Paula Broadwell May Have Hinted About David Petraeus Affair

Paula Broadwell carried on an affair with Gen. David Petraeus that ultimately forced the resignation of the CIA director, but the affair may not have been too much of a secret.

In an article published in Newsweek last week, Petraeus biographer Paula Broadwell documented the CIA director’s “Rules for Living,” one of which appeared to be an admission of sorts. For the fifth rule, Broadwell wrote, “We all will make mistakes. The key is to recognize them and admit them, to learn from them, and to take off the rear view mirrors—drive on and avoid making them again.”

Paula Broadwell also made many other, slightly more subtle hints that she and Gen. David Petraeus were involved, The Daily Beast reported. She often referred to Petraeus as a mentor, speaking of him in glowing terms. On an appearance on The Daily Show, Broadwell joked to host Jon Stewart that “He can turn water into bottled water.”

Petraeus announced his resignation on Friday, noting that he had an extramarital affair but not naming Paula Broadwell. In his resignation letter, Petraeus writes:

“Yesterday afternoon, I went to the White House and asked the President to be allowed, for personal reasons, to resign from my position as D/CIA. After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the President graciously accepted my resignation.”

Paula Broadwell herself is now reportedly under investigation by the FBI for improperly trying to access his email and possibly gain classified information, NBC News reported.