to seat a Secretary of Commerce, but Gregg, citing fundamental disagreements with the Obama administration on certain policy issues, withdrew his nomination. So it took Obama three tries before he finally found someone who stuck him after being asked to serve as SOC. And don't forget Chuck Hagel, who got forced out as Secretary of Defense...
Now that's what some folks would call rather chaotic...
1
Petraeus? Nyet!
38
Finally someone who is smart enough to know that when you lie down with dogs you get up with fleas. Anyone involved with the Trump administration will suffer the consequences of their association with this so-called president. Unfortunately those who refuse the offer of a job in the Trump administration are probably the ones who would do the best job if they actually were appointed.
136
As for Mr. Petraeus, his sexual dalliances are of no interest to me or, I hope, the rest of the country. He had to be removed from his post as CIA director for sharing state secrets with his lover as mere pillow talk.
The ethical lapse, the awful judgment he displayed by treating our national intelligence secrets as sexual foreplay, and the possibility that such a man could easily end up on Putin's list of Americans subject to blackmail, all argue against his appointment.
The ethical lapse, the awful judgment he displayed by treating our national intelligence secrets as sexual foreplay, and the possibility that such a man could easily end up on Putin's list of Americans subject to blackmail, all argue against his appointment.
205
That's just your point of view. In Trump's so-called presidency, all this makes Petreus the perfect appointee!
I cannot blame Mr. Harvard for turning down the job. Who wants to subject himself and family to this backstabbing, hostile atmosphere? Where leaks seem to be politically motivated or retribution for comments made in the past by the President. These leaks are undermining our government and democracy. There are better ways to make your point politically. So no, I do not blame him. I would run for the nearest shelter outside of Washington D.C. Who wants to take on all these problems?
10
A number of leaks have come from Trump's inner circle. These people hate each other and are doing their best to undermine each other. Trump won't hesitate to turn on any one of them and they know it.
1
This is a catch-22. Any individual worthy of such a responsibility would also have the integrity to refuse working for low-lives and in the gutter the White House has become.
97
If Gorsuch had any integrity he would step aside until after a hearing was held on Merrick Garland.
16
That's a great point, Deborah. I agree. If Gorsuch respected the Constitution enough to sit on the Supreme Court, he would be too appalled that President Obama was denied his Constitutional right to name a justice to accept an ill-begotten post.
By the way, I really enjoyed your comment on Tim Egan's op-ed today, too. Thanks, as always, for writing. :)
By the way, I really enjoyed your comment on Tim Egan's op-ed today, too. Thanks, as always, for writing. :)
1
This will start to happen more and more not only in Trump's cabinet and staff but in Congress.
The Republicans in Congress will see it is in their best interests to join democrats in impeaching Trump so Pence could be President.
I think it may be just a matter of time.
The Republicans in Congress will see it is in their best interests to join democrats in impeaching Trump so Pence could be President.
I think it may be just a matter of time.
27
I believe the complaint about Trump's crew has been since the transition that they are a bunch of bullies who don't want input from experts which has led to republicans refusing to return the call for a job. Trump can only hire those outside of government. I am concerned that Rex Tillerson will not hang in much longer if he has no autonomy or freedom to fill staff positions. He can leave for "family." Gen. Maddis may have more of a commitment to the country and will stay on despite Bannon.
5
A true American hero!
22
I read it somewhere that he wants to bring in his own team but was rejected by the white house.
15
Hey, NYT editors, quick quiz. What highly relevant information is missing from this last sentence: “Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair.”
132
I can only assume that they left out his conviction because it was after his resignation, but it certainly merited a second sentence. The possibility of an NSC director who once had a probation officer is worth a sentence.
6
For anyone whose memories don't stretch back this far, I believe the answer to Ivan's rhetorical question is, "...had an extramarital affair, was charged with felonies for releasing classified information to his mistress, but managed to bargain it down to being convicted of a misdemeanor."
3
When Trump offers this post to Chris Christie or Giuliani, we will know that everyone remotely serious and qualified has run for cover. good luck staffing the executive branch.
37
Who will "eat the meatloaf." Who will spit it out?
3
It's pretty easy to find Adm. Haywood as the stronger choice for leadership of the NSC over Gen. Petraeus, which might have made the White House's preference rather pleasantly surprising.
But what's even easier to understand is why Adm. Haywood really doesn't want anything to do with that mess, and just as predictable that Gen. Petraeus would so willingly launch himself back into the type of quagmire he finds so comfortable.
But what's even easier to understand is why Adm. Haywood really doesn't want anything to do with that mess, and just as predictable that Gen. Petraeus would so willingly launch himself back into the type of quagmire he finds so comfortable.
20
Petraeus has nothing to lose at this point, not true for Harwood.
8
I wish you folks who are writing comments would get Mr Harward's name correct. As a navy seal who put his life on the line for our great country, HE deserves better. I have seen Haywood, Harvard, Hayward, etc....It's HARWARD!!
1
Jim, this is certainly a strange place to look accuracy....
1
Nothing to see here folks. Just a bit of sand in the gears of "the well oiled machine"
48
I wonder how many of Trump's cabinet appointees are now rethinking their decision to join the Trump team.
23
I'm wondering how many of them will have resigned or been fired by June. DeVos is almost certain to be forced out due to incompetency, but how many of them have committed felonies like Flynn, and that sort of thing?
4
None. There is still a lot of money to be made, they just need to keep the cart jugging along long enough before they jump ship. You can bet on it, it will be at the very last minute. The deciding factor will be when they see that it will hurt their bottom line. We are not nearly there yet.
3
Maybe not that many, seeing as how most of them (Tillerson possibly an exception) are just as ignorant, hateful, and incompetent as he is.
1
Train wreck avoided. Smart move, man.
(By the way, can we have a mulligan for the election?)
Look at the cabinet. There's a reason these men (mostly) are serving. They couldn't get close to a job of this status under any normal administration. Jeff Sessions? Please. No chance for a cabinet position with any other republican administration. This is why Christie and Giuliani were head over heels pandering for a position. That they couldn't score an offer to "serve" this president tells you how sad the political outlook is for these guys.
Even Ben Carson was going to walk away and had to be convinced to take HUD.
Romney must be thanking his lucky starts that he didn't get sucked into this administration. That might've been the best thing to ever happen to him.
The problem with an empty-suit leader is that the team around him is also going to suck. If you have talent and your stock is high, would you cash it in now with a position in the Trump Train Wreck?
(By the way, can we have a mulligan for the election?)
Look at the cabinet. There's a reason these men (mostly) are serving. They couldn't get close to a job of this status under any normal administration. Jeff Sessions? Please. No chance for a cabinet position with any other republican administration. This is why Christie and Giuliani were head over heels pandering for a position. That they couldn't score an offer to "serve" this president tells you how sad the political outlook is for these guys.
Even Ben Carson was going to walk away and had to be convinced to take HUD.
Romney must be thanking his lucky starts that he didn't get sucked into this administration. That might've been the best thing to ever happen to him.
The problem with an empty-suit leader is that the team around him is also going to suck. If you have talent and your stock is high, would you cash it in now with a position in the Trump Train Wreck?
39
We need people of character to openly state that they will not work with this president under these circumstances. Avoiding the issue by turning the job down due to family issues does not serve the country.
33
Disagree. Dignity and discretion are the better part of valor, at least in these unusual circumstances. A "no thank you" is sufficient.
3
Next pick: Petraeus. The bottom of the (slime) barrel. Wait for it.
25
I'm #Lovingallthewinning
13
In a normal Presidency you would have expected that Trump's administration would have gotten a confirmation from Harward that he was actually taking the position before making a press release. This apparently either didn't occur to anyone or was it preempted by Trump. In either case it doesn't look like a fine tuned machine to me.
46
I wrote a note similar but alas, couldn't finesse through their "Extreme" Vetting Process.
At this level of the game, very unorganized, very.
At this level of the game, very unorganized, very.
2
Maybe they should have asked Harward if he wanted the job before putting him out there?
39
Someone with a level head needs to fill this position. The only way that will happen is if Trump and Bannon cede real authority to an incoming NSA. That means discretion in staffing out the office and primacy in advising on national security matters. Will this happen? Probably not.
The entire national security bureaucracy--from NSC to DOS and DOD--is hollowed out. We'll see if this country can weather storms with only a few people rowing (in opposite directions).
The entire national security bureaucracy--from NSC to DOS and DOD--is hollowed out. We'll see if this country can weather storms with only a few people rowing (in opposite directions).
193
The so-called President will not cede authority to anyone. That's why he must be impeached and eliminated from the Presidency. Any congressional Republicans out there with a spine?
1
Yup, President Trump-Bannon should cede "authority" - by resigning!
2
Mr. Harward likely decided that he did not want to be part of this obviously dysfunctional administration. It's not clear to me why any person of integrity, regardless of political affiliation, would risk his or her reputation by accepting a high-level position under this erratic and unstable President. The mature and experienced hands have been so deeply repelled by the Trump administration that they will no longer be willing to serve. If General Mattis, General Kelly, or Rex Tillerson had a do-over, I truly wonder if they would make the same decision as Mr. Harward.
12
It's incredible that Petraeus would even be considered as national security advisor. He has already proven that he is a security risk, having given his mistress top-secret classified information. How does this compare with using a personal server while Sec'y of State? For that matter, what about the President using an unsecure smart phone? The level of hypocrisy in this administration is staggering. Nominating a known security risk for national security advisor! So bad!
54
"Mr. Petraeus resigned from the C.I.A. in 2012 after admitting that he had an extramarital affair."
There's something important missing from this sentence.
There's something important missing from this sentence.
25
Well, someone has integrity. Well done.
30
Well, he'd have to take a pay cut.
1
Impossible! He so much "looks the job"!
3
Smart man.
18
Smart move by Harward to decline President Trump's job offer. Why would anyone sign up to be the next person to get chucked under the bus? Trump is showing his true colors by being disloyal to even those that follow him. This disloyalty was again apparent at yesterday's news conference after President Trump touted that his was the highest electoral vote victory since Reagan. When a reporter later presented the actual factual electoral numbers to him, proving that both Bush's and Obama's electoral victories were higher, President Trump threw one of his own staffers under the bus by stating that his numbers on his electoral victory were wrong because "someone handed me those numbers". Good luck finding quality people to hire to your staff now sir.
16
Even for a SEAL the risk of going to work in the well oiled but leaky machine that is the WH is too great.
28
I would say especially for a SEAL. So far a SEAL had to pay the ultimate price for their blunder decisions in Yemen.
2
Sad that a finalist for the job is currently on PAROLE for sharing classified information with his mistress.
Patreus would need a waiver to get security clearance again and probably a presidential pardon to end his parole.
No one competent will accept the job when they have no control over choosing their deputies.
Patreus would need a waiver to get security clearance again and probably a presidential pardon to end his parole.
No one competent will accept the job when they have no control over choosing their deputies.
49
At first the Trump Administration was compared to the Third Reich.
Today it is being compared to Egpyt for possibly causing the creation of a Deep State. Now General Petraeus, an admitted mishandler of classified information is in the running to replace Comrade Flynn. Such a marvel this fine tuned machine, a swiss watch it is not, a coo coo clock, maybe.
Today it is being compared to Egpyt for possibly causing the creation of a Deep State. Now General Petraeus, an admitted mishandler of classified information is in the running to replace Comrade Flynn. Such a marvel this fine tuned machine, a swiss watch it is not, a coo coo clock, maybe.
24
Smart man.
11
In a government job, Trump can't pay people enough to work for him. That's why he's only getting billionaires.
12
Did you forget that he plead guilty to "mishandling classified documents", a charge that doesn't begin to describe his sharing classified information with his mistress, and was sentenced to 2 years probatation!
Why is it that everyone wants to protect Petraeus and pretend his failures and his crimes don't exist? This kind of selective memory and selective prosecution is one of the reasons we are in the mess we are in. If your are rich or powerful, it seems you can do anything you want including commit treason!
Why is it that everyone wants to protect Petraeus and pretend his failures and his crimes don't exist? This kind of selective memory and selective prosecution is one of the reasons we are in the mess we are in. If your are rich or powerful, it seems you can do anything you want including commit treason!
28
Sad. We need smart, forward looking people in position within Trump's team. The problem seems to be that if they are smart and forward looking they can see that the boss is someone they do not want to work for because you will always be working "for" the boss, never "with" the boss. Sad.
10
It is regrettable that an honorable man refused the job offer. But on the other hand, it is the honorable thing to do and not be a part of this ongoing charade, a nightmare. General, thank you for your wise choice and not tarnish your reputation trying to do an impossible job. Your character and experience will be needed in the future.
17
Smart man. Any intelligent person must realize that they have to avoid getting involved with this clown car of crazy trying to pass for a Presidential administration at all costs. And not being allowed to pick his own deputy? Forget it.
19
Is anyone else thinking of rats abandoning a sinking ship?
19
Sure, but that's not really fair to Mr. Harward. He was never on this ship to begin with, just got named by Mr. Mattis and wanted nothing to do with the whole mess.
2
What a mess! Harwood made the right choice. Who wants to be involved with this lunatic president?
And now we've ticked off people down the list and we have, once again, David Petraeus, a man who gave his mistress classified information. So....Hillary is careless and is deemed unfit by Trump to lead and now we'll have, possibly, a man who made a conscious act in handing over classified information.
And Trump said that he had someone 'better' and that's why he fired Flynn? Or it's the media's fault? Which is it? All Trump does is lie.
Who in their right mind would want to work for this man who is not capable of the job he was put in by 40% of the American people? If someone would, they're already suspect.
And now we've ticked off people down the list and we have, once again, David Petraeus, a man who gave his mistress classified information. So....Hillary is careless and is deemed unfit by Trump to lead and now we'll have, possibly, a man who made a conscious act in handing over classified information.
And Trump said that he had someone 'better' and that's why he fired Flynn? Or it's the media's fault? Which is it? All Trump does is lie.
Who in their right mind would want to work for this man who is not capable of the job he was put in by 40% of the American people? If someone would, they're already suspect.
22
We can only hope, perhaps pray, that other potential cabinet choices will take Robert Harward's lead and graciously refuse these posts when offered. This news story speaks about David Petraeus' lobbying for the job. What a statement it will be if Trump actually goes ahead and chooses a man who we know shared classified information. Is the cabinet a place for rehabilitated generals who want to head up the National SECURITY Council?
10
Regardless of how much you hate Trump the fact that we've allowed ourselves to get to the point where qualified people are not serving the president because we've assassinated the character of anyone who dare to lend their knowledge and experience is disheartening.
3
Wrong. It is heartening to see a man with integrity say that achieving power isn't worth sacrificing his own honor.
4
Right, Bill; it's OUR fault.
We should be encouraging good, honest, professional people to serve under the dictates of a lying, unhinged, narcissistic, uninformed, cruel, boastful, frivolous, cheating, groping, oil-stealing, torturing, innocent-family-member-killing, tax-return-concealing, creditor-evading, disability-mocking, climate-change-denying, news-media-threatening, clownish con man.
Did I mention that he is in inveterate, unscrupulous liar?
Good call.
We should be encouraging good, honest, professional people to serve under the dictates of a lying, unhinged, narcissistic, uninformed, cruel, boastful, frivolous, cheating, groping, oil-stealing, torturing, innocent-family-member-killing, tax-return-concealing, creditor-evading, disability-mocking, climate-change-denying, news-media-threatening, clownish con man.
Did I mention that he is in inveterate, unscrupulous liar?
Good call.
7
Oh please. We have a right and a duty to be angry when Trump tries to stack his cabinet with people who have no relevant experience for the job and whose goal is to enrich themselves at the expense of the American public.
4
Mr. Petraeus exercised less judgment than a second lieutenant when he let his mistress have access to classified documents. One sip doesn't make a swallow but this showed a serious flaw in his character. Who's to say Petraeus wouldn't be told what to do by extremist, Bannon?
8
Smart man, that Harward.
He obviously doesn't want to be part of a White House that he himself may be called in as a Seal Team member to takeover and free the nation of hostages it holds; us!
That would be conflict of interest.
He obviously doesn't want to be part of a White House that he himself may be called in as a Seal Team member to takeover and free the nation of hostages it holds; us!
That would be conflict of interest.
25
If this weren't such a deadly serious situation, I would be laughing hard. Unfortunately, it is serious, and who is going to fix this train wreck?
19
As a former sailor Harward probably doesn't want anything to do with this administration, which after only one month is already leaking and full of rats.
14
Exactly. The guy has the responsibility to do a very difficult job while at the same time he/she has to put up with nut case Bannon interjecting his ignorant, overarching commands. Whomever takes the job is immediately set up to be the resident fall guy as, inevitably, things go wrong.
4
I guess Gen. Patraeus will be (I assume) the first NSA on federal probation. He has the perfect knowledge and first hand experience to find the leaks coming out of the west wing. It's like the end of Catch Me if You Can!
7
Shunning Trump is the right thing to do.
10
The question is, What are this fine tuned machine's goals?
15
Hmmm...
Maybe one of the primary qualifications for the job requires that a person refuse it. That indicates he actually understands that it is difficult and complicated and perhaps impossible with a Putin stooge as boss.
And now I worry about Petraeus, who seems to want to embrace the job and our Putin stooge. Maybe he is sure his probation officer will be ok with his taking a job.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Maybe one of the primary qualifications for the job requires that a person refuse it. That indicates he actually understands that it is difficult and complicated and perhaps impossible with a Putin stooge as boss.
And now I worry about Petraeus, who seems to want to embrace the job and our Putin stooge. Maybe he is sure his probation officer will be ok with his taking a job.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
9
Seriously? How can you not add to the end of the story that Petraeus was convicted of a felony for disclosing classified information?
148
turns out it was a misdemeanor (w/ $100k fine + 2 yrs probation)
5
So much for "lock her up" nonsense.
3
Easy, MKC. Because he wasn't convicted of a felony...
1
Watching the president's performance yesterday was no doubt all Harward had to see to convince him to RUN for the hills.
13
Patraeus had an extramarital affair AND he shared national security secrets with the woman he had the affair with. Let's not forget all of the facts of the case.
93
AND he's still on probation! Another "first" for the Trump administration: a National Security Advisor who has to report monthly to his probation officer.
1
"Mr. Harward’s withdrawal from consideration prompted David H. Petraeus, the former general and director of the Central Intelligence Agency, to step up his lobbying for the national security adviser post, according to officials familiar with the process."
The ''affair'' is not the point.
Being careless, almost footloose and fancy free about about security issues is. And that is why he was fired.
The ''affair'' is not the point.
Being careless, almost footloose and fancy free about about security issues is. And that is why he was fired.
39
“This job requires 24 hours a day, seven days a week focus and commitment to do it right,” Mr. Harward said in a statement.
So does being POTUS... But Don the Con is off playing golf and partying with his buds each and every weekend in Florida. Sad.
So does being POTUS... But Don the Con is off playing golf and partying with his buds each and every weekend in Florida. Sad.
22
And doing so at a hefty cost to taxpayers!
1
Insignificant; onto the next candidate.
An earlier nominee for Secretary of the Army also withdrew. Among those confirmed is a former member of Congress who introduced legislation from which he personally benefited (through trades made by his stock broker); a wealthy patron and GOP donor who sees educational choice in for-profit terms (without defined accountability!), who has never served as a teacher/principal, psychologist, curriculum specialist--or cafeteria volunteer in a public school, who thinks guns in WY schools might protect against grizzly attacks.
Anti-labor attitudes and acts (wage theft, anti-minimum wage raise) and domestic violence (his wife later recanted) plus missing millions on the vetting forms and hiring an undocumented worker and failing to pay taxes on her income forced the withdrawal of the Labor Secretary nominee--following on the heels of the National Security Director's 24 day tenure, terminated at the President's request.
Now a candidate thought to be next in line as the NSD turned the job down publicly before it was offered.
Oh, wide plagiarism stopped another minor appointment.
A 31-year old, White House senior adviser harangues the nation that the President's authority on national security cannot "be questioned."
"Finely tuned"? "Great appointments"?
Anti-labor attitudes and acts (wage theft, anti-minimum wage raise) and domestic violence (his wife later recanted) plus missing millions on the vetting forms and hiring an undocumented worker and failing to pay taxes on her income forced the withdrawal of the Labor Secretary nominee--following on the heels of the National Security Director's 24 day tenure, terminated at the President's request.
Now a candidate thought to be next in line as the NSD turned the job down publicly before it was offered.
Oh, wide plagiarism stopped another minor appointment.
A 31-year old, White House senior adviser harangues the nation that the President's authority on national security cannot "be questioned."
"Finely tuned"? "Great appointments"?
141
The person offered the job to replace Flynn turned it down after Trump's press conference. What sane American would have not done so?
238
Wow. What a president to set! (using 45th's spelling...)
Read between the lines folks: POTUS is toxic and every one knows it. Sadly, this means amateur-hour will only be extended to amateur-four-years.
Read between the lines folks: POTUS is toxic and every one knows it. Sadly, this means amateur-hour will only be extended to amateur-four-years.
57
How dare you insult that Looney-Tuned Machine! I can't wait for Porky Pig to say "Th-th-that's all folks".
1
Anyone with any sense will run away from trump.
54
Just another sign of incompetence, to announce the appointment before securing the appointee's assurance it was accepted. Incredible!
280
also just another sign of the "unbelievable" Narcissism and the inability to look outside of oneself--how could someone possibly turn down the opportunity to work with me?
4
Perhaps the offer is a tactical move. Mr. Trump's criticism of the establishment's losing policies in the Middle East was something that helped him get elected. Mutual rejection is part of politics. No big deal. Over the years, I have know young mothers who husbands were deployed time after time. In one case, a young mother, with her two children, could get one call from her husband in a 30-minute window in a whole week. One time they missed a call, and the young mother was in tears. It is the 21st century. Impossible as it is to put aside the emotional distress, imagine the loss and waste of talent and leadership and social fabric those wars have robbed this country of.
The nation's loss.
We needed another adult in the WH romper room and Admiral Harward was definitely that.
I told friends that he would not take it if Trump made him keep the Bannon crazies already installed.
Again, a setback to the nation when we are down 3-276 in the first five minutes of the first quarter.
The coach is chasing the cheerleaders in the locker room and not keeping an eye on the game.
God Save us!
We needed another adult in the WH romper room and Admiral Harward was definitely that.
I told friends that he would not take it if Trump made him keep the Bannon crazies already installed.
Again, a setback to the nation when we are down 3-276 in the first five minutes of the first quarter.
The coach is chasing the cheerleaders in the locker room and not keeping an eye on the game.
God Save us!
52
Think Mr. Harward is a very smart man.
100
I don't know if it would have made a difference in this case, but if Trump hadn't put Bannon on the NSC, the job would be more appealing.
55
Petraesus please say it ain't so?
And really' "Pick me. Pick me. I'll lie, I'll lie"
And really' "Pick me. Pick me. I'll lie, I'll lie"
22
Here's my vote for the best, most telling, and certainly most recurring Times comment of the week:
"Current and former national security officials familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment...."
"Current and former national security officials familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment...."
17
Indeed, if you look back through the archives, you will see that sort of phrase in articles in every news source for the past two centuries. Very standard, that's how journalism works really, and in this case I can't blame the officials for requesting anonymity considering the thin-skinned, revenge-minded Trump in charge right now.
Also it's clear that a lot of the national security members dislike and distrust Trump pretty intensely by now. This indicates their intelligence and integrity.
Also it's clear that a lot of the national security members dislike and distrust Trump pretty intensely by now. This indicates their intelligence and integrity.
21
They are called criminals unless, of course, they save us from treasonous tyranny, then they are called patriots.
1
Maybe they're prohibited by law from making public comments on this type of thing?
1
Why would anyone in their right mind be willing to join the Trump administration after seeing the mess he's created?
83
Given the trajectory of the first three weeks, why will any self-respecting and accomplished person agree to be part of the mad circus also known as the Trump Presidency?
There are far easier ways to get oneself besmirched for life.
There are far easier ways to get oneself besmirched for life.
112
Any nominee should demand that Stephen Bannon be removed from the National Security Council.
490
Indeed, and possibly demand that Bannon be deported to Russia, or Mordor, or wherever he oozed out of.
27
Finally someone that is smart enough not to get sucked into Trump's latest reality show - The Presidency. Who would want to work for this unhinged lunatic?
184
The So-Called Presidency!
1
Trump's unpredictability and difficulties with the truth will make it nearly impossible to place qualified, highly respected candidates in his cabinet. Harward's reservations reflect that issue perfectly. As the pickings get slimmer and slimmer, we can expect Trump to end up with a cabinet filled with undeserving sycophants, more than willing to bend in the confines of Trump's echo chamber.
148
"Mr. Trump’s National Security Council has become embroiled in political controversy. In an executive order last month — which Mr. Trump later complained privately that he had not been fully briefed on — the president placed Stephen K. Bannon, his chief strategist, on its principals committee, giving a political adviser a position of parity with the secretaries of state and defense, and with the national security adviser."
I don't understand this sentence. Is the reporter saying that Trump complained that he was not fully briefed on his own executive order that put Bannon on the NSC?
I don't understand this sentence. Is the reporter saying that Trump complained that he was not fully briefed on his own executive order that put Bannon on the NSC?
24
yes
10
Yes, you read correctly. That's actually what happened.
19
Yup.
4
Smart move, admiral! Who would blame you for not wanting to jump into this viper pit?
212
Again, a breathless, drama-filled account of a simple decline for a position that required more time than this individual could provide. It's no wonder the NYT is a lower-tier news source for me now. Trump is dead-on about coverage of his administration.
5
It's no wonder the NYT is a lower-tier news source for me now.
....so, whats your "first tier" news source? Something reliable like Breitbart, or maybe Stormfront?
....so, whats your "first tier" news source? Something reliable like Breitbart, or maybe Stormfront?
26
David, the reason it's not that simple is that nearly always, people who are going to be nominated for cabinet positions are people who are certain to accept those nominations. Also this comes on the heels of Flynn's 24-day career in office, ending in felonious disgrace (lying to the FBI is a felony), when Trump had assured us that Flynn was the best possible choice for the NSC.
Lastly, objectively, worldwide the NYT is considered one of the best news sources. If you think it's lower-tier, this just indicates that you only want to hear good news about Trump, ie: lies, and so you may as well retreat into your Fox News, Breitbart, Daily Stormer bubble.
Lastly, objectively, worldwide the NYT is considered one of the best news sources. If you think it's lower-tier, this just indicates that you only want to hear good news about Trump, ie: lies, and so you may as well retreat into your Fox News, Breitbart, Daily Stormer bubble.
14
"But his decision reflected the continuing upheaval in Mr. Trump’s White House, which was rocked this week by the resignation of Michael T. Flynn,..."
The media smells blood in the water, hoping beyond hope that they can somehow manage to have President Trump impeached; nevertheless, until that happens, stick to reporting facts free from commentary and hyperbole as above. I doubt that there is upheaval nor do I believe president Trump was "rocked." To the contrary, he said his administration is running "like a fine tuned machine."
Considering how wrong you were in your pre-election coverage, I'll believe him, not you, for now.
The media smells blood in the water, hoping beyond hope that they can somehow manage to have President Trump impeached; nevertheless, until that happens, stick to reporting facts free from commentary and hyperbole as above. I doubt that there is upheaval nor do I believe president Trump was "rocked." To the contrary, he said his administration is running "like a fine tuned machine."
Considering how wrong you were in your pre-election coverage, I'll believe him, not you, for now.
4
I hope for your sake that you never in possession of such a "fine tuned machine"
15
"Considering how wrong you were....". Please. Being "wrong" is *not* the same as lying, deceiving, and running amok. And why were they "wrong"? Because of lying, deceit, and the consequent rigging of the election.
9
To me the fact that Gen. Petraeus admitted that he had an extramarital affair is unimportant. What is important is that he admitted that he deliberately gathered classified information to give to the woman with whom he had an affair who did not have security clearance. Even more troubling is that Gen. Petraeus gave her this information with the knowledge that she was going to use the information when writing a book tor publication.
399
Pompous and self important.
2
I agree. Why would the NYT insinuate Petraeus resigned over an affair when we know it was because he was found guilty of mishandling classified information?
2
But that makes Petraeus imminently qualified for the presidency, if he were only a woman.
I'm sure that family and financial reasons might include, if he went to work for this stumbling disaster of an administration, half of his family would never talk to him again, and his credit rating would plummet. Probably a wise decision for Mr. Harward.
Naturally, I'd bet Trump had never heard of him before people pointed out that Flynn was a massive liability and had to go. "Mad Dog" Mattis almost certainly gave him the name, so let's hope the next pick is also someone that Mattis feels would be competent and lacking in ties to Russia. On the other hand it could quite possibly be Mr. Petraus up next, as extramarital affairs are a positive in Trump's ethical code.
Naturally, I'd bet Trump had never heard of him before people pointed out that Flynn was a massive liability and had to go. "Mad Dog" Mattis almost certainly gave him the name, so let's hope the next pick is also someone that Mattis feels would be competent and lacking in ties to Russia. On the other hand it could quite possibly be Mr. Petraus up next, as extramarital affairs are a positive in Trump's ethical code.
123
And you know Mattis only got the job because the so-called president was impressed by his nickname.
5
Mad Dog Mattis is out of the country right now. How interesting is that?
1
Ah.... another person with a brain turns down the "opportunity" to be associated with this administration. Who would agree to work at a place where your choice of deputies is subjected to a "truth police vetting" and any hint of Trump criticism is a disqualifier? Look at Ben Carson and Rex Tillerson as examples of secretaries whose deputies have either been summarily fired or nixed.
This in addition to having to interact with the scary Steve Bannon or the juvenile and robotic Miller.
This in addition to having to interact with the scary Steve Bannon or the juvenile and robotic Miller.
271
Adm. Harvard sounds like a stand up guy, who would have been good if given the chance to do his job properly.
By the way, Gen. Petraeus wasn't in trouble just because he had an extra-marital affair. He gave his girlfriend top secret codes and classified information. But, at least, she wasn't Russian.
By the way, Gen. Petraeus wasn't in trouble just because he had an extra-marital affair. He gave his girlfriend top secret codes and classified information. But, at least, she wasn't Russian.
494
Gen. Flynn wasn't Russian either. At least ... oh, never mind, Trump appoints alt-Russians willy-nilly.
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The Times should definitely have mentioned in the article Petraeus's divulging of classified information to his civilian paramour, not just the fact it was an affair outside his bonds of marriage.
9
And at least he didn't have a private email server.
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