The Daily Background

Hayden is officially nominated. Expect more soundbites later in the day. Wash Post:

President Bush named Gen. Michael V. Hayden as CIA director today in the face of heavy criticism from Republicans as well as Democrats.

Bush cited Hayden’s background of “more than 20 years of experience” as he announced the nomination, which was widely reported over the weekend.

Anticipating the fight ahead, the administration began defending the appointment even before it was made. Stephen Hadley, Bush’s national security adviser, said on NBC’s “Today” show and on ABC’s “Good Morning America” today that Hayden is a “change agent,” the “best person” for the job, “the right man at the right time.”

Anybody else find it a bit odd that Hadley’s talking points conflict with the President’s and Goss’ resignation appearence talking points? Goss said that the CIA was in good shape now (sort of as in ‘finally’) and the President said that it was too, and that Goss was a transitional leader to get it back into good shape. Of course we knew neither of these were true in the least bit, but did Hadley just confirm this and admit it by saying that Hayden was what the CIA needed because he is a “change agent”? Full article.

Filed under: Z-TDB Blog