With the Republicans short of stimulating candidates, General Petraeus is once again being touted as the opposition candidate for the election of 2012. He is being pushed by Congressman Peter King (R) NY. Comparisons between General Petraeus and General Dwight D. Eisenhower are being heard more frequently.

General Petraeus gained credibility when he turned President Bush’s “surge” into a success when prosecuting the war in Iraq. Almost everyone thought that the “surge” would be a failure but it turned out to be one of President Bush’s rare successes.

The General nor his advisers have hinted of a possible run in 2012, but these denials are part and parcel of the game of politics. The General’s relationship with Obama is not like it was with President Bush. The two of them sometimes went mountain biking in Washington, D.C.

General Petraeus is not endowed with a great personality and his actual combat record is not spectacular. Still, if America becomes disenchanted with President Obama and there are no other stimulating candidates on the Republican side, General Petraeus could be a “dark horse” choice.

Until the time of decision, General Petraeus will keep his head down. However, he does have a proven track record of getting along with Congress, which might make him a desirable candidate in 2012.