I’ve had my falling out with Larry Johnson over the Clinton/Obama contest and the tactics he was willing to stoop to on Hillary’s behalf. But he did post an article here back in 2007 that was very critical of Obama’s new pick to be head of the National Intelligence Agency. Lt. Gen. James Clapper is that man, and he’s already getting a cool reception on Capitol Hill. Larry called him the worst chief of the Defense Intelligence Agency in history, but the Hill seems more concerned about the (lack of) forcefulness of his personality and the mere fact that he’s from the Pentagon. In recent decades the head of the intelligence community has been a civilian, even if they had prior military experience. And Clapper has clashed in the past with the CIA over resources and authorities. I don’t really know enough about Clapper to give you a fair assessment but I do know two things. The universe of people qualified to be DNI is exceedingly small, and the universe of people who actually want the job is much smaller than that.
About The Author
BooMan
Martin Longman a contributing editor at the Washington Monthly. He is also the founder of Booman Tribune and Progress Pond. He has a degree in philosophy from Western Michigan University.
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If he has clashed with the CIA, I consider it a mark in his favor.
It’s funny. The Defense Intelligence Agency manages to keep out of the press, no one writes books about them. Hardly any movies are made about them. But they are huge and do all kinds of shady stuff. I think I trust Naval Intelligence less than the CIA. And the DIA isn’t subject to much congressional oversight. The CIA is adept at treating Congress like a joke, but at least they have to answer to them .
Sounds like Obama wants someone who will follow orders and I don’t see the problem.
Excellent point.
What command authority does he have?
What budget authority does he have?
If it’s a matter of getting the consensus of 16 cantankerous agencies without those two tools, forget it. He’s just filling a chair and wasting money.
It is interesting that his background is in geospatial intelligence. All the “dark side” humint apologists are not going to like that one regardless of the personal talent, or lack thereof.
to stoop to on Barry’s behalf were just as despicable.
Could you enlighten us as to what tactics you are referring to?
really? Give me an example.
did you know that the Halperin/Heilemann book revealed that Hillary Rodham Clinton read NoQuarter and actually allowed them to give her hope?
like that “Barry”. Is that his Kenyan name?
is Mrs. Clinton’s Scottish name.
The tone of stupid disrespect is pretty well correlated with teabaggery.
was set by Obama supporters in primary season. And the references to “Hillary” continue apace.
And Hilary and Bill Clinton and their campaign managers weren’t endlessly disrespectful to Barack Obama during the campaign? Their disrespect was only exceeded by their incompetence. That’s why they lost. Get over it.
I’m never getting over it.
Hillary Clinton referred to herself as “Hillary”, she printed signs with “Hillary for President” on them.
Loser.
What?
those people are all sexist obots.
Now she’s the Secretary of State.
on your win.
How’s that workin’ out for ya?
What has your question got to do with Hillary and Bill Clinton’s racism? Thanks for playing.
you have a serious problem.
You keep using wingnut language. It’s very revealing. How’s that Sarah Palin FAILy thing workin’ out for you?