Chris Mooney is a visiting associate in the 
Ocean champion Leon E. Panetta will take over the Central Intelligence Agency.
In disclosing the pick, officials pointed to Mr. Panetta's sharp managerial skills, his strong bipartisan standing on Capitol Hill, his significant foreign policy experience in the White House and his service on the Iraq Study Group, the bipartisan panel that examined the war and made recommendations on United States policy. The officials noted that he had a handle on intelligence spending from his days as director of the Office and Management and Budget.
Details at The Caucus Blog...
Politics
Comments
That's an intriguing choice. In the past the CIA has been one of the most dysfunctional agencies in the country. An excellent chronicle is narrated in Tim Weiner's "Legacy of Ashes". Let's see what Panetta can do to change its image.
Posted by: Ashutosh | January 5, 2009 4:39 PM
I like Panetta, but it does seem an odd (certainly, surprise) selection that may not sit well with CIA lifers... also, adds to the notion that we are getting a bit of a Clinton 'shadow' Gov't. put in place. Needless to say, should be incredibly interesting to watch the next few months unfold.
Posted by: Shecky | January 5, 2009 6:01 PM
All I want to know is why didn't Obama let Hillary run if all he's going to do is appoint "ex-Clinton Appointees"? Why did he pick such a self-serving individual as Panetta? I understand the old phrase "Keep your friends close; and your enemies closer" but I must say that President-Elect Obama is carrying this just a bit to-o-o-o-o-o far. Stop making deals with the devil and pick someone that doesn't have ties to the Clintons...PLEASE! I do believe in Change, but I hope this wasn't part of the Change package.
For goodness sakes Panetta???????????????????
Posted by: Gabby | January 5, 2009 8:51 PM
I want some one who knows something about intelegence, not a Clinton yes man. We need someone who can help protect this country, not some one to placate the left , who would rather see this country distroyed then protected. Obama has shown a very serious lack of understanding here, and I'm afraid that he will continue to show his lack of knowledge and understanding of the dangers that prevail in this world today.Chicago politics are not world politics. Our country's future is at stake. Placating the LEFT IS NOT IN THE COUNTRY"S INTEREST.
Posted by: ken walsh | January 5, 2009 10:52 PM
Sheril Kirshenbaum, should stick to marine biology. her comments on Panetta is more of a fish story then reality.
Posted by: ken walsh | January 5, 2009 10:57 PM
If your goal is to deal with what you see as management dysfunction, then Panetta is actually a really good choice. He's sharp, a good manager, and not known for being a shrinking wall flower. Yes, it will rankle lifers, but any choice that isn't one of them tends to rankle them. Doesn't mean its a bad choice.
Posted by: Philip H. | January 6, 2009 10:05 AM
Well said Philip. We'll see how this one plays out.
Posted by: john | January 6, 2009 11:05 AM