general petraeus can talk you up 75 ways with the statistics, analogies, examp les, why this is working. but the problem is he is in a role where that is the view. i don't know what to do as the public for politicians to escape that. my whole speech today sounds fine. people can apply here but in an instant i can have the tabloid to say the traits of politicians to insult the troops the flag draped coffin and i can be destroyed. so long as a as that is true , i spent a few years and afghanistan if you imagine you are in a politician of the normal sort then to have the confidence to take on in the ambassadors and the think tanks it is extraordinary how good your times has been supporters of the surge in afghanistan. will use the that far outside of the establishment putting yourself into a situation. >> and politics 20 years from now i hope you remember your book. [laughter] [applause] >> thank you for coming and for all of the work i had the pleasure of meeting new annette -- in afghanistan good to see you again. with any for the international community to get things right to understand