Allowing for a few pre-release copies the book came out two days ago. Even if you had a copy it might be tough, for all but the loneliest of power readers, to read the 352 pg book in that time.

". . . the good is oft interred with their bones; so let it be with Caesar"

than a minute too late." Who am I to argue with the Bard? But still...

Good point on the "picking it early" observation. I've read some impressive blurbs (Doris Kearns Goodwin, Mark Bowden). But I'm trying to think of other biographies that have stood the test of time ("the _definitive_ account") when they're released before the ink has even dried on the retirement certificate. I'm not aware of any. My sense is there's more than a grain of truth to Stewart's "awesome-or-incredibly-awesome?" comment. I think she sounds more like Petraeus’ agent than biographer. More Kool-Aid, anyone?

Also (to get a bit ugly, admittedly), as I watched Broadwell's interview on Imus the other day, I couldn't help but think that body language experts would have some interesting insights "interpreting" her when she talks (very briefly) about Holly Petraeus and P4's sub-six min mile times (about the 3:50 and 5:30 marks of that interview, respectively). See it here: http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/1410676144001/petraeus-life-is-all-in/

Also (to get _really_ catty): what up with the “sun's out/guns out” duds she insists on rockin'—in January? I’m as down with physical fitness as anyone, but… it seems a bit much. And to my old fashioned way of thinking, it can pose some challenges to her being taken seriously (as it was I found too many cringe-inducing moments in both the Imus and the Stewart interviews). Why make Ann Coulter your fashion exemplar? Run--don't walk--in the opposite direction of that action, IMO. Oh well, P4 had his fruit salad. I guess his biographer is obliged to have her own “thang.”

If P4 does run for prez in ’16, I’ve got an idea or two for press secretary.

There are some odd body language motions in the vid, but what I was really struck by was her downcast eyes. But if I had to look at that crusty asshole Imus I would look away too. He had some inappropriate questions, and her attempts to turn things back on him failed miserably.

Good reason not to go on a book tour, ick.

It's funny. Lighten up Francis.

Speaking as one whose been a 49 year old man, if a girl beats you, you don't think "Well after all, I'm 49." You think "My God! A girl beat me!"

I would bet that today Mr. JS is directing his personal trainer to help him get his pushup count up.

Warren Buffett would decline the invitation to compete. With advanced age come some small wisdom at least.

The day comes when the athletic ones can outrun you but are likely too polite to do it. Athletic sons are more eager to show dad their heels. Life continues regardless.

Noted.

And JS is actually doing the business.

Concur with the other responder - Stewart (former college athlete, FWIW) is doing real pushups, Broadwell is not. That having been said, in the interest of being fair and balanced and comprehensive, don't doubt Broadwell could beat him at the real thing.

and a nicely shaped end she displayed, it benefited the Wounded Warrior program, oui? : )

... where's the needed groveling apology from the usually eagle-eyed Mr Ricks? His posting in this matter seems to have been, um, a fiasco.

First of all, my dear wife has a string of pearls which I bought her our first Christmas dating together, so I'm good to go.

Second of all, there's always a wide gulf between ABD (All But Dissertation) and PhD. I wish her nothing but good in that regard, anyone who takes on such a self-inflicted, meaningless but daunting task deserves both help and recognition. (Note: I R 1)

I do not know Mrs Broadwell, though likely I passed her on occasion on the halcyon fields of USMA, and perhaps even 'hazed' her - purely by accident mind you.

That said, this tidbit I find shocking. I received a hard copy of a news article in the mail today titled "Petraeus, war and a final mission" by Pat Kelly of the Charlotte Observer. (Google it if you must) Much of it covers how Broadwell and Petraeus got together in this endeavor and Broadwell's own backstory. The conclusion however floored me. My understanding is that Broadwell's dissertation was the foundation for the book - could be wrong on that count. It's usually that the dissertation gets done and then it gets turned into a book, but nevertheless that's not the truly shocking thing.

Here it is. The last two lines of the article say "she'll hear more from the general. After her book tour, she'll finish her doctorate. Petraeus is one of her dissertation advisers." This to me is highly inappropriate. Esp. if the book and dissertation are really the same thing...biographies of Petraeus.

It isn't unusual to have an external reader/subject matter expert as a final member of the dissertation committee. But it would be highly unusual if that SME was the subject of the document. (Yes who knows better than him, oh well it's still not appropriate in academic circles). I know, because when I was going down this same path I tried to secure a certain academic as my external reader. His theories were fundamental to my work, but my connection was still far from the very close relationship entailed by a biography. I met him, learned much from him and invited him to eventually be my external reader and a participant in the defense. I would have been very pleased to have Dr. ______ signature on my final product. I was assured, by my faculty, it wouldn't happen, and told to look elsewhere. This was as much for my protection, and the protection of Dr. _______. Such circular gladhanding and hagiography isn't respected in the field. Yes, people love to cite their buddies, and cite themselves. But this kind of thing is just not done in academia. I learned and moved on, a little disappointed.

Mrs. Broadwell would better benefit if King David's signature doesn't end up on her document. It might never get read, but word will travel nonetheless. She's done good hard work, even if it isn't overly balanced. She should avoid blowing off her foot at the end.

But what do I know, I ain't got a cool book (yet) and I don't have $20,000 for charity X to give away on TV. Let me get back to writing my next paper. (88 pages and counting). Have to find my wife's pearls too.

P.S. At USMA they use a clicker board to count pushups, which actually is harder than the Army standard. Ms. Broadwell could have remembered. But who am I to say, I can't even do one right now (injury).

I see she is Wardlord (sic) Loop Member of the Warlord Loop.

The only one, doubtless.

You are entitled to your own opinion, but this sort of character assassination is just disgusting to me. Have you ever heard of scholarships?

I don't edit comments, but you are making me reconsider.

With sorrow,
Tom

Pointing out that Ms Broadwell seems to have been unable to spellcheck her own public list of achievements hardly seems disgusting. Pointing out cheating at public, videorecorded competitive pushups seems reasonable, and I see more than one commenter making that claim. Is the argument that female reserve officers merit gallant protection from unflattering observations by silencing, well, the guys?