Hotline After Dark -- Risky Business
After two days of cong. hearings and a meeting with Pres. Bush, Gen. David Petraeus made the TV rounds last night to talk about the progress of the Iraq war.
NBC's Williams: "If your commander in chief said 'get out,' could you carry that out?"
Petraeus: "Absolutely. Again, we raise our right hand, we swear to support and defend the constitution of the United States. One of the principles enshrined in the way we do business in the United States is civilian control of the military. There is also responsibility on the part of a commander, of course, to discuss what risks are associated with various courses of action. And I firmly believe, whoever it is, that is elected in the fall, will sit down and look a the various interests, try to figure out, the competing risks because there are risks beyond Iraq."
On whether he will ever hold political office: "Never. And I've tried to say that on a number of occasions. Some folks have reminded me of a country western song that says 'what part of no, don't you understand?'" ("Nightly News," 4/10).
Asked how he can sustain this effort without more popular support at home: "The fact that there has been progress, that the trajectory, which was down really 15, 18 months ago, maybe even nine or 10 months ago, in our view, has been one that has been in an upward slope. It's never as fast as we would like, but ultimately you have to leave that to the American people who have to be the judge ultimately, who have to weigh all the different consequences along with, of course, our leaders" ("Evening News," CBS, 4/10).
CNN's Ware: "This war is far from over, isn't it?"
Petraeus: "Well, it's tough. And I think that Ambassador Crocker accurately used the word hard. He used it repeatedly, and I think it's a correct description" ("Election Center," 4/10).
On the troops: "During just this 45-day period of consolidation and evaluation, it might actually be possible then to have a sense that we can make a recommendation very early on of further reductions" ("Special Report," FNC, 4/10).
After the jump, all three WH' 08ers appeared on "American Idol"'s special "Idol Gives Back":
(KATHERINE LEHR)
AMERICA'S TOP POLS
Hillary Clinton: "I've had the good fortune of working with many of the groups that will benefit from your generosity tonight, and I can tell you that each donation will make a difference. For all the hours of enjoyment that 'American Idol' has given us, I hope you can give back through 'Idol Gives Back.'"
John McCain: "'American Idol' is a lot like a presidential primary election, except for people who live in Michigan and Florida. Their votes will actually count. But, seriously, I hope every one of us will join in the spirit of 'Idol Gives Back.' ... As for me, it's back to work on my new immigration plan. Watch your back, Simon."
Barack Obama: "I'd like to say a few words, not just as the father of two young girls who are big 'American Idol' fans, but as someone who believes deeply in what tonight's show is all about. ... I want to commend 'American Idol' for the example they're setting and the work they're doing. I hope that everyone who is watching will make a contribution to 'Idol Gives Back' and help make this world a more just, more equal and more hopeful place to live" (Fox, 4/10).
THE REVIEWS ARE IN
MSNBC's Abrams: "John McCain, the funniest of the three. It was a special edition to help raise money for charity. But come on, this was also an effort to campaign. To talk to a huge audience, many of whom may not be following the campaign closely. ... Isn't this an odd way for the candidates to try to show they are best suited to run the country?"
MSNBC analyst/ex-"West Wing" EP Lawrence O'Donnell: "It's the single biggest audience you can reach in one shot. The only bigger audience watches the Super Bowl. ... Because it has a charitable context on it this week, it enabled them to do it. I think in a regular week of the show, it would be a much stranger fit for them. And the fact that all three of them did it, legitimizes each other doing it. ... The undecided voter is watching this kind of show. ... That's where to find them" ("Verdict," MSNBC, 4/10).
