The editorial board at USA Today write that it was necessary for Gen. David Petraeus to exit stage left once he fessed up to having an extramarital affair. He’s down, they say in today’s editorial, but he’s not out:

[Petraeus] recognized he had violated his personal code of conduct. And how could he credibly warn subordinates of the security risks from “honey trap” spies when he had put himself in a compromising position? …

David Petreaus made a doozy of a mistake, one that cost him his job and tarnished his sterling reputation. But if the frenzy passes without further surprises, he can drive on to new pathways and continue to be of service to his country.