Bob Owens of Southington, Connecticut, contends Petraeus is simply doing what soldiers do: "Asking the general if he can win is like asking a professional athlete if he wants the ball in a critical point in the game, " Owens wrote.

CNN: Opinions divided on Petraeus, his message

"Bob will be to building what Postman Pat is to the Royal Mail, a decent bloke doing a decent job, " reported the industry journal Construction News.

BBC: Bob cements his TV success