Dianne Feinstein and Jay Rockefeller – two of Bush’s most ardent enablers – came out against him. Now, just like Glenn Greenwald, I’m lovin’ the pick.
Spencer Ackerman reports that Sen. Dianne Feinstein is upset with the selection of Panetta, petulantly complaining that she wasn’t consulted in advance and that it would be best to have an “intelligence professional” in that position. CQ‘s Tim Starks reports that Sen. Jay Rockefeller is making very similar noises about this selection. Few things could reflect better on Panetta’s selection than the fact that Feinstein and Rockefeller — two of the most Bush-enabling Senators — are unhappy with it.
And it’s ironic that after eight years of giving a Republican President everything he wanted, these two suddenly find their tongues. Lest we forget Feinstein voted for all of Bush’s nominees to run the CIA, including Porter Goss, and General Michael Hayden. Not to mention she loves her some Patriot Act. Amending the Constitution to outlaw flag burning is on her greatest hits playlist, as well.
Ryeland of Kos digs up this little nugget:
When it was President Bush appointing an idiot like Goss, here’s what Feinstein thought:
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.
Feinstein needs to sit down and shut up, which shouldn’t be too difficult since she’s had eight years of practice.