Petraeus Passes Out During Testimony
EmailABC’s Luis Martinez and Z. Byron Wolf report: While testifying at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Afghanistan, Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the US Central Command, passed out at the witness table.
Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, was in the middle of praising Petraeus for his efforts in Afghanistan when the four star general appears to have briefly passed out. The C-Span camera in the room was focused on McCain at the time, a soft rumpling noise could be heard as McCain looked surprised. The feed then went to a high shot from the back of the room. Someone could be overheard quietly saying, “Oh my God” as several staffers rushed to help him.
Despite the dire look of the situation, less than 30 seconds later, Petraeus walked away from the table escorted by staffer.
A few moments later Sen. Carl Levin, D-Michigan, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, told reporters that Petraeus was now eating and starting to feel better.
Less than 15 minutes later, Petraeus returned to the witness stand, greeted by applause from those assembled in the room. But then, Levin adjourned the hearing until tomorrow. Both Levin and McCain praised Petraeus for his service before adjourning for the day.
Petraeus, who was treated for prostate cancer in 2009, is a marathon runner who is said to pride himself on his physical fitness. He survived a shot in the chest in 1991 when a soldier accidentally discharged his rifle.
As the general left the Capitol today, he told reporters that he will be back to testify tomorrow when the hearing resumes.
"I'll eat breakfast tomorrow," he said.
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He needs a pizza and TV.
Posted by: tex02 | June 15, 2010, 11:04 am 11:04 am
you’ve spelt petraeus wrong all throughout this piece.
Posted by: Max | June 15, 2010, 11:05 am 11:05 am
General “Super Dave” Patraeus, one of the few true American heroes remaining. Get well soon!
Posted by: Flex | June 15, 2010, 11:07 am 11:07 am
Breakfast eh? I wonder how many people in the world go w/o breakfast every day, and all those non-faintings/accidents/crashes/etc. Come on.
Posted by: Scott TR | June 15, 2010, 11:09 am 11:09 am
He’s a tough soldier. He might’ve just been bored to sleep by that meeting.
Posted by: Rob | June 15, 2010, 11:10 am 11:10 am
Please correct the spelling mistakes in the article (David Petraeus, not Patraeus. It’s not that hard to look it up and get it right. He deserves at least that much respect.
Posted by: Ben | June 15, 2010, 11:11 am 11:11 am
This is the result of to much pressure to fix the hole bush/cheney put us in.
Posted by: Jim Bob | June 15, 2010, 11:11 am 11:11 am
ABC, the misspelling of the General’s name throughout a breaking-news story is pretty unforgivable on a major news outlet website!
Yikes! And you wonder why your credibility is on the decline?
Posted by: IntelAgents | June 15, 2010, 11:12 am 11:12 am
May the Gods protect and grant Gen. Petraeus a long and healthy life. America needs him especially now. These skinny guys need to eat 3 squares a day.
Posted by: father_moray | June 15, 2010, 11:12 am 11:12 am
Scott TR:
It happens. People get low blood sugar and pass out. The man runs marathons. One would think that qualifies the man as being healthy. How many marathons have you ran?
Posted by: Mike | June 15, 2010, 11:13 am 11:13 am
McCain put him to sleep.
Posted by: pamp205 | June 15, 2010, 11:15 am 11:15 am
It’s Bush’s fault!
Posted by: ed | June 15, 2010, 11:15 am 11:15 am
Petraeus 2012
Posted by: Cv | June 15, 2010, 11:16 am 11:16 am
Keep2theright – in November, I’ll be going anywhere but. We’ve seen how the reich solves problems and it ain’t pretty. Thanks but no thanks!
Posted by: pamp205 | June 15, 2010, 11:17 am 11:17 am
Keep2theright – in November, I’ll be going anywhere but. We’ve seen how the reich solves problems and it ain’t pretty. Thanks but no thanks!
Posted by: pamp205 | June 15, 2010, 11:17 am 11:17 am
I’m a leftist and all I can say about the american hero is that I hope he feels better. General P has proven himself as a competent leader. I would like him even if he ran for president as a republican. Same with Colin Powell. I don’t know why right wingers get so bent out of shape. We all live in the same great country. Passing out is very human.
Posted by: Dave | June 15, 2010, 11:18 am 11:18 am
Silly me… and I always thought you needed to know how to spell to be a journalist. My 3rd grader (home-schooled btw) has better writing abilities!
Oh… Our prayers are with you Gen. Petraeus. I can’t imagine the amount of stress you go through trying to protect our Constitution.
Posted by: John Qwerty | June 15, 2010, 11:20 am 11:20 am
besides remembering to eat breakfast, General, I’d advise not turning on the television or the radio prior to your appearance as well — if you avoid those things early in themorning, your day will go much better!
I avoid those things until AFTER breakfast; If I don’t, I’ll see or hear “him” and that’s a DEFINITE appetite killer!!!
Posted by: Chisco | June 15, 2010, 11:20 am 11:20 am
That monotonous, droning voice of McCain’s put him to sleep. Hope he is okay, though, really. I like the guy.
Posted by: geecee827 | June 15, 2010, 11:20 am 11:20 am
It’s not about breakfast. Little bit creepy when somebody on that level lies to the world, isn’t it?
Posted by: Leslie | June 15, 2010, 11:27 am 11:27 am
He forgot to eat and probably takes medication of some form. The guy is under enormous pressure and has to answer to the most inept political body in our history. Someone get the man some Wheaties!
Posted by: KRK | June 15, 2010, 11:28 am 11:28 am
I know it is business and all but do the vulture photographers gotta be all up in the mans face let them get in there and help ffs you have a telephoto lens DAMN!
Posted by: Geez | June 15, 2010, 11:29 am 11:29 am
Obama should resign.
Posted by: Schmuck | June 15, 2010, 11:29 am 11:29 am
Studies are now showing that marathon runners can have more heart problems than those who do short workouts of interval training, read “The Doctors Heart Cure” by Dr. Sears, MD.
Posted by: Bob | June 15, 2010, 11:31 am 11:31 am
Gee they push for giving free breakfast to school kids but they can’t give them to our top generals? Sheeesh!
I buy him breakfast for crying out loud.
Posted by: Mike M | June 15, 2010, 11:32 am 11:32 am
How the hell is Petraeus protecting the constitution? Sad Republican dolts and their obsession with mixing up everything, including facts with fiction.
Learn the actual tenants of conservatism, until then, you’re as worthless as the leftists.
Buncha RINO’s
Posted by: frank | June 15, 2010, 11:55 am 11:55 am
So it is really true, McCain CAN put the stong to sleep with his Long-winded questions.
Posted by: Vern | June 15, 2010, 11:56 am 11:56 am
He’s no General Patton.
Posted by: Aunt Bee | June 15, 2010, 11:59 am 11:59 am
General, remember that stress depletes your blood sugar faster. Please be well and remember breakfast. I’ve had the same thing happen. Don’t be embarrassed. It happens. Be well Sir. May you feel better soon.
Posted by: Cindbird | June 15, 2010, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
Probably a suddenly realization of what kind of presidential administration he’s under. It has that effect on me, too..
******************************So glad you woke
up from the eight year comma. Back then you missed the real ridiculous administration.
Posted by: spacerook1 | June 15, 2010, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
Looks like he was doing what most people would do if they were having to listen to a bunch of windbag senators.
Posted by: Yirmin Snipe | June 15, 2010, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
@Leslie – Keeping it real yo
We’re running into the grooming of General P for a presidential run. Here’s some extra symapthy and his likeability goes up. It’s the best thing yet that he’s done for his (yet to be announced) campaign.
Posted by: garrett | June 15, 2010, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
Must have been the effects of all the waterboarding by the Obama Administration, trying to make sure he doesn’t embarrass the MORON-IN-CHIEF with the truth.
Posted by: Is_It_November____Yet | June 15, 2010, 12:15 pm 12:15 pm
Leslie, who was lying? Are you talking about Obama?
Posted by: TBMer | June 15, 2010, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
He passed out waiting for Supreme Leader Obama to live up to his campaign promises and end the wars…
Posted by: K-Bo | June 15, 2010, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
The reporters should wake up and report his age in such a story. Relevance, Hello!
Posted by: JIM | June 15, 2010, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
We in the military admire the General…run for President sir!
Posted by: K-Bo | June 15, 2010, 12:29 pm 12:29 pm
This lightweight has a history of being unable to perform. Just watch his brilliance when asked a question by Ron Paul.
Posted by: Aunt Bee | June 15, 2010, 12:31 pm 12:31 pm
Come on! he probably is so busy and hasn’t eaten many meals because of putting the country first. The stess level of our heroes are beyond comprehension. I wish him well!
Posted by: joan macknight | June 15, 2010, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm
Leslie, Leslie, Leslie – with skinny marathon runners, it really IS about breakfast. A significant drop in blood sugar can certainly cause an episode of syncopy. Calling this man a liar is truly in poor taste. Do your homework before you start passing out inane judgment.
Posted by: tubbuddy | June 15, 2010, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
WE are very fortunate to have MEN with hearts of service like Gen Petraeus, who give their all, and their lives for this Country.
Then, we have others (politicians) who allow medical care for military retirees to DIE ON THE VINE (THROUGH INACTION AND SPINELESS LACK OF DECISIONS) — such as the 21% DECREASE IN PAYMENT TO DOCTORS FOR MEDICARE/TRICARE recipients.
SHAME ON THE US SENATE!
How do they expect to maintain a volunteer force when they BREAK FAITH to those who have served, and are now too old to obtain health care insurance??
SHAME ON THE US SENATE!
SHAME!
SHAME!
SHAME!
Just think what this will mean for NON VETERAN RETIREES if this is an indication of how the US Senate treats seniors?? Remember the INCUMBENTS in November — BOTH PARTIES!
Posted by: PappyHappy | June 15, 2010, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
He’s got as much stress as any job in the world, he had cancer last year, he’s about to be grilled by senators for god’s sake… he probably didn’t sleep well and was too nervous to be hungry. Even if you think he’s a bad person, he’s still a human being. Give the guy a break.
Posted by: kaos & logos | June 15, 2010, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww…. shaddap!
Posted by: Yosemite Sam | June 15, 2010, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
This guys is a national treasure who literally does more by 8 am than most do all day. God speed sir. Please take care of yourself. America needs you.
Posted by: Chino | June 15, 2010, 12:58 pm 12:58 pm
I pass out every time I hear the Liberal Fascist declare another $50 Billion spending spree.
Then I vomit my breakfast all over HuffPost.
Posted by: Tian Li | June 15, 2010, 1:00 pm 1:00 pm
Jim Bob managed to blame this on Bush and Cheney. Fascinating.
Posted by: Euphy | June 15, 2010, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
Boys and girls, eat a good breakfast every morning. It’s your most important meal of the day.
Posted by: dmon | June 15, 2010, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
Remeber when the liberals accused the general of being a liar and a betrayer?
Posted by: Drew | June 15, 2010, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
Ignorant simpletons. He obviously had low blood sugar and passed out since he did not eat breakfast. Translation, he has an insulin issue and probably a diabetic.
Posted by: Ben | June 15, 2010, 1:28 pm 1:28 pm
HE IS A SCREAMING EAGLE…BOTTOM LINE!!!! 101 INFANTRY HOOOOOOAAAHHH!!!
Posted by: erik | June 15, 2010, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm
When I hear McCain talking I get the same feeling.
Posted by: KsDevil | June 15, 2010, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
CBS has video in which you can hear the general say, “I need some sugar,” just after he stands up.
Low blood sugar can happen to anyone under the right circumstances and says nothing bad about his physical fitness.
In fact, it’s, unfortunately, a problem with long distance cyclists, who are some of the most physically fit athletes.
Posted by: Kim Priestap | June 15, 2010, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
Sheesh! Some of you are really over the edge, around the bend, missing an ace, and all those other silly sayings for ‘looney’.
The general apparently failed to do what so many of us fail to do…eat breakfast. You know…the most important meal of the day?
You don’t have to be a diabetic (which I am) to experience low blood sugar (aka hypoglycemia) if you don’t eat. If you don’t eat and are under excessive stress, your odds of having a serious drop to pass-out increases.
But some of you take this very simple, human-interest story and turn it into your usual ‘I hate everyone that isn’t like me’ fest.
Hope you feel better, General. Make sure you eat no matter what’s going on from now on. Carry a few M&Ms in the suit pocket.
Posted by: malcat | June 15, 2010, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
For a second there, McCain bored him to death.
Posted by: mike3481 | June 15, 2010, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
God gives us back what we give to others. Petraeus lied underoath and allowed thousands of soldiers to die based on complete lies. He covered up the assassination of Pat Tillman and blocked the investigations of several female soldiers who were raped and murdered. Most who commit evil say God Why? Petraeus closing his eyes and sees those young soldiers who didn’t have to die.
Posted by: Jackie | June 15, 2010, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
He’s no youngster. He will have to start putting on some weight. Say what you will, but fat is good for you in small amounts. LOL.
Posted by: Ted | June 15, 2010, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
McCain took the
“Men who stare at Goats” training.
Clooney is probably very impressed right now!
Posted by: LeMay | June 15, 2010, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
An older middle-aged man who’s been through cancer treatments and the stress of leading an army, yet still exercises heavily and has the metabolism of a marathon runner passed out after skipping a meal? Impossible! It couldn’t have been just breakfast! He had to have been weakened by the fluoride they’re putting in the water! I’ll bet he was about to tell the world about the government mind-control project, but they read his mind and hit him with a tranquilizer dart from the back row! You people are all sheep.
:D
Posted by: Frank | June 15, 2010, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
This is exactly why we need government-sponsored breakfast programs for everybody.
Posted by: WilliamPenn | June 15, 2010, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
He does work hard. Gen Petreaus should play a few dozen rounds of golf every week. That’s what Obama does, and you never heard any complaints about Obama working too hard
Posted by: The Whole Truth | June 15, 2010, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
The breakfast quip might have been tongue-in-cheek. Chill out with the damned conspiracy theories.
Posted by: Jeff | June 15, 2010, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
Any body want to wager that he didn’t take his meds this morning.
I would bet he is a Stage 2 Diabetic
Posted by: Old Sailor | June 15, 2010, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
Heads up to anyone who forgets that our bodies are complex and when the blood sugar drops so will you. Eat your breakfast and stay hydrated!
Posted by: JAMES FERGUSON | June 15, 2010, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
Looks like the Gen. needs some coffee. McCain was clearly to boring.
Posted by: bleedingapple | June 15, 2010, 3:34 pm 3:34 pm
I can understand anyone could pass out when Sen. John McCain speaks. Don’t think Gen. Petraeus was sick or feeling bad it was just another boring speech from John McCain that did him in.
Posted by: Kb | June 15, 2010, 4:20 pm 4:20 pm
He may be diabetic. They should check his A1C.
Posted by: CallMeIshmael | June 15, 2010, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm
The poor guy has been working his heart out trying to defend his/OUR country. He along with all our military work long, long hours. He needs a few months off to regroup.
Posted by: Linda | June 15, 2010, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
This is what happens when you don’t eat your bacon, biscuits and gravy at the chow hall in the morning!
Posted by: Anony Mouse | June 15, 2010, 5:14 pm 5:14 pm
I’d pass out, too, if I had to spend any time among those morons we send to Congress….
Posted by: Munster42 | June 15, 2010, 5:28 pm 5:28 pm
The guy was bored and briefly passed out… we have all done it at work meetings that relentlessly last for hours.
Posted by: Matt | June 15, 2010, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
“It’s not about breakfast. Little bit creepy when somebody on that level lies to the world, isn’t it? ”
We really need to filter the psychotics from these threads. Lie, dub, and racist is all they can claim.
I have low blood suger, and know just how he felt.
Posted by: Elemental5 | June 15, 2010, 5:41 pm 5:41 pm
When you adjourned after the general returned, what a waste of tax payers’ money!!!
Posted by: jan | June 15, 2010, 6:53 pm 6:53 pm
It scared McCain. Right before the camera was taken off him he jumped a little bit like he was going to get up but decided to let the other help.
Posted by: Kayla71482 | June 15, 2010, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
Thanks for exemplifying exactly what is wrong with American media. The only newsworthy thing was the General passing out. Did we hear one word of what was discussed in the testimony? Of course not. Bravo ABC.
Posted by: Michael | June 15, 2010, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
amazing – not long ago the General was met by Senators saying they had to suspend disbelief to listen to him and newspapers saying he was betraying his country – and now the room gave him a standing ovation and met him with reverence and respect.
Posted by: Mark | June 15, 2010, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
Did they check General’s pulse rate at rest? In 2005, my rate was 120 (normally 60) all the time. No pain! Turned out to be clot on heart (could have been lung). If they didn’t find it, I would had massive strock!
Posted by: Albert | June 15, 2010, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
What a wooos.
Posted by: Johnny Boy | June 15, 2010, 10:03 pm 10:03 pm
You commenters are very entertaining…
Posted by: Lockhart | June 15, 2010, 11:36 pm 11:36 pm
Dave comments: “Oh… Our prayers are with you Gen. Petraeus. I can’t imagine the amount of stress you go through trying to protect our Constitution.” I love the sarcasm; protecting the Constitution in Afganistan; the best joke I heard lately…
Posted by: Laazi | June 15, 2010, 11:37 pm 11:37 pm
Sir, and a large glass of orange juice one hour before the meeting. Thank you for your service. You’re the reason this country works.
Posted by: David Maxwell | June 16, 2010, 12:24 am 12:24 am
Leslie,
It’s even creepier when people who don’t know what they’re talking about malign a good man who has served his country with honor for his entire adult life. If you can prove your allegation of lying trot that proof out – otherwise, talk about something that you actually know about.
Posted by: Walker Evans | June 16, 2010, 12:26 am 12:26 am
they cannot even afford a proof reader to get the guys name right?
Posted by: BETTY | June 16, 2010, 1:40 am 1:40 am
No, it’s not about breakfast… but he’s too much of a professional to say something like “traveling back and forth between all the countries in my area of responsibility, plus D.C., is enough to throw anybody’s body clock off.” The man keeps a schedule that would put many people in their grave.
Posted by: BeenThere | June 16, 2010, 3:18 am 3:18 am
Will Move On org make something of this?
Posted by: LongT | June 16, 2010, 6:51 am 6:51 am
The general is over worked and stressed from spinning the wars.
Posted by: GJKOTW01 | June 16, 2010, 7:01 am 7:01 am
He probably mistakenly picked up an unedited version of the new Obama health care reform bill and started to read it…
Posted by: Banderman | June 16, 2010, 7:37 am 7:37 am
Having to listen to all those pompus a$$ politicans all day long would make anyone sick.
Posted by: stormerF2 | June 16, 2010, 7:50 am 7:50 am
General Petraeus had a long early flight and was in a hurry and skipped breakfast. This was from Iraq all the way to Washington, and was also dehydrated.Give him some slack, he is human, you try to do 1% of what he is accomplishing in a day
you would have fainted too. Gen.Petraeus is the best General US Army ever had and still has.
Posted by: UB Hillberg | July 11, 2010, 8:40 am 8:40 am