Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you The Anti-Powell. Rolls right off the tongue, donit? Our side sure isn't thrilled by the idea, of course. paging Watertiger, pick up the white caption phone, Watertiger But it's not a bad joke, it's a possibility. This is one result of Beltway Bubbledom- the sincere and not-ridiculous belief that Petraeus could be a successful candidate in 2012. Because when it comes to running for president, telling the truth is a failing and lying in front of not-critical representatives and fawning cameras is a strength. Heh, here's all you need to know about President Petraeus:

"My office was in the Adnan Palace in the Green Zone, which was close to General Petraeus's office," Mr Khadim recalls. He had meetings with the general because the Interior Ministry was involved in vetting the loyalty of Iraqis recruited as army officers. Mr Khadim was critical of the general's choice of Iraqis to work with him.

This is why people like me use words like "feudalism" and "monarchy" to describe the ruling authoritarians. I couldn't make it plainer if I tried, thanks General!