Hullabaloo

Monday, May 24, 2010

 
What, Me Running?

by digby

While Petraeus portrays himself as removed from politics – noting he has not voted for many years – this foray into the heart of American rightwing ideology to accept an award named after the godfather of neoconservatism, is a striking step for a military leader who is supposed to stay outside the political fray:

The late Mr. Kristol’s son, Bill Kristol, noted in a tribute to the award’s three decades of honorees that none has ever gone on to become president. He then added to applause and laughter, “Perhaps this curious and glaring omission will be rectified.”

Rather than simply letting that moment pass, Petraeus said upon taking the podium that in mulling over the theme for his speech, “It never crossed my mind, Bill, to talk about what you were suggesting.”

The line was delivered with a smile.

I'm sure these words brought a smile from the audience in return:

Well, needless to say, it's an enormous honor to be with you this evening especially given the many distinguished guests here this evening--Vice President Cheney, Governor Allen, Members of Congress, Ambassadors, serving and former cabinet officials, and many, many others--including a number of wounded warriors as well.

Indeed, I'm particularly pleased to have this opportunity because it gives me a chance to express my respect for AEI, an organization whose work I know not just by reputation--but also through first-hand experience.

One recent AEI effort, of course, stands out in particular. In the fall of 2006, AEI scholars helped develop the concept for what came to be known as "the surge." Fred and Kim Kagan and their team, which included retired General Jack Keane, prepared a report that made the case for additional troops in Iraq. As all here know, it became one of those rare think tank products that had a truly strategic impact...

"The truth is that ideas are all-important," Irving Kristol observed over three decades ago. "The massive and seemingly-solid institutions of any society" he continued, "are always at the mercy of the ideas in the heads of the people who populate these institutions."

I couldn't agree more. And that is why I feel particularly honored to receive an award that bears Irving Kristol's name and why I welcome the opportunity to talk about ideas before an organization that is devoted to their development.

As Bill reminded us earlier, this is the first time the Irving Kristol Award has been presented since his father passed away. And I know that all of us here tonight join me in expressing our sympathy to Bea, Irving's intellectual companion and best friend for more than sixty years, and to Bill and his sister Elizabeth.

But while Irving Kristol may be gone, his influence will be felt for generations to come. He was, of course, one of our Nation's foremost thinkers on a host of topics, from economics and religion to social welfare and foreign policy. He was a man of staggering intellect who possessed a view of human nature and American politics that has, in many respects, stood the test of time. And, he was a man who loved his country deeply and who served it admirably--in uniform as a combat infantryman in Europe during World War II and, subsequently, as a scholar, editor, founder of journals, and perennial contributor to the most important debates of the day. Again, in all that he did, he was a man who believed deeply in the power of ideas and who contributed enormously to their development.

He's obviously completely apolitical and has absolutely no intention of running for office. I don't know why people keep saying he is.


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digby 5/24/2010 04:29:00 PM |