Obama Responds to Panetta Questions

The president-elect's presser today was mostly consumed with matters of the economy but one reporter got in a question about Obama's apparent pick of Leon Panetta to be head of the CIA -- particularly his alleged lack of experience in intelligence matters. While stressing that nothing's official, Obama praised Panetta's leadership abilities. He said that as Bill Clinton's Chief of Staff, Panetta spent plenty of time evaluating intelligence and dealing with international issues. Obama said no matter who he picks, it will signal a sea change in the way the president and his intelligence team interacts.

When we make the announcement, I think what people will see is that we are putting together a top-notch intelligence team that is not only going to ensure that I get the best possible intelligence--unvarnished--that the intelligence community is no longer geared towards telling the president what they think the president wants to hear, but instead are going to be delivering the information the president needs to make critical decisions to keep the American people safe.