THIS DOESN'T CUT IT – AT 7:43 P.M. ET:  I admire General David Petraeus a great deal, but he's developed a case of foot-in-mouth disease that requires immediate treatment.  He's being talked about as a presidential candidate, although he adamantly denies that ambition.  If he continues to make verbal gaffes, denial will not be necessary.

Earlier this year, Petraeus, in testimony before Congress, made some statements about the Mideast that had to be "explained" and reinterpreted, by him.  Now he makes the oddest comment about the Times Square bomber:

Gen. David Petraeus says the Times Square bombing suspect is a "lone wolf" terrorist who did not work with others.

The general who oversees the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan tells The Associated Press that alleged bomber Faisal Shahzad was inspired by militants in Pakistan, but didn't have direct contact with them.

Authorities say Shahzad told investigators he went to a terror training camp in Pakistan, but they have yet to confirm that.

Petraeus's statement appears to be absurd.  How would he know, this early in the investigation?  Shahzad spent months in Pakistan.  The press is reporting that the FBI is looking for a financial courier who supplied him with funds to buy the bomb car, as Shahzad was not in a position to make a cash contribution to the cause. 

And Petraeus is telling us he was a lone wolf.  It doesn't compute.  Sounds like something said off the cuff, the kind of capital crime you can't commit as a presidential candidate.

We wait for the clarification. 

May 7, 2010