The AC360 Weekly Buzz: David Petraeus’ affair, Superstorm Sandy powerless, possum drop

What everyone’s talking about:
The scandal surrounding David Petraeus’ affair and resignation has become more complicated with each passing day. Jill Kelley described herself as “honorary consul general” in a 911 call, but former CIA officer Bob Baer says one thing is certain: She shouldn’t get diplomatic immunity. CNN’s Drew Griffin found records on Kelley’s financial and legal troubles, and information about a charity she started with her husband that doesn’t have records of any donations.

Retired Col. Steve Boylan, a friend to Petraeus, answers questions about a link between Petraeus’ resignation and the September 11 attack in Benghazi, Libya, saying the events are not correlated. And many questions remain about why Pres. Obama wasn’t informed of the scandal earlier. Rep. Peter King tells Anderson the FBI should have gone to him as soon as the investigation started. We’re Keeping Them Honest.

Rep. Paul Ryan attributed President Obama’s victory to unprecedented urban turnout, but the facts just don’t add up – We’re Keeping Them Honest. CNN Contributors David Frum, Alex Castellanos and Paul Begala discuss Ryan’s comments, whether Pres. Obama has a mandate after the election, and the relationship between the president and the Republican party.

Superstorm Sandy tore through the Northeast more than two weeks ago leaving many without power, still, and an estimated cost of $30 billion in New York, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. One hospital in Queens, New York, took Sandy’s displaced victims but is unable to recoup the nearly $3 million it cost to care for them. With the extreme conditions, animals were abandoned or lost during the storm – CNN’s Randi Kaye has the story of volunteers on Staten Island rescuing and feeding pets.

Sen. John McCain said he would block the nomination of U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice if Pres. Obama chooses her to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. His criticism of her stems from how she described the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya days after the incident – as a spontaneous demonstration. Pres. Obama called McCain out and said his remarks were outrageous. Hear how McCain responded on AC360 and what he says to people who compare the Iraq war to the assault in Libya.

Today’s Scoop: 
The violence in Gaza and southern Israel continues to escalate as rockets and shells were launched from both regions on Thursday. Israel reported three people killed, while Palestinians reported 18 deaths. Tune in tonight at 8 and 10 p.m. ET. for reports from CNN’s Sara Sidner in Gaza, Frederik Pleitgen in Israel, and Fouad Ajami with Anderson Cooper in New York about the deadly situation and its consequences throughout the region, including the United States’ and Egypt’s role in the peace process.

Also tonight, BP pleaded guilty to 14 criminal charges and has agreed to pay $4.5 billion in fines and penalties over the Deepwater Horizon disaster that triggered the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. Three BP officials were also indicted on criminal charges in connection with the spill. Anderson will speak to Keith Jones, who lost his son Gordon Jones when the Transocean Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, about his reaction to the charges.

Looking ahead: 
After resigning, Fmr. CIA Director David Petraeus will testify at House and Senate hearings on Friday regarding the September 11 Benghazi, Libya attack.

Also tomorrow, Pres. Obama will meet with congressional leaders on the “fiscal cliff” in the morning, according to White House and congressional sources.

Just for laughs:
It wouldn’t be a proper Brasstown, North Carolina New Year’s Eve celebration without a possum drop – yes, a possum drop – but a new ruling bans the tradition. See it on our RidicuList

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