As David Petraeus lobbies for a position in President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet, poised for a near total reputation rehabilitation, his counterpart in scandal, Paula Broadwell, remains in limbo. 
 
 The Army is still deciding whether or not to exact further punishment upon Broadwell, currently a reserve major, an official confirmed to The Huffington Post, citing a detailed article in The Hill. 
 
 The clear difference in their situations is just the latest shameful chapter in the Petraeus scandal, at every turn a case study in the ways women and men are treated differently in the media and in culture ― as well as by the incoming Trump administration. 
 
 As is now widely known, Petraeus shared highly classified information with Broadwell while he was running the CIA ― even the names of undercover agents. It was 2011, she was writing a book about him as part of her doctoral work at Harvard and the two, both married, were having an affair. Broadwell was an Army reserve major and an intelligence officer. 
 
 The Army quickly demoted Broadwell, rescinding a promotion to Lt. Colonel and taking away her security clearance, but has so far declined to accept the resignation she offered up this summer. The FBI did not charge her; Broadwell’s lawyer argued that she was protected because she viewed the secret information while working in the role of an author/journalist. (The classified bits never made it into the book.) 
 
 It was a pathetic biblical storyline in which men are innocents in the garden and devilish women are everywhere, dangling forbidden apples in their faces. 
 
 Petraeus apologized publicly, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified information, paid $100,000 and received two years of probation. He’s about halfway through it now. 
 
 But unlike Broadwell, Petraeus gets to keep his rank ― and the $220,000 annual pension that comes with it. (He was running the CIA and retired from the military when all this went down.) 
 
 Earlier this year, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said his department would not demote Petraeus. This move came after Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) both spoke up in Petraeus’ defense. 
 
 While some senators said they’d have a difficult time approving Petraeus for an administration position ― he’s just one of many contestants in Trump’s “Apprentice: Cabinet Edition” ― McCain and Graham have publicly said he’d be a great pick. So, although he’d have to let his probation officer know about any Cabinet appointment, the general is moving on. 
 
 Neither senator responded to a request for comment from The Huffington Post on Broadwell’s situation. 
 
 Photo by ISAF via Getty Images Gen. David Petraeus with Paula Broadwell in 2011 when her biography of him was released -- and before the scandal broke. 
 
 The military, meanwhile, is weighing further consequences for Broadwell ― specifically for her role in mishandling classified information and for allegedly sending threatening emails to a friend of Petraeus in 2012, right before the scandal broke. 
 
 The official would not say what kinds of actions the military is considering, but defended the differential treatment by saying that the FBI had already exacted its punishment on Petraeus, but Broadwell hasn’t been punished. (While it’s true that the FBI did not charge Broadwell, recall that she has lost her rank and security clearance and isn’t being allowed to retire.) 
 
 It’s hard to begrudge Petraeus his second act; he’s a widely respected general with a long and storied history. 
 
 But his stellar character and background has been noted throughout the scandal. Broadwell, meanwhile, has been characterized as a “mistress,” a demeaning word for which there is no male equivalent. She’s been accused of bringing a man down and destroying his career because he was forced to give in to temptation; her physical appearance was detailed and dissected. 
 
 It was a pathetic biblical storyline in which men are innocents in the garden and devilish women are everywhere, dangling forbidden apples in their faces. 
 
 I’d consider accepting Ambassador-at-large for Global Women’s Equality if asked. Paula Broadwell 
 
 Broadwell has degrees from several prestigious universities and a stellar career history of her own. Yet she has had trouble getting work because of this scandal, The New York Times reported earlier this year. 
 
 As if to reinforce this cruel double standard, the Times placed its lengthy and substantive profile on Broadwell in the paper’s Style section, which often features stories on notable women that have little to do with fashion. 
 
 Imagine a profile of Petraeus there. 
 
 Undaunted, Broadwell has founded a nonprofit, Think Broader. Its mission is to highlight sexual discrimination in the media ― dropping the use of “mistress,” for example ― and to share data on how many male versus female experts reporters cite. Recently, the group teamed up with Sheryl Sandberg’s women’s nonprofit Lean In to produce a video drawing more attention to women in the military. 
 
 Broadwell declined to publicly discuss her current situation with HuffPost, citing its ongoing nature. But with Petraeus so often in the news lately, she did tweet about it. 
 
 “Since everyone is asking, I’d consider accepting Ambassador-at-large for Global Women’s Equality if asked,” she wrote, alongside an image that said “gender equality.” 
 
 In other words, if he can return to public service, so can I. 
 
 Since everyone is asking, I'd consider accepting Ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Equality if asked. 😉 pic.twitter.com/hod8Z0Xr9x — Paula Broadwell (@paulabroadwell) November 28, 2016 
 
 Of course, Petraeus has had more luck in the job market; he is a partner at private equity firm KKR and advises the White House. 
 
 “Five years ago, I made a serious mistake. I acknowledged it, I apologized for it, I paid a very heavy price for it, and I’ve learned from it,” Petraeus said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” a TV appearance widely construed as his effort to convince Trump to give him the State role. 
 
 Several people have already pointed out that Trump is considering a top job for a man who knowingly shared classified information after spending months calling his opponent Hillary Clinton “crooked” for mishandling classified information. 
 
 It’s unsurprising that Trump would hold a man and a woman to different standards, exhibiting more empathy for Petraeus. It may be that Trump thinks men are simply better than women. 
 
 “Donald [Trump] told me that he thought that men were better than women— especially in this field — but that a good woman was better than ten good men,” Barbara Res, who worked as an executive in the Trump organization for 12 years, told Frontline. “I think he believed that women had to prove themselves more than men, so a good woman would work harder.” 
 
 We all expect this from Trump, but he’s hardly the only one holding men and women to different standards. Broadly speaking, men get more leeway to screw up ― particularly if the screwing up involves an indiscretion with a woman. 
 
 Obviously, Trump’s OK with that. His inner circle is essentially the Third Wives Club ― Steve Bannon, Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani. These guys have had less-than pristine romantic lives, to say the least. And that’s fine. 

 While former CIA Director David Petraeus is interviewing for a top job in the Trump administration, the woman he had an affair with is facing possible disciplinary actions from the Army. 
 
 The Pentagon decided in February it would not pursue any further punishment for Petraeus, but is now seeking to take actions against Paula Broadwell, an Army Reserves major, according to a defense official. 
 
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 Petraeus and Broadwell, both married, admitted to an extra-martial affair in 2012. They both have expressed regret, with Petraeus personally apologizing to Senate lawmakers during a hearing last year. 
 
 The official did not want to characterize what the pending actions are, and said Broadwell would be given an opportunity to respond or issue a rebuttal before making a final determination on disciplinary measures. 
 
 The official cited mishandling classified material, as well as issuing threats, as some of the things she could be punished for. 
 
 The disparity in treatment by the military of Petraeus and Broadwell has sparked criticism from some members of Congress. 
 
 “I think the two of them should be treated fairly, and there shouldn't be two standards,” Sen. Claire McCaskill Claire Conner McCaskillDemocrats turn on Al Franken Trump rips Dems a day ahead of key White House meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report MORE (D-Mo.), who has championed the rights of women in the military, told The Hill. 
 
 She said “questions would probably come up during his confirmation” hearing if Trump nominates Petraeus to a cabinet position. 
 
 The general is thought to be one of four or five finalists to be President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpHouse Democrat slams Donald Trump Jr. for ‘serious case of amnesia’ after testimony Skier Lindsey Vonn: I don’t want to represent Trump at Olympics Poll: 4 in 10 Republicans think senior Trump advisers had improper dealings with Russia MORE’s choice for secretary of State, and multiple Trump surrogates have publicly said it would be good if he returned to public service. 
 
 Petraeus was a four-star general serving as the commander of the Afghanistan War and Broadwell, an Army Reserve major and intelligence officer, was his biographer when they began a romantic relationship. He retired from the military in 2011 to become CIA director. 
 
 Their affair came to light after Broadwell emailed Florida socialite Jill Kelley using a pseudonym and warned her to stay away from Petraeus. Kelley reported the allegedly threatening emails to the FBI, who investigated the emails and discovered the affair. The affair became public after Petraeus resigned as CIA director in 2012. 
 
 A Justice Department investigation found that Petraeus had shared some of his notebooks with Broadwell that he had kept as a commander, for the purposes of the biography. The notebooks contained highly classified information, although none of it was published, and Broadwell had a security clearance. 
 
 Petraeus pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material. He was fined $100,000 and sentenced to two years of probation. 
 
 Although he was also eligible for disciplinary action from the military, the Army last year recommended he face no further actions, and Defense Secretary Ash Carter in February agreed, outlining his decision in a letter to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCainJohn Sidney McCainGOP strategist donates to Alabama Democrat Meghan McCain knocks Bannon: 'Who the hell are you' to criticize Romney? Dems demand Tillerson end State hiring freeze, consult with Congress MORE (R-Ariz.) and Ranking Member Jack Reed John (Jack) Raymond ReedSenate panel moves forward with bill to roll back Dodd-Frank Army leader on waiver report: 'There's been no change in standards' 15 Dems urge FEC to adopt new rules for online political ads MORE (D-R.I.), who both urged for Petraeus not be punished. 
 
 Broadwell, who has asked that she be similarly exonerated, will likely face no such reprieve. She has already had a provisional promotion to lieutenant colonel retracted, as well as her security clearance, after the affair first came to light. 
 
 She is currently assigned to Army Human Resources Command, and its commander, Army Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Seamands, is in charge of Broadwell's case. He recently finished reviewing Broadwell's case, including files from the Justice Department investigation, and is expected to notify Broadwell soon of what actions he may pursue, according to the official. 
 
 The official who spoke to The Hill noted that Petraeus has already faced a federal prosecution and subsequent punishment, but that Broadwell has not. 
 
 The Army did not comment on any pending disciplinary measures, but hinted they would be administrative measures, versus more serious steps such as a court martial. 
 
 “As a longstanding practice, and to protect the privacy rights of those involved, the Army does not comment on administrative actions for those below the rank of general officer,” said Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith. 
 
 “However, the Army does evaluate all allegations of misconduct on a case-by-case basis, and determines what type of disciplinary or administrative action is appropriate in a particular case based on the facts and circumstances of that case. Any further comment would be inappropriate.” 
 
 While Petraeus is still under probation, and his reputation suffered from the controversy, he has largely rebounded. He is chairman of the KKR Global Institute and advises the White House on national security policy. 
 
 Now Petraeus may be close to returning to public service. He met with Trump this week. 
 
 Broadwell remains a military officer and has refrained from publicly speaking about any investigation she might be under, out of concern over reprisals. Although Broadwell submitted her resignation over the summer, it has not yet been approved. 
 
 She has co-founded her own non-profit, the Think Broader Foundation, which is geared towards fighting discrimination against women in the media. 
 
 She has pointedly sought to get news organizations to stop using the word “mistress” to describe a woman involved in a relationship with a married man. She has argued the use of the term is sexist, and her calls have been heeded by some news groups. 
 
 Colleagues of Broadwell's say FBI agents have called her a whistleblower for trying to stop other illicit activities by senior officials. 
 
 The Hill reached out to Broadwell for a comment but a response was not received in time for publication. 
 
 Broadwell discussed her life in a May interview to The New York Times. 
 
 “My husband says I just need to walk away,” she said. “Some days I think, if I could just move on and it was never again in the news, I probably would. But I can’t. My fabric is to fight back.” 
 
 It's not completely clear yet if Petraeus can overcome his past to join Trump’s Cabinet. 
 
 His passing of classified material to Broadwell would surely be an issue for some in Congress, particularly after the controversy over Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonGrassley blasts Democrats over unwillingness to probe Clinton GOP lawmakers cite new allegations of political bias in FBI Top intel Dem: Trump Jr. refused to answer questions about Trump Tower discussions with father MORE’s private email arrangement, which was a major campaign issue used by Trump. 
 
 If selected, Petraeus would have to notify his probation officer within three days under the terms of his probation. 
 
 He also could also be subject to warrantless searches. And his probation officer would be able to access and review his computer and phone data at any point in time until the end of his sentence. 
 
 On Thursday, Sen. Chris Coons Christopher (Chris) Andrew CoonsSenate ethics panel wants details on sexual harassment allegations American innovation depends on strengthening patents Tax reform and innovation – good news and a cloud MORE (D-Del.) said his confirmation would be an “uphill battle.” 
 
 But three GOP senators spoke up for him, saying his past transgressions should not disqualify him, including a top GOP senator on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 
 
 “He said it was wrong, he accepted punishment for his wrongdoing, and that’s a well-defined issue," Sen. Lindsey Graham Lindsey Olin GrahamGOP and Dems bitterly divided by immigration We are running out of time to protect Dreamers US trade deficit rises on record imports from China MORE (R-S.C.) said Thursday. "Does he have a life going forward? I think he does. … I would certainly support his nomination.” 
 
 Broadwell has not commented on the possibility of Petraeus joining the Trump administration, though she did tweet on Monday: “Since everyone is asking, I'd consider accepting Ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Equality if asked.” 
 
 
 
 The tweet, which elicited sympathetic responses from women, included a wink emoji. 

 While disgraced former CIA Director David Petraeus has emerged as a contender for secretary of state, Paula Broadwell, with whom he shared classified information and had an affair, is still waiting to hear what further military punishment she may face. 
 
 In her first big interview since the 2012 scandal, Broadwell, now an Army Reserve major, spoke out against her disproportionate treatment, saying that she’s “happy” that Petraeus’ career has recovered, but she had hoped for the same opportunity to rebuild her life. 
 
 “I want to fight back,” she told “CBS This Morning” host Norah O’Donnell in the interview that aired Thursday. “Sometimes it’s better to remain silent … but I’ve reached a point where I feel I need to fight back for my life.” 
 
 Handout via Getty Images CIA Director Davis Petraeus with biographer Paula Broadwell on July 13, 2011. Petraeus resigned Nov. 9, 2012, citing an extramarital affair with Broadwell. 
 
 “As I woke up to the news, and it was a bit of shocker that he was being considered for a Cabinet position, I was both shocked that I’m still in this tenuous position and yet happy because I think he should be able to go on with his life. He’s earned it. And so should his family,” she continued. “But then it begs the question: Why shouldn’t I be able to go on?” 
 
 In 2012, both were punished when reports revealed that Petraeus, then director of the CIA, had shared classified information with Broadwell, who was writing a book about him. During the course of her research for the biography, the two also had an extramarital affair. 
 
 Petraeus resigned, pled guilty to his charges and is serving two years of probation after his April 2015 sentencing. But now his career is on the rise, as President-elect Donald Trump reportedly considers him as a possible secretary of state. 
 
 Broadwell, an Army intelligence officer, was demoted. The Army is still weighing whether to impose more formal punishments. She resigned from her post last summer, but the Army has yet to accept it. 
 
 She said she’s ready to return to service. 
 
 “I’m not a benchwarmer,” she said. “I’m fighting to take back my own narrative. I also believe on principle I have something to offer the world.” 
 
 As The Huffington Post’s Emily Peck noted Tuesday, the difference between Petraeus’ and Broadwell’s fates illustrates a sexist double standard: 
 
 It’s hard to begrudge Petraeus his second act; he’s a widely respected general with a long and storied history. But his stellar character and background has been noted throughout the scandal. Broadwell, meanwhile, has been characterized as a “mistress,” a demeaning word for which there is no male equivalent. She’s been accused of bringing a man down and destroying his career because he was forced to give in to temptation; her physical appearance was detailed and dissected. It was a pathetic biblical storyline in which men are innocents in the garden and devilish women are everywhere, dangling forbidden apples in their faces. 
 
 In the CBS interview, Broadwell said that she’s just asking to be treated with dignity “and also to be treated with the same standard by the military, and to be able to move forward.” 
 
 She equated her situation to a “potential cancer hanging over my head.” 
 
 “I mean, that’s basically what it’s been like over the past five years,” she added. “When there’s constant uncertainty, it’s kind of soul-eating.” 

 Paula Broadwell is speaking out in her first national television interview since we learned of her affair with former CIA director and retired General David Petraeus. The former military intelligence officer told “CBS This Morning” co-host Norah O’Donnell that she has no ill will against Petraeus, but just wants to move on with her life and career. 
 
 “I’ve been strongly advised to not talk to the press, and I understand that. Sometimes it’s better to remain silent. I’ve had that philosophy for the last five years,” Broadwell said. “But I – I’ve reached a point where I feel like, ‘You know what? I need to fight back for my life.’” 
 
 “You want to move on,” O’Donnell said. 
 
 “It’s time to move on,” Broadwell said. 
 
 David Petraeus' biographer Paula Broadwell speaks out about "double standard" 
 
 But moving on has been difficult for Paula Broadwell. 
 
 Broadwell and Petraeus admitted to an extramarital affair in 2012. Prosecutors found that Petraeus mishandled classified information while Broadwell was writing his biography “All In.” 
 
 Petraeus pleaded guilty last year in federal court to “unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents.” He was fined $100,000 and remains on probation. Broadwell was never criminally charged. 
 
 “Do you think he should be allowed to serve in a top-level post in the Trump administration?” O’Donnell asked. 
 
 “Norah, I think he’s unequally qualified for many positions, but that’s not my position to say. I think the president-elect would have to decide and members of the Senate,” Broadwell said. “As I woke up to the news, you know, it was a bit of a shocker that he was being considered for a Cabinet position, and I was -- I was both shocked that I’m still in this tenuous position, and yet happy because I think he should be able to go on with his life. He’s earned it, and so should his family. But then it begged the question of, ‘Why shouldn’t I be able to go on?’” 
 
 She served 21 years in the U.S. military and 13 years in the Army Reserves. After the affair, she was demoted from lieutenant colonel to major, lost her top secret security clearance and recently received a formal reprimand. Petraeus found out in January that he won’t face any military discipline. 
 
 “What is your status now with the U.S. Army?” O’Donnell asked. 
 
 “I am waiting for my resignation paperwork to be approved,” Broadwell said. 
 
 Paula Broadwell on the impact of her "massive mistake" 
 
 “And when do you expect that to happen?” O’Donnell asked. 
 
 “Well, I’d love a Merry Christmas present,” Broadwell said, laughing. “But I don’t know... I thought earlier this year when David Petraeus was pardoned, for lack of a better word, that I would hear something soon. And so, it’s 10 months later and I’m hopeful that the end is here.” 
 
 What she really wants is equality, she said. While Petraeus has seen new opportunities, Broadwell said she’s been denied them, including a position at a prominent bank. 
 
 “So I think I was qualified for this position. But I was told by the military recruiter that it would be front page news if I got hired at the bank, and the bank wouldn’t want to deal with that,” Broadwell said. 
 
 “If the bank hired Paula Broadwell?” O’Donnell asked. 
 
 “Exactly. And I realized that’s probably true, but it was hard to stomach at the time,” Broadwell said. “I have a degree from the University of Denver in international conflict resolution. I have a degree from Harvard in public policy.” 
 
 “You’re a West Point graduate,” O’Donnell said. 
 
 “I went to West Point undergraduate. Sometimes I try to forget those days, but I’m also very proud of it and it’s shaped the person I am,” Broadwell said. “It’s shaped me into a fighter, which is why I’m fighting to take back my own narrative and my life. But I also believe, on principle, I’ve got something to offer the world and I’m not a benchwarmer. That’s not my personality. Put me in, coach.” 
 
 Senators from both parties have expressed support for Broadwell. Democrat Claire McCaskill told the political website The Hill, “there shouldn’t be two standards.” Republican Lindsey Graham has been a vocal supporter of Petraeus. 
 
 “She wasn’t convicted of anything. No one’s ever brought charges against her. I think she should be treated fairly in terms of, you know, what they did,” Graham said. 
 
 Still, Broadwell said the uncertainty over her future has made for some very difficult years. 
 
 “What has this been like for your family?” O’Donnell asked. 
 
 “Well, they’ve been incredibly supportive, and I frankly owe my life to my husband and my children. They know I made a mistake and that it hurt daddy. And what I talk about with them is that when you make a mistake, you acknowledge it. Yet you don’t dwell on it. And you need to move forward at some point,” Broadwell said. “So we apply that mantra in pretty much everything in our household.” 
 
 “But have you been able to move forward professionally?” O’Donnell asked. 
 
 “Not on the path that I had planned for myself or hoped for. But I’m hopeful, Norah. I think -- I think time heals everything. And I -- you know, I’m wiser now. I’m humbler now… But I’m always proud to be an optimist,” Broadwell said. 
 
 Broadwell said the Justice Department has notified her it doesn’t intend to file criminal charges. Before CBS News learned of her military reprimand, the Army sent us a statement, saying it evaluates “all allegations of misconduct on a case-by-case basis, and determines what type of disciplinary or administrative action is appropriate in a particular case based on the facts and circumstances of that case.” 
 
 Broadwell founded an organization called the Think Broader Foundation to target what she sees as social and gender bias in the media.
– Paula Broadwell is in the same camp as Edward Snowden in that she was shocked to hear David Petraeus is in the running for secretary of state under Donald Trump after pleading guilty to mishandling classified data. That's not to say she doesn't approve. "I think he should be able to go on with his life," she tells CBS News, but "why shouldn't I be able to go on?" After leaking classified information to Broadwell—who was his biographer and with whom he had an affair—Petraeus got two years' probation and a $100,000 fine. He faced no disciplinary action from the military and is now a White House adviser. Broadwell, an Army intelligence officer, was demoted, lost her top-secret security clearance, and received a formal reproof. At the Huffington Post, Emily Peck notes that, from the start, Broadwell was painted as "a 'mistress' … accused of bringing a man down and destroying his career" in a "sexist double standard." She's still waiting to hear if the Army will deliver additional punishments and accept her resignation, but she says she's since been denied a position with a major bank. "I was told by the military recruiter that it would be front-page news if I got hired at the bank, and the bank wouldn’t want to deal with that," Broadwell says, describing her situation as a "potential cancer hanging over my head," per the Post. Adds Sen. Claire McCaskill, per the Hill: "I think the two of them should be treated fairly, and there shouldn't be two standards." (Petraeus says he's learned from his mistake.)