First Read: Incoming Senate Intelligence Committee Chairperson Dianne Feinstein today said she's had a "substantial conversation" with President- and Vice President-elect Obama and Biden.
"They've apologized profusely," for not consulting with her before naming Leon Panetta as the nominee to head the CIA.
She called the oversight a "mistake," but suggested it was an honest one.
"I've been around a long time," said Feinstein, who's serving her fourth term. "I know this happens… so that's not an issue."
But she reiterated her concerns that Mr. Panetta wouldn't come to the job with significant intelligence experience. While acknowledging the CIA Director's job requires an operational skill set, "it's also a clandestine and covert service agency for the country. And as such, I think on the ground experience as a station agent in various parts of the world is vital."
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Obama and Biden Apologize to Feinstein
Well, what do you know. What a unique and very nice way to handle the situation.
