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War Has New Symbol: Petraeus

General copes with his transformation into a political actor

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2007 10:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Once untarnishable, David Petraeus is being transformed into a political figure on both sides of the aisle. Supporters of the US Iraq strategy continue to paint him as a savior, while critics compare him to Westmoreland. "Up until this week, it was Rumsfeld's war," a retired lieutenant colonel tells the Washington Post. "Now, for better or worse, it's Dave's war."

Petraeus' appearances before Congress this week crystallized his evolving role. He's come in for heavy criticism by antiwar activists, although most Democratic politicians are trying to shift focus away from the general and concentrate on the administration. "We needed to stay away from General Petraeus and focus on making this Bush's war," says a Democratic Senate aide.

Gen. David Petraeus speak during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Associated Press)

Charts are on display for the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing during the opening statement of Gen. David Petraeus on the future course of the war in Iraq, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007.... (Associated Press)

Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq, before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington as Ambassador Ryan Crocker listens... (Associated Press)

Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq, while appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan... (Associated Press)

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nev., right, accompanied by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., left, gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington,... (Associated Press)

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War Has New Symbol: Petraeus

General copes with his transformation into a political actor

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Bush administration • Congress • Democrats • Donald Rumsfeld • troop surge • David Petraeus • Iraq war

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McCain Hitches Hopes to Petraeus' Star

Steadfast support of war, general may help candidate gain traction

Iraq Gov't Fails Progress Report

US-backed regime lags on all economic and political targets

'08 Iraq Tab Will Soar to $200B

Bush to ask Congress for nearly $200B

White House to Ghostwrite Surge Report

Think Progress blogger furious over detail hidden in LA Times

Bush Satisfied With Iraq Progress

Acknowledging 'war fatigue,' president warns against hasty withdrawal

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War Has New Symbol: Petraeus

General copes with his transformation into a political actor

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Opinions on Petraeus

Bush administration • Congress • Democrats • Donald Rumsfeld • troop surge • David Petraeus • Iraq war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

McCain Hitches Hopes to Petraeus' Star

Steadfast support of war, general may help candidate gain traction

Iraq Gov't Fails Progress Report

US-backed regime lags on all economic and political targets

'08 Iraq Tab Will Soar to $200B

Bush to ask Congress for nearly $200B

White House to Ghostwrite Surge Report

Think Progress blogger furious over detail hidden in LA Times

Bush Satisfied With Iraq Progress

Acknowledging 'war fatigue,' president warns against hasty withdrawal

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?