Sometimes less is more and that’s certainly the case when reading Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s terse and clearly not pleased reaction to word that President-elect Barack Obama wants Leon Panetta to head the CIA.
““I was not informed about the selection of Leon Panetta to be the CIA Director. I know nothing about this, other than what I’ve read,” Feinstein said in a statement. Oops. Feinstein isn’t just any senator when it comes to this post. The California Democrat will this year become the first woman to chair the Intelligence Committee, which among other things would need to confirm Panetta. Might have been politic to check with her on this. No?
“My position has consistently been that I believe the Agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time,” is the other sentence of Feinstein’s terse statement. Doesn’t take much to read between those lines.
So although Panetta is a Californian, clearly Feinstein is referencinghis lack of spying experience. Panetta is a former congressman and chief of staff of former President Bill Clinton. Now as chief of staff he obviously was in on the daily intelligence briefing but he’s never worked in that arena.
Panetta was not on anyone’s lists for this post but another Californian was - Rep. Jane Harman, a longtime member of the House Intelligence Committee. I was among a group of reporters talking to Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the ranking Republican on the Homeland Security Committee this afternoon on another matter. When she was asked about the Panetta move she said she didn’t have anything to say about him. But she quickly added that she was supporting Harman.
It will be interesting to see how the Feinstein-Panetta repartee goes, starting with his confirmation hearing.
Is this the same DiFi who voted to authorize our outgoing Prez to invade Iraq? Who, as rumor has it, is arrogant enough to believe that Californians might want her as our next governor? The one who just said that she had not seen “Milk” because the memories were still to painful, but who used the clip of her announcing the murders of Moscone and Milk in her campaign commercials? The same one who went into MacArthur Park with an entourage to purchase counterfeit citizenship documentation? Diane, this liberal thinks you have outlived your usefulness and your credibility.
Feinstein is just another a hole politician. A prime example of what is wrong with politicians and the government.
I don’t like being on the same side as Feinstein on anything, but this clown has no business in this post. Obama is pretty quick to come out swinging strikes. Pretty soon, we may find out that he’s just another politically corrupt Chicago politician (or the right hand of one).
It seems to me she will just have to “get over it” very similar to the way we as citizens have to accept decidions made by all politicans.
Has Feinstein ever been thrilled about anything?
Feinstein is one of the most savvy politicians on the hill, and this is coming from a republican. If she sees a red flag, then someone should be checking on this, carefully.
I mostly don’t agree with her politics, but she’s one smart cookie, pulls no punches, and is one of those that actually practices non-partisan politics when called for.
I agree with Rob, on both counts.
Not to side with the evil-incarnate Feinstein; however, apparently ol’ Obama doesn’t like to disclose much of anything - to the public, or fellow politico’s.
If Feinstein opposes him. Then I am glad to hear he has been appointed.
I agree with Feinstein on this one. We don’t need an unproved head of our CIA! Good Lord - at least trusted that Obama would surround himself with EXPERIENCED people in critical positions. Does this bounce back to himself being so inexperienced that he doesn’t recongize where expereience is critical? OMG
Hate to be in the position of agreeing with Feinstein as i was reeady to poke fun as her not being thrilled re the potential Caroline Kennedy appointment to the Senate and now this. Maybe it was Diane learning that we don exist to “thrill” her but have to agree with her this CIA pick and being on Bill Clinton’s staff might prove him qualified in some clandestan activities, they’re not on the par needed.
FIRE FEINSTEIN!!!
feinstein will not be happy with anyone who is not her choice,but it is not up to her ,otherwise she would be doing the selecting.her record is not that great in my opinion.
Well Feinstein you said you wanted change.
I thought Obama would be Carter II. Now we see he’s really Clinton III. Some change!
Panetta was good as a Clinton staffer, but a bad choice for the head of the spy agency. I agree with Feinstein. Politics and CIA Intelligence are two completely different worlds. Obama was off to a good start, but this time he made the wrong selection.
Well, Obama does not care what Feinstein thinks, Maybe this is the beginning of real change.
For once I agree with DiFi. This guy is unqualified for this position.
Feinstein needs to resign. She’s the female version of John McCain. Old, senile and a flip-flopper. As a californian I’m embarrassed to have her as a senator. Go away, DiFi. Spend your graft money on the grandkids.
You wanted him, you got him. He’s your guy for change. Stop the crocodile tears.
Senator Feinstein’s opinion is of little consequence to anyone with a brain. She is part of the problem in Washington DC. Her hypocracy is without limits. She is a major player in the partisan games that have helped create the level of disgust with elected representatives in Congress. Ms Feinstein should do a lot of personal reflection to reconsider actually representing the constituents that elected her.
That would be a nice switch.
I think it would be great to see Feinstein, Boxer and Pelosi all resign. Any one of my three daughters have more integrity than these three DC lifers.