Ex-CIA Director David Petraeus Apologizes For Extramarital Affair During USC Speech
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — David Petraeus publicly apologized Tuesday night for the extramarital affair that forced his resignation as the head of the CIA.
The 60-year-old retired four-star general made the comments during a 20-minute keynote speech at the University of Southern California's annual ROTC dinner, which honored veterans and ROTC students.
"Needless to say, I join you keenly aware that I am regarded in a different light now than I was a year ago," Petraeus said. "I am also keenly aware that the reason for my recent journey was my own doing. So please allow me to begin my remarks this evening by reiterating how deeply I regret — and apologize for — the circumstances that led me to resign from the CIA and caused such pain for my family, friends and supporters."
Last November, Petraeus acknowledged an affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell, after an FBI investigation discovered emails Broadwell sent to another woman she viewed as a romantic rival.
Petraeus said his focus now is to continue his personal journey.
"This (has) obviously been a very difficult episode for us. But perhaps my experience can be instructive to others who stumble or indeed fall as far as I did," he said.
Petraeus is the military leader credited with reshaping the nation's counterinsurgency strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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