Hamilton praises Panetta

Posted: Monday, January 05, 2009 3:39 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Abby Livingston
Washington veteran Rep. Lee Hamilton said that his former Iraq Study Group colleague, Leon Panetta, will be a "superb" leader of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Hamilton, a Democrat, spent 34 years in Congress and was the chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence before taking the reins of the ISG alongside the former Clinton chief-of-staff newly named to lead Langley.

In an interview with NBC News, Hamilton discussed the reasons he thinks Panetta is a "superb choice" for the CIA. He sees Panetta as a consensus builder and expects the former Clinton chief-of-staff to work in tandem with the named director of intelligence, retired Adm. Dennis Blair, and with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. He described such cooperation as "crucial" and "hugely important" to the success of intelligence in an Obama administration.

Hamilton stressed that, while it can be good to bring an outsider to the agency, the appointee will need the support of experienced hands to the complex agency.

When asked if congressional oversight will increase under Panetta, Hamilton said, "He will work to strengthen the oversight to the extent that he can."

The former Indiana congressman determined that Panetta's tenure at CIA would be successful "if he continues to improve the quality of intelligence, upgrades the status of the intelligence agencies, not just at the CIA, and improves the perception to the American public about the importance of role of intelligence in this country."

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Comments

Lee Hamilton is an honest politician. I know that is a oxymoron, but a recommendation from him says a lot.

So it is musical chairs with many Clinton appointees coming back to new jobs. Obama will do an excellent job getting this wide variety of people to work for the American People.
A fine choice. Well done.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:20 PM)

Minorties should always bear in mind that the repugnant ones only want Uncle Tom's for their minority flunkies.

Eric, Salinas, CA

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is even too embarrassing to comment on.

JWilcox, Omaha NE

Once a racist, always a racist.
Enough said for Eric the racist.
The tribe has spoken. Please extinguish your torch and leave the tribe immediately. Seek help for your racist attitudes.

Pete, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:20 PM)

Richardson showed some class by bowing out. Blago and Burris should take a lesson from this. Rather than allow his personal issues to become a distraction, Richardson opted to move himself out of the spotlight to take care of his business. It's sad that more politicians can't show this much grace.

15 Days and counting until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com
jawillie, Philadelphia, PA.

Jawillie, you know CYA when you see it I'm sure. Can't fool me or you if you are truthful.

Marcus D., Chicago (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:23 PM)

Pity, Richardson is a good man

I'd hope to see his as VP
(though Biden is as good or better)

Bill, your consolation prize is being New Mexico's Governor
Let the new Administration know what states need and how they're hurting

MSierra, SF

If this was Jeb Bush would you feel the same way MSierra? See inside your inner hate and prejudiced mind. Be truthful to your heart and mind. Excuses don't work.

Pete, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:29 PM)

building a consensus is needed after an administration the last eight years that didn't try to coexist with any other intelligence department to constructively obtain the same goal. that was the apraoach that hindered efficency, execution and the needed results to succeed on levels necessary to our sucess world wide.

ain't it the truth (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:41 PM)

PANETTA IS A 'SNAKE IN THE GRASS.' HE WILL DO EVERYTHING HE CAN TO UNDERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE C.I.A. HIS NOMINATION MUST BE STOPPED! Obama is trying to sneak this appointment by us.

PANETTA WILL UNDERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CIA. (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:43 PM)

Hamilton's praise of Loony Leon just goes to show senility hasn't just caught up to Robert Byrd and Frank Lautenberg.

C. Carr, DL (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:48 PM)

Bad pick. Panetta is a Washington policy wonk with no experience in the intelligence community.

Chris, Dallas, Texas (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:54 PM)

Lee Hamilton praising Panetta goes a long way. Hamilton is an expert in intellegence and should know what he is talking about. Now this question...Does one have to know how to do the job of the guy in the trenches to lead him? If he does than most US companies are being lead by the wrong people. If he knows and can do the job why does he need the guy in the trenches? We need leaders in Washington. We haven't had any in 8 years and it is time. Panetta is a good leader. He will know what he needs to know and will work with State and the Pentagon to get things done.

eagle1776 (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:58 PM)

I just love all of the criticism of Obama's cabinet appointments as just being "Clinton insiders". Yet I haven't seen one person posting here make any alternative recommendations. I defy anyone (and I MEAN ANYONE) here to name a name to any position that didn't work in the Clinton WH that they felt would be more qualified.

My point here is that everyone has their woulda/shoulda/coulda songs, and is willing to play amateur political commentator. What I'd like to see is someone actually NAME someone who'd be better. I'm serious about this. Consider it a challenge, or a homework assignment.

NAME:
PARTY:
CABINET APPOINTMENT:
QUALIFICATIONS:
WHY THEY'RE A GOOD PICK:

Anyone willing to take the challenge?

15 Days and counting until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 4:59 PM)

One of the only honest, ethical political people who didn't compromise his integrety; Diogenes' search could've ended w/Leon Panetta.

D.Kostriken, Arcata, Ca. (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 7:56 PM)

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