Paula Broadwell: It's a 'shocker' that Petraeus is considered for Trump administration

Paula Broadwell, the biographer of David Petraeus who had a much-publicized affair with the now-retired four-star general, said it was a “shocker” for her to learn that her former lover would be a candidate for a Cabinet post in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

She also said Petraeus, who resigned as director of the CIA in 2012 after his affair with Broadwell became public, is “unequally qualified for many positions.” Petraeus pleaded guilty in 2015 to a misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified materials after admitting he provided such materials to Broadwell.


In a pre-taped interview with CBS’ Norah O’Donnell that's set to air Thursday, Broadwell questioned the fairness of Petraeus being given another chance while she has been unable to escape her affair.

“I think he’s unequally qualified for many positions but that’s not my position to say,” she said. “As I woke up to the news, you know, it was a bit of a shocker that he was being considered for a Cabinet position. And I was both shocked that I’m still in this tenuous position and yet happy, because I think he should be able to go on with his life. He’s earned it, and so should his family. But then it begged the question of, why shouldn’t I be able to go on?”

