General David Petraeus on Wednesday denied speculation he would run for President.

“I will not run for political office, I can assure you,” Petraeus told reporters this afternoon, before his scheduled speech tonight at St. Anselm College in Manchester.

He said he’s tried to say no in as many ways as he can, including quoting the country song, “What Part of No Don’t You Understand?”

Petraeus said he hasn’t voted since 2002, but acknowledged that he was a registered Republican before that.

A New Hampshire resident, Petraeus said his appearance today is part of a broader effort by the military leadership to be accessible to the public.

He also refuted blog reports that claimed he thinks U.S. support for Israel endangers the U.S. mission in the region.  

More to come.