Obama Nominates Newest Intelligence Director

Meet Lt. General James Clapper

After the recent resignation of Dennis Blair, Obama found himself with an empty seat in the nations top Intelligence spot. This is not a shocking development, the dislike between Obama and former Chief Dennis Blair was palpable and the job does not have a high retention rate as is (if confirmed Clapper will be the fourth Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in five years). It is the responsibility of the DNI to oversee all sixteen departments in the US intelligence community. Does this man have what it takes for this large of a job? Lets dig deeper and find out.

Air Force Lt. General James Clapper has a highly distinguished career. After serving in the Air force for thirty-two years, he retired in 1995. Then in 2001 he served as the head of Nation Geospatial-Intelligence Agency until 2006 when he became a top adviser to the Pentagon. This man has an obvious connect with the armed forces and intelligence communities, thus showing that he may indeed be comfortable in this position.

However criticism has not been long in the coming, and not just from the Republicans. The Intelligence Community Chair, Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has said that a person with a civilian background would be preferred and her counterpart in the House, Rep Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) agreed by saying that he feels Clapper is forthcoming or transparent enough. The Senate Vice Chair, Republican Kit Bond (R-MO) released a concurring statement claiming that Clapper was to Defense heavy and not even handed towards all fields of intelligence.

Yet, General Clapper has a perfect 4-0 confirmation record in the Senate for all of his previous appointments and has also attracted a very high profile endorsement from Defense Secretary Robert gates, a man who's praises ring from both sides of the aisle. Regardless of any perceived bias, I believe that Clapper will be confirmed and that the DNI spot will not be vacant for long because neither party wants to be labeled as the one who held up national security. Just doesn't sit well with voters.

Later,
Cody


(Photo: Courtesy of the Associated Press)