Obama on the Panetta Decision

The dust-up caused by Feinstein's and Rockefeller's pique over the selection spilled over today into the press availability Obama and his stimulus team held today.

After pointing out that the official announcement has yet to be made, here's what Obama said about Panetta:

...He brings extraordinary management skills, great political savvy, an impeccable record of integrity. As chief of staff to the president he is somebody who obviously was fully versed in international affairs crisis management, and had to evaluate intelligence consistently on a day-to-day basis.

Having said all that, I have not made an announcement. When we make the announcement, I think what people will see is that we are putting together a top-notch intelligence team that is not only going to ensure that I get the best possible intelligence--unvarnished--that the intelligence community is no longer geared towards telling the president what they think the president wants to hear, but instead are going to be delivering the information the president needs to make critical decisions to keep the American people safe.

I think what you're also going to see is a team that is committed to breaking with some of the past practices and concerns that have, I think, tarnished the reputation of the agencies, the intelligence agencies as well as U.S. foreign policy....

That's the best answer possible to Panetta's would-be detractors, and an important message that there will be change in how intelligence and foreign policy are conducted in the Obama administration.

The pick has gotten the full-throated support of a few Intelligence Committee members: Ron Wyden, who was apparently tipped off to the nomination before Feinstein (that will make things a little awkward at the committee table); and Russ Feingold, who released this statement:

"I am pleased by reports of the nomination of Leon Panetta to be the next CIA Director. These reports indicate that President-elect Obama recognizes the need for fresh leadership for the intelligence community. Leon Panetta has a long and distinguished career in public service and there are few people of whom I have a higher opinion. He has been a strong voice opposing the interrogation practices authorized by the Bush Administration and he is well-equipped to restore our national security, which has been undermined by the current administration’s policies. I look forward to closely examining his record, hearing his plans for protecting our nation against al Qaeda and other threats, and learning how he will help restore the rule of law after years of lawlessness that have undermined our national security."

Panetta can also plan on the support of the former Intelligence Committee chair Republican Pat Roberts:

"On the one hand, I think it's good to take a fresh look with a new director" at CIA, Roberts told me. "On the other hand, it's not on-the-job training [at the agency]. But Leon is a fast study."
...

"I know this job entails protection of civil liberties as well as protecting America," Roberts told me, seeming to acknowledge Panetta's staunch criticism of the Bush intelligence record. "Leon's the kind of guy who's very pragmatic. He'll do what's best for the country."

Everybody is getting on board the change wagon. Now that Obama has sent the unequivocal message that he will end the abuses of the Bush administration, all Congressional Dems need to join in.