Matt Yglesias

Holt on Panetta

Rush Holt has a better record of judgment on intelligence and national security issues than does Dianne Feinstein, so naturally nobody regards his views as “serious,” but he likes Leon Panetta just fine:

“Having served in Congress in the wake of Watergate and the domestic surveillance abuses that surfaced during the 1970s, Mr. Panetta understands how a democratic government should operate. He also demonstrated skill in running the Office of Management and Budget and as Chief of Staff under President Clinton. We need the CIA to collect reliable, actionable intelligence in ways that respect American values and honor the Constitution. Mr. Panetta’s background and reputation indicate he would serve the intelligence community, the President, and the country well.”

Hippies!