Feinstein not told about CIA pick

no joe, no bo, nj — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:10:01 GMT

Hell has officially frozen over-I agree with something Diane Feinstein has to say.

The dog chased the mail truck and caught it-now he has to deliver the mail.

Leon Panetta is NOT QUALIFIED to head the CIA.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

nuanced — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:11:55 GMT

I can't believe that MSNBC would have such a shocking disrepectful article on Tim Kaine where he is called "milquetoast little nothing". Check it out and you too can be flabbergasted

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28508580

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Marcus D., Chicago — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:12:10 GMT

Is anyone suprised here? This transition team has proven inept and we can only hope they soon get their act together. Jan 20 is coming fast and there is no time for on the job training. Our country has been safe from attack since the 2001 attack. We need strength, courage and wisdom in leadership.

Did Obama ask his PS if he could answer questions today in Pelosi's office?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

PBrown — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:15:51 GMT

Check out Roland Burris' Press Conference Today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYAKQGb1b8k

Now we know why he was rejected by the people of Illinois 5 Times

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

eagle1776 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:16:54 GMT

Feinstein should have had her own intellegence operatives out and thus should have known about Panetta. So what is this about experience, Diane?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

nuanced — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:19:23 GMT

" 'My position has consistently been that I believe the Agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time.'"

Where do you plan to find one? MI6, Mossad? KGB (FSB)?

Didn't George Tenet come from the Senate Intelligence Committee -- how did that work out?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Obama 08/12 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:19:38 GMT

Lighten up Diane! You helped confirm the current US Attorney, and haven't exactly had a great record of late!

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:20:20 GMT

If no one from the Obama camp informed Feinstein of Peneta's appointment this was a big mistake and not a way of keeping the troops happy. Good, Open and Honest "Communication" is the key to any successful organization, not to mention an Administration.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Who's Sane — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:25:13 GMT

Let's examine Feinstein's credentials to criticize this choice and we find that she has always voted wrong on civil liberties, security and intelligence issues. According to Wikipedia:

"Feinstein voted to give the attorney general and the director of national intelligence the power to approve international surveillance of the communications of Americans entirely within the executive branch, rather than through the special intelligence court established by FISA. Many privacy advocates have decried this law and Senator Feinstein's vote in favor of it.[21] In February 2008, Feinstein joined Republicans in the Senate in voting "Nay" to strike the provisions providing immunity from civil liability to electronic communication service providers for certain assistance provided to the Government.[22] On July 9, 2008, Feinstein broke with counterpart Sen. Barbara Boxer and voted for the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, H.R. 6304.[23]

Feinstein was the original Democratic cosponsor of a bill to extend the USA PATRIOT Act. In a December 2005 statement, Senator Feinstein stated, "I believe the Patriot Act is vital to the protection of the American people."[24] She was the main Democratic sponsor of the failed 2006 constitutional Flag Desecration Amendment.[25] In November 2007, Feinstein was one of only six Democrats to vote to confirm Michael Mukasey as Attorney General.[

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:27:09 GMT

It is too early to criticize but after taking the oath of office if Obama (who I supported) does not act as an independent voice for the people and push for the major changes he spoke of during the campaign (from the grass roots up) I will be deeply disappointed. When Obama stated "Enough"! during his victory speech in Chicago I was assuming (and hoping)that he was as fed up as the rest of us with all the power brokering, special interests control, bickering, lack of honesty and poorly administered kiss my bu*@ good ole boy government that goes on in Washington. I will be watching.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Paul, Syracuse — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:27:12 GMT

I heard of this appointment and went WTF???!!!

He did a good job as Clinton's Chief of Staff - but WHAT qualifications for CIA director does he have? Absolutely none.

Next to Richardson, this one is the worst so far!

While Panetta had a long tenure in Congress, his confirmation is not going to be an easy ride!

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

ace — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:33:28 GMT

obama/biden aren't obliged to inform diane of their selection prior to announcement. they have proven to be smart so far. maybe they have a handle on this better than she has. maybe she doesn't like the fact that this is not the normal type that is selected. maybe she doesn't like that this guy will seek opinions beyond her sphere of influence. it is obama's burden to bare. i am sure he has his reasons.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Sarah in Cincinnati — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:36:32 GMT

Obama forgot to tell Feinstein. FORGOT. Now there's the mark of a real president.

I can't wait to see his calendar full of Obama-ism's.

You forget your watch or your wallet, not your intelligence info when your an elected official.

Reminds me of the Carrie Underwood song "I Don't Even Know My Last Name." Come on, Barack.

Now O'Reilly's gonna paint you as a "pinhead."

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Indie Woman in Denver — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:37:15 GMT

Oops! This is not a small oversight, and clearly Senator Feinstein was pissed, or she wouldn't have issued the statement. She is someone he'll want to have on his side.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Fever Catcher — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:37:33 GMT

Com'on Feinstein, just fall in line like all the other drones in the Democratic party. It's Obama-mania Diane! Catch the Fever!

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Merl Dickson Monroe, Louisiana — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:39:19 GMT

all that's left to bring back in thr fold is Bill and Monica. Homecoming and dinner on the ground.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

keepsonhoping, charleston, sc — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:39:43 GMT

That the new head of the CIA's name has been leaked does not bode well for the super secret agency. Is this appointment yet another mark of Mr. Obama's promise for change? I'm finding less and less to feel confident about with our soon to be president. Same old, same old is seems to me.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Judith Ruggles — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:41:12 GMT

Well, here is mistake number two. I was, as a Republican, at first pleasantly pleased with out Mr. Obama was starting out. Now, I see, he has made two mistakes, choosing Richardson when he knew there was an investigation going on re ethics in awarding a contract in NM to someone who gave a big donation, now this, appointing someone with no experience to one of the most important positions in government at a critical time in the history of the United States, a time when we need someone in the know to run the CIA, someone who doesn't have to learn "on the job" so to say. Perhaps my Republican friends were correct all along when they said, "Obama is going to ruin this country and expose us to dangers we have not yet seen."

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Ron D. Maxwell, Austin, Colorado — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:42:02 GMT

Unless there is a new and (Protected) definition for the word Intelligence, I wish 'My' Government would FIND some or employ some! The oxymoron currently being employed has long since reached the point of "being acceptable".

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Daryl T., NC — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:42:08 GMT

I figured my tax cut on the Obama/Biden calculator as promised by PE Obama. I am looking to receive that amount since he was elected.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:42:30 GMT

this seems petty; but what do I know?
------
I see the monitoring isn't any more effective this year? Ricardo, you seem a little insensitive towards hispanics - Are you stupid or just mean?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Norm, Denver, CO — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:44:41 GMT

I would think you should have some before being appointed to chair this important position.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Dr. Ada M. Fisher — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:47:36 GMT

To put someone with no experience in the world of intelligence gathering is to undermine our National Security interest. Obama is showing his inexperience here as he has also done in nominating to head the Department of Education, the Superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools, a city with more problems in public education than most. Why not pick someone for intelligence within that body who has shown a unique understanding of what is required? Why not Gov. James Doyle from Wisconsin who guarantees students in that state who sign their contract a seat in any of the state's university. We are not seeing change as much as Clinton lite in too many of these appointments.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Dr. Ada M. Fisher — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:49:07 GMT

To put someone with no experience in the world of intelligence gathering as CIA Director is to undermine our National Security interest. Obama is showing his inexperience here as he has also done in nominating to head the Department of Education, the Superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools, a city with more problems in public education than most. Why not pick someone for intelligence within that body who has shown a unique understanding of what is required? Why not Gov. James Doyle from Wisconsin who guarantees students in that state who sign their contract a seat in any of the state's university? We are not seeing change as much as Clinton lite in too many of these appointments.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Len Che — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:49:14 GMT

Feinstein quote:
" 'My position has consistently been that I believe the Agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time.'"

Well I see NObama is getting off to a hot start.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Beverly in Chicago — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:50:24 GMT

FR: Is there a problem? Panette is an intelligence professional.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

hugh hill,nyc,ny — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:52:01 GMT

Who cares what either one has to say there both all about me me me me o iam sorry that the way screw the public.Andrea Mitchell was told i think whT CRAP

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

nick nicholas,drexel hill, pa. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:55:04 GMT

the new president is making a big,big mistake by having Panetta as head of the C.I.A.,plain and simple, no experience of what the job is about in time of crisis of terrorism. He failed with Clinton and he would fail with new in coming president.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Shut your trap DF — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:55:45 GMT

Hey Feinstein, keep rocking the boat and you'll eventually get thrown off.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

officiator, Grand Junction Colorado — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:58:51 GMT

Yep! Breaking from Bush policies, and going back to Clinton Policies. So much for change. I knew Obama would be a Dem puppet!

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

G. B. Clark, Marysville, Washington — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:59:21 GMT

Hmmm...

Leon Panetta has a very strong and positive record as a former member of the U.S House of Representatives, and as Director of the the United States Office of Management and Budget; and, as Chief of Staff to President Clinton.

Most important, however, Leon Panetta was the main person responsible for balancing the budget.

According to Wikipedia, "In 1993, the beginning of his ninth term ( in Congress), he was chosen by then-President Bill Clinton to be Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget. He is credited with developing the budget package that would eventually result in the balanced budget of 1998. On July 17, 1994, he was appointed White House Chief of Staff by Clinton, a position he held until January 20, 1997. He was an important negotiator of the 1996 budget, which was another important step towards balancing the budget."

His reputation and credentials are flawless. Plus, he is a very good person, to boot! He most assuredly would meet with the approval of Dianne Feinstein.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Jerry, Houston, TX — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:04:30 GMT

Very impressed with Sen. Dianne Feinstein's position:

" 'My position has consistently been that I believe the Agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time.'"

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Bill Carrick, Reading, Ma — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:05:22 GMT

Oops!

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

George — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:07:53 GMT

Leon Panetta was a highly competent manager of the OMB, has integrity and Washington experience, has been a civil rights lawyer and, as a White House aide, been a consumer of classified information; moreover, he has written against torture, will be surrounded by trained professionals and knows how Congress works. Having national security 'professionals' was not particularly helpful in preventing the worst intelligence debacle in recent memory. I trust Panetta and somebody's got to make that nearly unmanageable bureaucracy work. Why not Panetta?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Jerry Nilsson, Caldwell, Idaho — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:08:50 GMT

The only missing Clinton gang and not yet appointed (selected) by Obama might be the White House kitchen staff..

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

William A Stuart, Philly — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:09:45 GMT

I am totally opposed to any "political" appointments. Who hasn't had enough "Katrina Competence?" Good grief! I think the whole intelligence function needs to be reviewed and revised. May be this is something Collin Powell would undertake on our behalf. No to Panetta, no to any other polital hack and no to cronyism.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

MSierra, SF — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:10:42 GMT

Diane Feinstein voted FOR:

The First Gulf War
The Iraq War (Great job, Di!)
The Patriot Act
War with Iran (Kyl-Lieberman)
NAFTA (killing our middle class jobs)
WTO
The Bankruptcy Bill (to help the credit card companies)
The millenium Tele-Communitacions Act
(legalizing media monopoly)
The Bush Tax cuts for the rich
The Financial 'Modernization' Act
(which led to our economic meltdown as well as legalizing usury)

Don't tell THAT BOZO ANYTHING !!

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Brian Hartnett, Sanford, ME — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:11:09 GMT

No offense, but putting Leon Panetta in charge of the CIA is the same as having a blind person pick the scheme for your house. At a time when intelligence gathering is at its most important and dangerous, it is not the time to try out an amateur. To do so will only jeopardize of too many military and civilian lives. What is needed is a professional who knows how and when to insert the necessary people that can and will do the jobs assingened. Covert people whom this country has trained to do exactly what is required.
Braveheart.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Jay Johnson — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:13:27 GMT

Dianne Feinstein was in favor of confirming Michael B. Mukasey as attorney general, so I wouldn't think her opinion would be of much value to the transition team.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Richard, Washington State — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:15:38 GMT

Clearly he did not "forget" to tell Senator Feinstein. This man does not forget. That would be incompetent and we know he carefully calculates and executes every move flawlessly, all the while exuding a warm and bright aura of judgement,community organization, understanding and light.

The Richardson appointment blowing up was also a planned event. There is no way it was a mistake or the first squeak in the well-oiled Obama machine. No sirree! Every move is precise, calculated and absolutely incontestable. That's why you elected him.

Panetta appears to have virtually no background as an intelligence professional, which is interesting in light of Senator Diane Feinstein's comments above.

So,it was a deliberate snub to Feinstein. Now we just need to know why.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Ralph J. Bianco - St. George, Ut. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:24:19 GMT

"Columbo" - Raincoat and all, would have been a much better pick for CIA Director than this guy. Certainly looks like "Old Crony Week" is back in business. It's gotta be "payoff time" for the Obama Troops.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

CI pro — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:25:38 GMT

With exception of the current director, none of the previous 3 or 4 had any sort of tangible experience in the intel or CI. You have to be a good manager, which he is, to run this organization. Give him a chance.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Dan St. Louis, MO — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:26:58 GMT

Our country has been safe from attack since the 2001 attack.

Marcus, bad comment. You could have said the same thing after the attack on the WTC in 1993 up til 9/11/2001. With that in mind, are you admitting the Bush team lacked strength, courage and wisdom in leadership?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Pickin on the Porch — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:28:37 GMT

Everyone Chill out- Get serious- you weren't concerned about needed experience or qualifications during the compaign- if it is experience you are arguing over and worried about what experience does Obama have to run anything yet alone our country- but then again, he was elected to be President and therefore, everyone who voted for him said he must be given a pass and the benefit of the doubt so all who voted for him shutup and do what you are asking everyone else to do let him do his thing and don't worry about the consequences you can recover by voting differently during the next presidential election. Experience, Integrity, Qualifications, Truthfulness, Character, Respected Associations, credible backgrounds, Honor and Forthrightness mean nothing in this new Administration- You get what you vote for- pickin on the Porch

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

S Anderson, Diego — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:30:39 GMT

leon panetta, nor any member of clintons staff is qualified. clinton rarely conferred with the cia. he was too busy emasculating it.saudi oil princes had better access to clinton than the cia. 911 was planned during clinton & panettas time.

a field spook, not a desk jockey, needs to be promoted within to head the department. the cia needs someone experienced, and who really knows what going on overseas to run the dept. instead obama has put the blinders on. stay away from the high rises, nuke plants, ports and dams. it is a matter of time.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

petecrayton, maggie valley, north carolina — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:31:44 GMT

I doubt the president-elect "forgot". We only know what the media has reported. He was elected to do the job, so let him do it. It is a little early to judge.

We have lots of congressmen with "experience". The members of Wallstreet had experience. The S.E.C is headed by credentialed people. Mr. Madoff had experience. Sometimes experience simply means more of the same, without question or innovation.

This appointment is an example of change which is what the electorate mandated. I, too, find it puzzleing, but I was not smart enough to get elected so I will not second guess the guy who was this early in the game. I will wait to be a "monday morning quaterback" like all the rest of the know it alls that have no comparable achievements.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Bill Bowden, Ellensburg, WA — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:33:09 GMT

What a clown this Obama character is. He picks Hillary for Secretary of State; she has no experience whatsoever in foreign affairs. Now he picks one of Bill Clintons' staff for CIA director; he has no experience whatsoever in the intel world. As one who spent his career in the intel system, I'm concerned at the threat to national security Obama represents.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Joseph Martin, Sta Cruz, CA — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:36:43 GMT

An oxymoron could be taught to do some work but a NARCISSIST TO BE ELECTED TO THE PRESIDENCY IS ONE WHO HAS A VERY SHALLOW MIND/NOTHING IN BETWEEN THE EARS but power. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Michael, Bismarck,ND — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:41:06 GMT

You folks seem to be jumping the gun a bit,Even though the Obama hasn't taken Office yet there has to be a good reason for what he is doing,and besides know bodies perfect mistakes will be made,think about it. And look at this out going administration they made more than just a few mistakes.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Brad, Mesa, az — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:43:19 GMT

Atleast he didnt appoint William Aires. Although that would of been classic.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Pacific NW Mark — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:44:32 GMT

My position has consistently been that I believe the nation is best-served by having a CIA director who was in no way involved in the agency's recent practice of illegal wiretapping and torture in charge at this time.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

theoatwa — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:44:46 GMT

damned if you do...

panetta's would be a much needed out of the box choice the cia desperately needs to break away from its dark past.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Jamie , Detroit MI — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:45:47 GMT

Let's get real !!! We hav enough top spies.
What we need is someone to handle the X & O 's.
That is where Panetta's ADMIN expertise comes in.
DUH !!!!

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Jerry, Minneapolis — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:45:51 GMT

If Obama picks someone with experience he will be critized because that person has experience in an organization that has routinely done allegedly illegal acts. If he picks someone outside then he is critized because he has no experience. This is a no win pick for Obama.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Jeff, Houston, Tx — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:47:30 GMT

Yo folks...he got the job because he doesn't own a gun!

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Detroit, MI — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:47:52 GMT

Change?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Ron Eckley, Bellefonte Pennsylvania — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:51:44 GMT

And what makes her so special. Obviously, the PE didn't choose her candiate for the position. Go Obama, it is about time someone shakes up that place. If experience means you do a good job, then what the hell happened to the last eight years. The world and the counrty is a mess. Diane's decisions haven't been that great - I was getting to think she was a Bushy. Panetta can handle the job.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

James Harris, Katy, Texas — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:58:24 GMT

Well, with the current Cabinet choices, it looks like we are being thrust back to the 1990's. I thought change meant creativity and dynamics. Instead we are seeing the creation of a "comfort zone" for PE Obama. The world is not the same as it was then. Some change; it's a joke! I think they need to re-evaluate the choices for Intelligence and for Homeland Security. Where are Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwartzkoff(sp?)and Boomer? They need to be at those reins respectively, not the current dismal choices.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Dennis Kerr, Sherwood, Arkansas — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:03:22 GMT

As long as the no. 2 CIA guy is a professional, we can live with a figurehead as chief. It's been that way before.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Supported Obama But Am Getting Concerned, Spokane, WA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:05:28 GMT

Perfect. Qualifications? I think he can see the Russion Tea Room from his private dining table?!? So far staffing of this administration is like the Clinton Special Olympics - Everyone gets a medal and a hug! Makes you feel good all over.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

joe, Boston,MA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:10:23 GMT

Hey you republicans, how about your close friend, b. medoff?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Brad, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:15:10 GMT

"I can't believe that MSNBC would have such a shocking disrepectful article on Tim Kaine where he is called "milquetoast little nothing". Check it out and you too can be flabbergasted"

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28508580

He is kind of a boob. Call 'em like you see 'em.

And reading the intelligence reports that came across Clinton's desk isn't a qualification. The Director of the CIA has to determine which intelligence is actionable and what's not and then to make a decision as to what action to take. I watch football on TV, that doesn't make me qualified to coach.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Matt B, San Diego CA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:15:45 GMT

Feinstein lets Bush do whatever he wants for eight years, and now she wants to be an obstacle for anything Obama wants to do?

Go away, Feinstein, your time is up. Or go join the Lieberman Party of Traitors.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Suze — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:18:06 GMT

Dianne Feinstein, a very strong supporter of Hillary Clinton, is not interested in ending the primary wars. What a shame, but not unexpected considering her poor judgment on intelligence and other matters.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Dee — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:20:45 GMT

You know some you have forgoten that this country is still in a hell of a mess, and all you can say is oh I guess his transistion team this and that.

Why would you think he knew about Richardson, you old gop fart, what your real issue is you voted the biggest dumb A@#$ in history to the Presidency and he screwed up BIG TIME.

This is the time to put the "BS" aside, if ya can't do that then go sit in a corner and shut your mouth.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

ROCKVILLE DAN — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:27:55 GMT

LEON PANATTA IS A GOOD AND HONEST MAN. THIS I BELIEVE IS A PREREQUISTE FOR A OVERSEER OF OUR INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY. FOT THOSE THAT DISAGREE I ONLY POINT TO THE RECENT PAST LEADERS OF OUR CIA.;BARACH IS A VERY INTELLIGENT MAN. LET HIM LEAD AS WE ELECTED HIM T0O DO.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Victor, Oregon City, Oregon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:28:35 GMT

Looks like Feinstein needs to get over herself. And come on Judith, your republician friends saying Obama was going to ruin this country? Where have you people been for eight years? George W. has put this country at more risk than I've ever seen in my 62 years including the years I proudly wore the uniform and fought in a war. He's the bad news Judith, I'm a republician. But even I can see the damage W has done to my country.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Kathryn W Cormier — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:36:19 GMT

We should be concerned with what Diane Feinstein thinks? She has had a bad voting record.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Winky — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:45:09 GMT

What does Feinsteinand Rockefeller KNOW anyway. SHE and HE SAT BY for 8 years while GW Bush brought our NATION DOWN A CLIFF and said and did VIRTUALLY NOTHING. Experience?!?!?, Tenent, and the Current AG plus a HOST of experienced fellows has brought our country and our reputation to the LOWEST LEVEL possible. They are part of and have been a sad STORY for more than the history books. IF these two wanted to BE PRESIDENT they should have run.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Sean, Irvine CA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:48:43 GMT

Leon Panetta's last public service position was as a famously competent and respected COS for Bill Clinton; he therefore received intelligence briefings daily as well as consulted with the president on these matters. There is no cronyism here; probably just a desire for a fresh start. Dianne Feinstein, on the other hand has done a lot of good things but has more often than not come out on the wrong side of national security issues and displays a disturbing overwillingness to place our troops in harm's way. She has even admitted that she believed that the evidence of WMD's in Iraq was weak, but she voted in favor of giving carte-blanche to BushCo anyway. She is a DINO from the Cold War era who needs to get out of the WayBack Machine or retire early.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Winky — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:48:46 GMT

Brad must have his head in his own lap!!
Having WILLIAM AYRES INSTEAD of George Bush in the WHITE HOUSE for 2 terms would have been a damn sight better than letting the GW Republicreep HERO Daddy's boy who lead our nation into the gutter.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Winky — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:50:52 GMT

Bill Bowen must be the SPAWN of the
CLOWN that has been in office for 8 years that WILL GO DOWN as being the WORST PRESIDENT of ALL TIME.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Sean — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:54:06 GMT

P.S. If you voted for McCain, you also voted for Sarah Palin for Vice President; therefore, any criticisms you wish to levy against Obama in this matter have no credibility whatsoever.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Gary Wyant Tampa Bay Florida — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:57:33 GMT

Feinstein is so incompetent it would be easy to forget to tell her anything.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Will Lackey Sacramento Ca — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:05:30 GMT

OB hasn't even taken office and democratic corruption is rampant, Rahm Emanuel and his chief of state( they apparently fell off the face of the earth) the moron Franken in Minn.,all the other election seats that drug on until the democrats gained the illegal votes they neede to win, democratic secrataries of states re-opening the polls so absentee ballots could be turned in on election day, voter fraud, ACORN, Obamas friends and look into who benfited from the Madoff hedge fund scandal and you will find a who's who of democrats, Barney Frank (who has been chosen to lead the investigation), Chuckie Shumer, Hillary Clinton, Obama, Rahm Emmanuel, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Bill Clinton, George Soros who owns the democratic party and the list goes on and on, then their is Richardson and now pin head Pinetta. You uneducated democrats and unethical liberals who voted for this empty suit and his appointment of washington and Clinton insiders got what you wanted. CHANGE from a FREE DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY to a corrupt government run socialist country.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Dave Sheehan, Minden LA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:06:42 GMT

"Our Country has been safe from attack since 911" Has it now? Has anybody besides me noticed that our foes have over 100 thousand "targets" plus at their very doorsteps and so don't need to, say ,fly over here from over there to kill Americans?

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

John Bubba, Alpharetta, GA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:07:52 GMT

I am sure this post will not make the cut, as it is probably too late - and "First Read" does not like to see someone quote another source. However, I will try....
The main reason Panetta is a perfect choice is his statement from last year (see below). Otherwise - it is amazing to see how everybody wants to jump on and attack Obama. Human conditioning is not a pretty thing.
Panetta last year:
According to the latest polls, two-thirds of the American public believes that torturing suspected terrorists to gain important information is justified in some circumstances. How did we transform from champions of human dignity and individual rights into a nation of armchair torturers? One word: fear.

Fear is blinding, hateful, and vengeful. It makes the end justify the means. And why not? If torture can stop the next terrorist attack, the next suicide bomber, then what's wrong with a little waterboarding or electric shock?

The simple answer is the rule of law. Our Constitution defines the rules that guide our nation. It was drafted by those who looked around the world of the eighteenth century and saw persecution, torture, and other crimes against humanity and believed that America could be better than that. This new nation would recognize that every individual has an inherent right to personal dignity, to justice, to freedom from cruel and unusual punishment.

We have preached these values to the world. We have made clear that there are certain lines Americans will not cross because we respect the dignity of every human being. That pledge was written into the oath of office given to every president, "to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution." It's what is supposed to make our leaders different from every tyrant, dictator, or despot. We are sworn to govern by the rule of law, not by brute force.

We cannot simply suspend these beliefs in the name of national security. Those who support torture may believe that we can abuse captives in certain select circumstances and still be true to our values. But that is a false compromise. We either believe in the dignity of the individual, the rule of law, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, or we don't. There is no middle ground.

We cannot and we must not use torture under any circumstances. We are better than that.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Rick Smith — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:11:00 GMT

Where's William Casey when we need him. He was a great CIA Director with experience. So what if he served the president and went around the constitution and congress. Panetta will do fine without CIA experience.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

Anthony, Northern Virginia — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:13:40 GMT

Sometimes the only way to make bold changes involves upsetting the status quo. Those on Capitol hill who are upset tonight did NOT stand up for American principles ('all men are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights') as we slid towards being a country that practices torture! They did NOT deserve to have the final say IF ANY and Obama is showing us in this instance what it's like for a politician to follow through on his campaign promises. Did he mean "Enough!" when he said it? I believe he did and I am proud of his decisions.

Feinstein not told about CIA pick

TROUBLE ON THE HORIZON, CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:17:32 GMT

If this were not such an important issue one could laugh -- there would be much more outrage if the Cleveland Browns or Denver Broncos were to name there next Head Football Coach as a guy from POP WARNER FOOTBALL -- they could issue a statement and say -- hey it's a break from the previous management and the guy has coached football before RIGHT ?????????? Heck why do we even need a CIA -- BHO is on the job and the world is just going to follow the CHANGE the magic man wants -- RIGHT ?????

I think Forest Gumps momma said it best "Life is like a box of chocolates, you just never know exactly what your going to get" or better yet --"Stupid is as Stupid does" BHO isn't the stupid one -- we Americans WE ARE THE STUPID ONES -- My friends pull up your boots, tighten your belts but don't hold your breath WE ARE IN TROUBLE !!! BIG TROUBLE !!