Feinstein says she’ll support Panetta.
By on Jan 7th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Feinstein says she’ll support Panetta.
After complaining that she was not informed in advance about Barack Obama’s choice of Leon Panetta to head the CIA, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) now says she’ll support the nomination. Feinstein previously said that she wanted “an intelligence professional in charge” of the CIA. But following a 20-minute conservation with Panetta last night, she “came away confident he’d surround himself with good personnel at the agency.”
UpdateSen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the intelligence committee, said he is keeping an "open mind" on Panetta.
UpdateContacted by ThinkProgress, an aide to Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) said the senator had "no further comment" on Panetta's nomination. Rockefeller expressed concerns similar to Feinstein's shortly after Panetta's name leaked on Monday.
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ha, i wonder if this about face is the result of feinstein accepting the inevitable or her getting assured her hubbies war profiteering wont be inquired into too deeply..
another worthless bush hack complaining about panetta..
I guess they only support CIA nominees who come clean an openly admit they arent qualified, like Porter Goss did..
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/06/townsend.cia/index.html
judging by the character of the people complaining about him, I'm likin this guy more each day..
January 7th, 2009 at 3:45 pmWhy the hell not, DiFi? We don't forget that you supported Mukasey.
January 7th, 2009 at 3:47 pmRachael Maddow ripped Feinstien up on her show last night over her comments.
January 7th, 2009 at 3:48 pmSo Bush's Lap Dog was miffed that she was told...why the hell should they care if she was told? She sided with the devil for 8 years, and now she thinks she is gonna be ignored, DINOs are gonna get their just deserts for their treason.
January 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pmShe isn't the President so she'd better chill the f out.
January 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pmoh, and just so you can get a sense of the previously mentioned bush hacks prudent judgement, heres what she said of george bush:'There are some men who lift the age they inhabit, til all men walk on higher ground in their lifetime.' Mr. President, you are such a man."
January 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pmafter eight years of being chimpy's personal doormat, feinstein has no room to piss and moan about anything.
January 7th, 2009 at 3:51 pmFeinstein is just scared her husband Richard Blum's illegal contracts will come to light. Now what's funny is Diane said who ever Bush picked was his business as Bush appointed Porter Goss who didn't even know how to use a computer or cell phone. She appointed of every appointee Bush picked even knowing they had no experience or qualifications for the job. She was a supporter of Gonzales who showed he didn't know law even during his confirmation hearing as Feinstein went along with the White House. Diane Feinstein has profitted from the corruption of the GOP and is in their back pocket as it shows now. Even Pelosi took the bibes from the White House and Harry Reid is all over the place now looking for support for Ted Stevens the convicted felon. When the criminal cases come to light we will see alot of well known Democratics who played their part and got the pay to play money from the White House. Diane, Nancy and Harry should change their party to be Republicans like Joe Lieberman as they do as their told. Panetta will find out how Feinstein worked with her husband and Fargo/Wilkes to scam the US taxpayers out of billions of dollars. Now both Fargo/Wilkes have been convicted of crimes as Fargo worked in the CIA. Porter Goss just held the title and let the crimes continue as usual.
January 7th, 2009 at 3:52 pmAlways a class act. (spits)
January 7th, 2009 at 3:53 pm"Feinstein says she’ll support Panetta"
Interesting about face for Feinstein. She knew that her past votes for torture, wiretapping, and Bush nominees would come back to bite her. And she certainly has been quite a busy bee acting as cheerleader voicing her support for Roland Burris to sit on the Senate as the junior Senator of Illinois. I think the biggest slap in the face and egg on her face came from comments from ex-CIA officer Robert Baer on Rachel Maddow's show last night:
Ex-agent: Feinstein wrong, CIA needs an 'adult in charge'
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Former_CIA_agent_Panetta_a_good_0107.html
And this by Scott Horton:
Scott Horton, for example, writes, "The bottom line is that Jay Rockefeller was an abject failure when it came to intelligence oversight. His term as ranking member and then chair of the Senate intelligence committee was one in which Congress generally, and the Senate in particular, failed to live up to their Constitutional mandate. ... The Rockefeller-Feinstein record was little short of disastrous. I’m delighted that the Obama team didn’t consult them."
January 7th, 2009 at 3:54 pmShe just wanted a hug.
January 7th, 2009 at 4:01 pmit wasn't very smart of her to pitch this fit, and call attention to her criminal ties... sure hope there wasn't a plea bargain with that "support"...
January 7th, 2009 at 4:01 pmI like to imagine that she woke up this morning with a horse's head in her bed, and a note saying "Love, Rahm."
January 7th, 2009 at 4:02 pmWayne Says:
Rachael Maddow ripped Feinstien up on her show last night over her comments.
i saw that too, wayne... commented on that somewhere...
do you think di will take rachel up on her invitation to be on the show?
ha!
January 7th, 2009 at 4:05 pmWell, now, that's mighty darn white of her - to support her President's nominee and all...
Gee, thanks, DiFi. We appreciate it.
(The above was brought to you by Snarktastic Prods. Inc.)
January 7th, 2009 at 4:10 pmThose who are criticizing DiFi would have supporter her if Bush had picked someone without consulting her and she was upset with it. The truth is that Obama himself admitted to her that he had intended to consult her ahead of time, and that the information was leaked prematurely. It is standard protocol to consult the committee chairs before appointments, but Obama in his inexperience doesn't seem to grasp this reality yet. He did the same thing to Barbara Boxer and didn't consult her before appointing another cabinet member she will have to approve. It's obvious the Obama team is dealing with a lot right now and they aren't on their "A" game on this one - they really need to be more inclusive of the Senate if they want their agenda supported...
Those that want to trash DiFi, her constituents elected her to do exactly what she is doing. It wasn't good when Bush acted as IMPERIAL president against Congress, the same is true for Obama. Those that whine about Obama's popularity and congress had better get in line sound just like BushBots... Obama needs congress, and congress needs Obama so both need to show the proper respect to the roles of the other. This situation did not show DiFi the respect her position is accorded and she responded appropriately, which is why Obama called her and apologized already and Biden came out and publicly stated that not consulting DiFi had been a mistake.
That being said, I personally think Panetta is an interesting choice. If it's good enough for the GOP to tap GHBush as CIA director without any credentials in intelligence, why not Panetta?
January 7th, 2009 at 4:12 pmLeftside Annie Says:
Well, now, that’s mighty darn white of her - to support her President’s nominee and all…
Gee, thanks, DiFi. We appreciate it.
(The above was brought to you by Snarktastic Prods. Inc.)
The senate is NOT a rubber stamp, and when robbez_92107 feels justified to say Bush shouldn't be able to appoint Mukasey these sorts of posts are hypocritical and GOP like.
The senate has a role that's constitutionally defined, and I'm personally sick of the IMPERIAL PRESIDENT acting like Congress should rubber stamp. If you feel so strongly that OBAMA should be KING, I kindly suggest you reconsider your party affiliation as it would be more appropriate for you to join the GOP with those sentiments...
January 7th, 2009 at 4:15 pmrhf - Besides setting up something that did not happen, you are totally wrong about my support for Feinstein. I feel it is time for her to retire to North Dallas with her hero. When she first started in the Senate, there was hope. Now, she is a total hack and needs to 'piss off'!
January 7th, 2009 at 4:15 pmrhf, Would you please give Obama at LEAST A MONTH BEFORE YOU BECOME A FRIGGING TROLL? JESUS CHRIST. WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?
January 7th, 2009 at 4:17 pmLiberalVoter Says:
rhf, Would you please give Obama at LEAST A MONTH BEFORE YOU BECOME A FRIGGING TROLL? JESUS CHRIST. WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?
Would you please pull Obama down from the Cross and realize he's a politician just like DiFi that makes mistakes - in this case his was in not following washington and constitutional protocol? What's TROLLING is people that are willing to throw progressive and constitutional values under the bus for hero worship - you sound just like a BushBot.
Obama messed up, he apologize to DiFi - I'm satisfied. But to trash DiFi for DOING HER JOB when she wasn't the one that f**ked up is the TROLLING - MORON!
January 7th, 2009 at 4:22 pmI'm a little confused as to why she felt it was necessary to inform her before informing anyone else. I know that it may be customary, but when all is said and done, is this something that he has to do?
January 7th, 2009 at 4:23 pmThe outrage of DiFi seems a tad misplaced. She calmly accepted all of Bush's extreme politics and even criminal activity, but now she's upset because she had to read about Panetta in the New York Times?
January 7th, 2009 at 4:23 pmIgnoranceIsNotBliss Says:
I’m a little confused as to why she felt it was necessary to inform her before informing anyone else. I know that it may be customary, but when all is said and done, is this something that he has to do?
Because she's the committee chair responsible for confirming him - it's standard protocol that while it isn't necessary for you to know he SHOULD HAVE!
January 7th, 2009 at 4:24 pmrmwarnick Says:
The outrage of DiFi seems a tad misplaced. She calmly accepted all of Bush’s extreme politics and even criminal activity, but now she’s upset because she had to read about Panetta in the New York Times?
If Bush had appointed a non-lawyer to head the DOJ or a non-scientist to head NASA the outrage would have been similar. When Bush didn't consult the committee chairs he was similarly chastised - people sure have short memories!!
January 7th, 2009 at 4:25 pmLiberalVoter Says:
rhf - Besides setting up something that did not happen, you are totally wrong about my support for Feinstein. I feel it is time for her to retire to North Dallas with her hero. When she first started in the Senate, there was hope. Now, she is a total hack and needs to ‘piss off’!
Your opinion is noted, however it's irrelevant to this situation as she's doing her job and it was Obama's team that f**ed up, not her. I also don't care whether you support DiFi or not, but you SHOULD support the constitution - and she's doing her constitutional duty so get over it!
January 7th, 2009 at 4:27 pmBut to trash DiFi for DOING HER JOB when she wasn’t the one that f**ked up is the TROLLING - MORON!
when did hate come to make excuses for allowing illegal spying and war crimes?
whodduthunkit...
that puma virus is serious... and it keeps coming back around...
January 7th, 2009 at 4:27 pmwash your hands, girl...
rhf, the reason people are giving her a hard time is because she's a hypocritical DINO. She approved everything bush suggested and here's what she said about that in her own words.
"In justifying her vote to confirm Porter Goss as CIA director in 2004, Feinstein said, “I believe the President should have the prerogative to appoint who he wants to be the DCI, or for any other senior position, subject only to the requirement that the person be qualified for the job.” Indeed, as Matt Yglesias writes, “it’s worth noting that not only has it never been the case that the CIA Director must be a career intelligence professional, it’s also long been the case that past service as a White House Chief of Staff has been viewed as a wide-ranging qualification for future public office.”
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/01/06/panetta-feinstein-rockefeller/
January 7th, 2009 at 4:29 pmthe story broke before obama could make any call...
January 7th, 2009 at 4:30 pmthe obama team did not f-up.
katy Says:
But to trash DiFi for DOING HER JOB when she wasn’t the one that f**ked up is the TROLLING - MORON!
when did hate come to make excuses for allowing illegal spying and war crimes?
So her doing her job as committee lead on this appointment is an act of hatred and war crimes? ROTFL! What a STUPID comment!
you can hate DiFi all you want, no matter how irrationally or extreme, but in this case she was right and Obama was wrong - get over it.
whodduthunkit…
that puma virus is serious… and it keeps coming back around…
wash your hands, girl…
that c**t virus is serious in its irrational hatred of strong women and it keeps coming back around... skank like you doesn't wash off...
January 7th, 2009 at 4:37 pmkaty Says:
the story broke before obama could make any call…
the obama team did not f-up.
Biden says different, I think he's right and you're wrong. how do you think the story broke since the obama team was responsible for managing it?
get over it skank. Obama admits his team f**ked up, or did you miss those quotes?
January 7th, 2009 at 4:38 pmrhf, I was reminded you have never recovered from Hillary not being nominated. Fine. Seek help. And as for Obama on the cross, there is no room there until you take Hillary down from it. As for Feinstein doing her job, that is a frigging joke. Do you have no clue at all?
January 7th, 2009 at 4:38 pmrhf, If you supported the Constitution you would be pissed at Feinstein. Try read it before spewing.
January 7th, 2009 at 4:41 pmbonzo 1958 Says:
rhf, the reason people are giving her a hard time is because she’s a hypocritical DINO. She approved everything bush suggested and here’s what she said about that in her own words.
And she'll most likely approve Obama's appointment - but that hatred is hypocritical because you're using it to justify attacking her when she didn't do anything wrong. It's as stupid as all of the irrational Bill Clinton haters that said everything he did was bad because he had an affair. Learn to judge individual actions even if you don't like the person. Besides, Democrats and Republicans both have criticized bush when they didn't think an appointment was qualified - get over it.
“In justifying her vote to confirm Porter Goss as CIA director in 2004, Feinstein said, “I believe the President should have the prerogative to appoint who he wants to be the DCI, or for any other senior position, subject only to the requirement that the person be qualified for the job.” Indeed, as Matt Yglesias writes, “it’s worth noting that not only has it never been the case that the CIA Director must be a career intelligence professional, it’s also long been the case that past service as a White House Chief of Staff has been viewed as a wide-ranging qualification for future public office.”
http://thinkprogress.org/ 2009/ 01/ 06/ panetta-feinstein-rockefeller/
And her current criticism is consistent with that quote you ignorant moron. It says QUALIFIED, and frankly asking the head of intelligence to have an intelligence background is no more unreasonable than to expect the head of FEMA to have a disaster relief background. To not question it would be irresponsible.
January 7th, 2009 at 4:41 pmLiberalVoter Says:
rhf, If you supported the Constitution you would be pissed at Feinstein. Try read it before spewing.
I'm pissed about many things DiFi has done, just as I'm pissed at many things Obama has done such as his UNCONSTITUTIONAL FISA vote. However I can PARSE my GENERAL DISCONTENT from INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS as MOST MATURE ADULTS CAN - you should TRY IT SOMETIME!
In this case it was OBAMA that messed up, not DiFi. Tomorrow it very well may be the opposite.
January 7th, 2009 at 4:43 pmLiberalVoter Says:
rhf, I was reminded you have never recovered from Hillary not being nominated. Fine. Seek help.
You really should get treatment for your Clinton Derangement Disorder. I never mentioned Hillary - you did - LOSER!
And as for Obama on the cross, there is no room there until you take Hillary down from it.
Hillary was quite gracious and did more to support Obama than any primary loser in democratic history. The only people on the cross I can see are all of the extremists like you that can't get over things and put Obama up there with you...
As for Feinstein doing her job, that is a frigging joke. Do you have no clue at all?
Yeah, I have the clue that part of her job is committee chair to deal with his appointments and she's doing it, but Obama messed up his job to involve her... I have enough clues to even share some with you - but apparently you're beyond using any of them...
January 7th, 2009 at 4:46 pmGee, an ADULT calling me a MORON. Wow. That's rich.
IT IS NOT UNCONSTITUTIONAL FOR OBAMA NOT TO NOTIFY FEINSTEIN BEFORE MAKING HIS CHOICE.
Take down your pictures of Hillary, it's over.
January 7th, 2009 at 4:46 pmAnd as for Feinstein dealing with the appointment, now she is on board. Geeze, I guess it did not matter to her if Panetta was qualified or not so long as her ego was stroked. Great, just the type of person we need in the position.
January 7th, 2009 at 4:50 pmFeinstein in all these years, never met a Bush illegality she could not support. She is a Bushie. She is a Republican posing as a Democrat.
As for Panetta, he is an intelligent man. Professionals have not done the job. We are going to be hit again eventually no matter who is in office. As for 9/11, when Bush came into office the Clinton staff had a series of three meetings set up to tell his staff about the terrorism situation. Clinton spent months on it and had a couple of volumes printed. He told Bush it was going to be the most important thing he faced.
Well the Bush team never showed up for any of the meetings. Not one. And Bush shelved the reports that Clinton had set up for him. He also ignored all the information he was given before the 9/11 debacle. So when this idiot and his fellow idiots say they could not have guess it would happen and planes would be used they lied as usual. Planes were specifically mentioned by the intelligence community.
So no one cares if Feinstein supports Panetta or not. She should do what she does best. Fatten up her rolodex and her husbands coffers until she gets out of office. She is marginal due to her own voting record. Let's hope she stays that way. Although seeing the hand writing, she might do what she does best. Play the game for the new President. Which ever way the wind blows, so blows Dianne.
January 7th, 2009 at 4:59 pmYou know what, RHF? You can bite me. I haven't insulted you in any of my posts - there is no need for you to shriek hysterically and fling your feces at me.
There are sound reasons for the choice of Panetta; he has been on point with intelligence for years, and managing the spook factory does not require that he be a spook himself, only that he knows how it works.
I expect Democrats to support Obama. That does not imply that I am advocating the same kind of mindless rubber-stamping practiced by Republicans. Furthermore, I have never been a big fan of DiFi - or any Democrat that has rolled over for Chimpy.
DiFi has been an accomplice to torture and Constitution shredding for the last 8 years - and frankly, I don't give a flying crap *what* she thinks. She can drop dead - with the rest of the DINOs for all I care. And you too.
January 7th, 2009 at 5:04 pmFolks, I apologize for my tirade in this thread. I could have been more mature in my replies.
Pax
January 7th, 2009 at 5:10 pmRest assured RHF, no matter how important you think your posts are, this will be the last time I ever respond.
January 7th, 2009 at 5:39 pmLiberalVoter Says:
Folks, I apologize for my tirade in this thread. I could have been more mature in my replies.
Well, I didn't find anything flaggable in your comments, unlike some I could mention.
January 7th, 2009 at 7:31 pmCould it be that DF has gone rogue a few times this week to reinforce her constituents loyalty..re: uproar about RW at the Inauguration Invocation?
January 7th, 2009 at 8:08 pmFrances Townsend produced a commentary on CNN on Panetta's nomination. The ex-White House Homeland Security Adviser wasn't positive.
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/06/townsend.cia/
My commentary on her commentary:
http://stateofthedivision.blogspot.com/2009/01/frances-townsend-weighs-in-on-leon.html
January 7th, 2009 at 9:04 pmDianne Feinstein - another rubber stamp for Zionism, Israel, and terrorism in the Middle East. How sad for America and Americans.
January 8th, 2009 at 12:52 am