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Petraeus Breaks Silence to HLN Reporter: I Never Passed Classified Info to Paula Broadwell

Nov. 15, 2012 10:21am Madeleine Morgenstern

This Feb. 2, 2012 file photo shows CIA Director David Petraeus testifying on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP)

Former CIA Director David Petraeus told an HLN journalist he never passed classified information to Paula Broadwell and insisted his resignation last week had nothing to do with the Sept. 11 attack that killed four Americans in Benghazi, Libya.

Petraeus has been speaking with HLN’s Kyra Phillips since last week. Phillips relayed some of their conversations on the air on Thursday.

“He has insisted to me that he has never passed classified information to Paula Broadwell,” the woman he was having an extramarital affair with, Phillips said. “As long as I have known him, he has never wavered on classified information, ever. And to the best of my knowledge, you know, that has always been sacrosanct. I have also never known him to tell me something that is not true.”

Phillips said Petraeus told her he wants to testify about Benghazi — something he will do behind closed doors on Friday.

“He has said this has nothing to do with Benghazi and he wants to testify. He will testify,” Phillips said. “He has maintained to me all along this was a personal failing, Robin, which, as I said, to me was quite stunning and to many other people. He’s not the type of person that I’ve ever known to fail at anything, knowing [him] as long as I have over the years. And so he has made it very clear that this was about an extramarital affair and not over classified information or Benghazi.”

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Comments (81)

rdk
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:47pm
Is it possible that Paula has a broad network?

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- stopspending
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 2:05pm
  So maybe Petraeus did not give her classified info but she put two and two together and came up with some info she believes is true – ie: why did she say in a graduation speech that the US was holding prisoners in the Libyan consolate/embassy building? Where did that belief come from?
  I feel bad that Petraeus has been destroyed for an affair but he knew the rules. Now he can still be blackmailed/urged to say the admin line, because he can be prosecuted for treason for leaking info. How far will he twist the truth to protect himself and his family? His military career is done but I am sure he does not want a court battle, possibility of jail, and further problems for his family.
  
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- johnpaulkuchtajr
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 2:41pm
  And, I did not have sex with that woman!
  
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thegreatcarnac
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:48pm
Just because Petraeous had an affair does not mean he gave her classified information. The government classfies everything. If you know some info on a subject and then deduct the outcome further….chances are that deduction info is ‘classified’. When the government says that so-and-so has classifed information does not mean they necessarily was given it or got it illegally. They simply deducted the obvious.

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- toiletclogga
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:20pm
  You are not allowed to removed classified information and place it in an unsecured location. One’s home would be an unsecured location. One’s computer is an unsecured location. This is a big deal. She had access to not only classified information but sensitive “eyes only” specially compartmented information.
  
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TheGreatMan
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:14pm
p.s. Sandy Berger still in jail? Yeah right.

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TheGreatMan
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:13pm
@toiletclogga
You hit the nail on the head. I had TS clearance and something smells rotten about this. Trust me if had any classified material while off post my ass would have been fried.

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MrKnowItAll
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:13pm
This woman states that the Discipline of this man, and his character, that she is so Shocked he would have a Affair. But then goes on to say her belief in the Truthfulness of him by her, is Solid. Stating he said Did not Pass Classified Information. AND SHE Believes HIM! Contradiction after Contradiction!

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- pamela kay
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:36pm
  Maybe is was set up and this info found on her computer is just part of the twisted coverup. The whole thing just smells bad. The sequence of events don’t line up.
  
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Delores at CH WV
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:56am
This is great, The General is getting his message out via a very attractive, female, friend; however, he is testifying behind closed doors tomorrow! Why? I should believe this 2nd sourse hearsay from this woman?

NO, General you lost all of your Honor when you lied to the citizens about a video that was not the cause of this made up story. YOU, are not honest enough to tell the truth and no one with any sense is going to believe this little, girlfriend either.

You are Not a standup guy or you would face the US citizens and tell us the truth while you allow 4 employees and others to die in Libya!!!! Your affair is your business. I want the truth about those men you left behind. It is over for you!!!! Obama is not your savior.

Lose, Lose; you have no honor and you will get no pass on these lies. I hope when you are sitting in prison that you will reflex on why you let down this country; these men; your soldiers, and your family by continuing these lies.

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:04pm
  He will betray the troops, yet again.
  
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DadRocked
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:55am
Don’t care about this Paula Broad. The news here in D.C. says the General will meet behind close doors but will not be talking about the affair… HELLO… We don’t care about Ms. Broad!

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neverending
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:37am
so the liar in chief taught davey quite well.

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IndyGuy
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:35am
I see the Blaze is back to censoring posts….Too bad…they preach about rights yet have no problem stepping on them…

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- DadRocked
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:56am
  Censored and yet here is a post by you… Hmmmm…
  
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- IndyGuy
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:02pm
  Yeah…Too bad you can’t see the one they removed…You might have gotten a chuckle…
  
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- IndyGuy
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:05pm
  P.S. Dadrocked….Naw…I probably would have had to explain it to you…
  
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- TAKING OUR GOV. BACK
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:18pm
  But this not your platform it is theirs, they have the right to maintain sanity as they see fit since they pay for the usage. Say what ever you want, that’s your right, not to print it is theirs. You wanna pay for and maintain the blog, then no one will stop you from saying anything including the blaze. Know your rights and the rights of others before you go all “down with the blaze for taking my rights away”. Dummy they are just using their rights. You have the right to say it, go on say it again, no body stopped you from saying it, they just decided you didn’t need to be printed. Their choice after all it is their money and ink (figuratively).
  
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- DadRocked
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:32pm
  IndyGuy – I’ve read your other posts over time and I have agreed with many of them…
  Don’t underestimate me, you probably would not have had to explain it to me.
  My hmmm, was out of interest to what had not posted…
  I’ve posted before and the post never showed up.
  Minor stuff so I never thought that I was censored.
  Again, just interest to what had not posted.
  Why not repost?
  
  Dadrocked….Naw…I probably would have had to explain it to you…
  
  Report this comment
- IndyGuy
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:35pm
  @taking our gov. Back…..Duh…
  
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- IndyGuy
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:42pm
  My apologies Dadrocked…It just had something to do with Petraeus’ mistress passing him a breakfast meat…Rock On…
  
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- DadRocked
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:47pm
  IndyGuy… (Chuckling) – Well maybe they did… Too bad
  
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- IndyGuy
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:50pm
  Sorry it had to do with Him passing the ….Oh never mind…It ain’t worth it…However it’s still censorship regardless…Probably yanked due to some lefty that doesn’t agree with me…No biggy…
  
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- DadRocked
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:02pm
  IndyGuy – I had used the term in my past as well… that is until I got married years ago… some things don’t get passed anymore except when I’ve had chili…
  
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The_Jerk
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:31am
We already know that he’s a liar. He was told by his station chief that the attack on 9/11 was terrorist related, and he briefed congress that it was about the video. So, Phillip’s staterment is irrelevant. He’s a liar.

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- TurboCat
  Posted on November 16, 2012 at 4:32am
  And you’re a JERK.
  
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Baja
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:30am
Petraeus is a political tool and Obama pawn. The military leadership is stacked with pusillanimous eunuchs.

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loveliberty83
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:24am
these people are so above the average American that we the lowlife cannot comprehend the fine laid out plan these nacistic people have prepared to save this president– what bothers me general the Oath you took –have they convinced you that America will fall apart & there will be riots if Obama is not protected is this why you would lie please do not believe them there will be joy

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Placebo
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:20am
Nothing to do with Benghazi? Right. Well, that’s good enough for me. I’m just going to drink some more kool aid now. No need to even testify since you told us the truth already. Mmmmm mmmmmmm this grape flavored beverage is the best!

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aproudinfidel
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:11am
It bothers me that all this is going to go on behind closed doors. Seems like enough things lately have taken place behind closed doors. What happened to transparency Mr. Obama? Don’t answer. Your promise was just one more lie.

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bandofbrothers
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:05am
Please General somtimes it is time to soldier up!!!!! Let the freedom of truth come from you lips we stirve to be told the truth

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- DadRocked
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:54pm
  That’s all that we’re asking, isn’t it brother…
  
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offbrat56
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:00am
This is a non-issue. Broadwell had her own clearance. Why is this even a story?

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- toiletclogga
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:09am
  She may have a clearance, but she may not have a “need to know.” Many people have clearances. Not all are privy to certain “eyes only” or “Top Secret codeword” information.
  
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- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:36pm
  toilet-
  I think he means, she could access classified material on her own. That would most likely be how she got it on her computer.
  
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- toiletclogga
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:56pm
  No Warmunger, even if she has a Top Secret clearance, she should not have access to the information if there is not a “need to know.” Having a clearance by itself does not entitle you to access all classified information. This is something which I am very well acquainted with.
  
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- technecium
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:18pm
  Toilet: They have only reported that she had classified material at home. That statement alone sounds bad, but as stated, it could have been information that she got on her own that she was indeed allowed to have. They have not reported that there was any classified information that she was not supposed to have on a need to know basis. There is nothing in the report so far that implicates Petraeus as having leaked information to her
  
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- flyguy218
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:41pm
  It seems that her clearance was enough for the big general
  
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- Enchanted
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 2:30pm
  Anyone that has a clearance knows you can’t take classified information home, store it there and/or on your computer. In order to remove classified information you need to have a courier card, you just can’t take it where ever you please. Do I think she put the classified information on her computer? I am going to say no. I am betting she is being set up too.
  
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- toiletclogga
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:29pm
  @Tech–they would not be reporting on her having information which she has a need to know. Classified information is prohibited from leaving the secured area. As I stated before, I know something about the handling of classified material.
  
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- condera
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 9:28pm
  Yeah, that need to know thing was what had me going on the Bradley Manning thing. Heard anything about him lately? When they started trying to say he was responsible for leaking diplomatic cables I knew that was patently false. No junior grade military man is going to have access to any diplomatic cables at any level, unless he is working the crypto room at the embassy. Then he wouldn’t have access to all the military intel that was leaked. Again, the need to know thing. Yeah, I know something about the handling of classified information myself. Retired from the Air Force in 2005.
  
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Jenny Lind
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:57am
I am praying thatbecoming a broken man he will become a better one, this country may need him down the road. He darn well better startwit some seius mea culpa to his wife and family, and closest friends. Get thee to a counselor Petraeus, and get your life bck in order and for Good’s and your sake, get your wife out of that job that screams payment, and tell the whole truth, and nothing but. Get your honor back by doing the right thing.

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- Red Meat
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:07am
  He’s full of obama.
  
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- adeleeeee
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:12am
  Agree! The king David is far more worse! So Gen. petraeus, tell the truth! The truth would save you free!!!!!
  
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- Looking for him
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:30pm
  I agree, he needs to work from here and protect his wife as much as possible. After all, she’s the one, along with his children, that has been hurt the most. If something was going be done behind closed doors, this affair is it. Why did they have to make that public. It certainly is none of our business. This could have been handled better if for no other reason but to save his wife the humilation. Now everyone will pity her and I know from experience, pity is the last thing she needs.
  
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DZ-015
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:49am
Petraeus may not have given Paula Broadwell classified information, but he definitely “broached the subject.”

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- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:57am
  He never passed information to Broadwell, he just left his computer on and logged in. She did the rest. Plausible deniability.
  
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- toiletclogga
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:12am
  Yup, this is political double speak. It all depends on the definition of “gave.” The classified information was not secure, or it was left in an unsecured location, and it became available to Broadwell. Patraeus was thinking with his pecker!
  
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docfix
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:47am
She’s said “I have also never known him to tell me something that is not true.”
Let’s ask his wife about that one. She probably never knew him to say anything that wasn’t true either except for the fact that he was having sex with another woman!!!!! Charming.

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- vincijoey49
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:52am
  there is a song about this by the late Conway Twitty.
  Here I am late again for the last time
  And like I promised I just told her goodbye
  Please believe me for this time it’s really over
  And darling you know I wouldn’t lie
  
  Didn’t I come and tell you about her
  How temptation lured she and I
  But now I know it was only fascination
  And darling you know I wouldn’t lie
  
  I had to led her down easy as slow as I could
  After all she’s got feelings too
  But it took a little longer than I thought it would
  But this time she knows we’re really through
  
  She wanted to hold me forever
  And this lipstick shows her final try
  And these tears on my shoulders are provin’ that she failed
  And darling you know I wouldn’t lie
  
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MCON29
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:46am
I have never passed classifed information. Now lets go back to my place and work on that sequel to my biography.

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Oneirishman
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:42am
Is Kyra doing Petraeus? Sounded like E Hollywood Insider. Amateurs.

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pap pap
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:40am
She’s another hottie doing a story on Petraeus. I wonder where this one will go.

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- chips1
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:51pm
  As far as Obama tells her to go. Lets waterboard her and that should open up a clear path to Obama and his Blackberry texts.
  
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Small World
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:33am
I pray he does the right thing and tells the truth.

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Wino911
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:32am
What the hell is HLN?

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- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:34am
  CNN’s Headline News
  
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- MCON29
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:40am
  CNN’s headline news, garbage network
  
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:32am
Ooooh, I get an eerie feeling here. Now that Petraeus has had his credibility pounded into the mud. Is this the start by HLN’s Kyra Phillips to build it back up to help support the public’s view should he stick to his original 13 September story?
…….all of the King’s men……..

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