Feingold Nudges Obama To Select "New Leadership" For Intelligence Agencies

In a gentle yet clear nudge to President-elect Barack Obama, Sen. Russ Feingold released a statement on Thursday calling for "new leadership" in the nation's various intelligence services.

"I am confident President-elect Obama understands the need for new leadership of the intelligence community and will appoint competent, capable people who will work aggressively to ensure the safety and security of Americans without undermining our laws and Constitution," Feingold said in the statement.

"For eight years, the current Administration has shown contempt for the rule of law, including in intelligence-related matters, while repeatedly refusing to work cooperatively with Congress. At the same time, the Administration has failed to develop comprehensive strategies to protect our nation against our most immediate threat, al Qaeda and its affiliates. New leadership is needed to move our intelligence policies in the right direction," Feingold's statement concludes.

Feingold -- perhaps the Senate's most indefatigable civil libertarian -- has been a stalwart opponent of the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program, as well as extensive searches of Americans' laptops and other property at airports by the TSA. It would be practically impossible to read his statement as anything but a reaction to a Wall Street Journal report earlier this week that claimed Obama is "unlikely to radically overhaul controversial Bush administration intelligence policies."

Comments

[Rapid Ray]

I think Obama will be keeping Feingold in mind when a supreme court seat becomes available.

[emcd]

Now THERE is a perfect SCOTUS appointment in my opinion.

And one that will NEVER pass a non-filibuster-proof Senate.

Here's hoping we get there, and that Obama takes your advice!

[canarypapers]

EARTH TO OBAMA: Please listen to Feingold.

This administration has been a cancer on this country that will continue to metastasize until all the Bush-Cheney crooks have been excised. Even then, the battle will be uphill. The housecleaning is especially necessary in both the Dept. of Justice and the entire intelligence community from the CIA and the FBI down. This goes for Robert Gates, too. He's been a tumor on this country since the days of the days of the Iran hostage crisis and the Iran-Contra Affair. I hope that, while Obama is vetting all of his prospective new employees, he also takes a look at the resumes of those already in power.

We seem to have at least 2 separate governments in this country: the one we read about in the news propaganda, and the real government, that does the dirty work of staging covert wars, overthrowing other governments, installing puppet regimes and committing flagrant human rights abuses, so that we can steal oil and other mineral rights, while lining the pockets of corporations that do work in these countries -- from oil & mineral companies, to war contractors, to mercenary armies.

Which makes all the more important that we (1) cut out the cancers that keep our government corrput, and (2) strive toward green technologies and away from foreign oil dependence, which has been at the root of most, if not all of the wars and human misery & suffering around the globe for the past 50 years.

[DakotaMinnesota]

What's funny is that 75% percent of people reading your post will consider it science fiction - but all the crimes you're mentioning are real and verifiable. I share your concerns.

[Sarahjan]

Give Russ Feingold an important position within the Barack Obama admin. He is one of very few American public officials who are respected and admired the world over! Obama should use Russ Feingold when attempts to deal with crisis in Somalia. Somalis of all strips respect and admire Russ Feingold!

[Rosanneofpgh]

Senator Feingold would be an awesome AG! He is definitely up to the job of cleaning out the Augean stables that is the current Justice Dept.

If not Senator Feingold, then John Edwards for AG.

There can be no presidential pardons if nobody is charged with a crime until after prez fucksupalot is out of office. After he's gone, let the games begin!! Whoooohooooo!!

[insightfulman]

Not correct. A blanket pardon can precede an indictment. Remember Richard Nixon?!

[AtlantaBill]

I could not agree more with the senator. That bunch heading in the intelligence services should all be removed instantly. They supported policies that shamed this nation and deserves no role in an Obama administration. I can't wait for the entire bunch to be removed.

[Deidroni]

SENATOR RUSS FEINGOLD FOR SECRETARY OF STATE

He should be a big part of the new face of America.

[elderly]

I agree completely. The appointment of Senator Feingold would be the strongest indication possible to everyone that a new day has dawned in the United States of America.

[bluemike]

Three cheers for Feingold !!! Current intelligence chiefs are doing what all good soldiers do - they are observing chain of command by promoting the agenda of their CIC.

[Donald-Iowa]

Obama could well utilize the talents of retired Admiral Bobby Inman, a non-partisen Professor at the Univ of Texas, and one of the greatest intelligence minds of this country. Admiral Inman served in many capacities as the head of many of the nations intelligence agencies and would be the perfect choice to advise President elect Obama on his recommendations as to who would best head up the CIA, NSA, and become the new National Intelligence Chief.

Let's hear from someone who doesn't have a horse in the race for a change.

[Beamreach]

After the last time Bobby Ray got nominated for SecDef by Clinton, I doubt he'd be up for that. What about Richard Clarke?

[pupbayer]

New? O bama? LOL!!! That doesn't seem to be in his vocabulary all of a sudden. He's pretty stuck on bringing the old back in. I haven't seen anything or anyone new mentioned yet.

[imjustawitchywoman]

It's not him bringing in the "old" .....it is about him bringing in the Best and most Competent.

This man is intelligent. He has that and some of the best advisors one could hope for.

All these people out here that are haters.....or just critical of Obama's ability to bring on the change he Campaigned for.....talk to me in 2 years....and then again after his first term.

I bet he won't be taking as many vacations as Duh bya and I am sure that he will actually get things done....

This Man will change the way Washington works (actually doesn't work) and will restore our Econony and the middle class.

For all the Obama Supporters out here.....keep the faith.....better days are ahead.

[wrathofcon]

And if he fails, you will still defend him and blame it on Bush................... We did not relize how bad it was, give Obama 4 more years.

[XME]

Pupbayer is not an Obama supporter...just very bitter and has nothing better than to criticize every single thing WRITTEN about Obama, whether fact or speculation. I believe it's called sour grapes.

[SouthernIL]

I'm sure with Pres. Elect Obama's long "honey-do list"..... this will be part of his considerations and actions. I just pray P.E.O. has time enough to breath to carry out every single change that is brought forth before him. He is but one man, who is trying his best to "wait" until January 20th to begin his housecleaning.....but once he is sworn in! Watch out!! I'd wear steal-toed shoes. ")

[KickerBoard]

Thank you, Senator! A Democrat with the guts to act boldly on a good and clear mandate.

[rock2casbah]

It's a litlle precipitous don't you think. He won't be President until January 21. So what BOLD action should he take. I think he addressed this already saying "There is only one president at a time".

[Dap]

As is usual, Senator Feingold's insight will fall on deaf ears. Once again thank you Senator Feingold for speaking raw truth to power.

[yorkie]

IF O wants to avoid early disputes with DEMS on the HILL he would be wise to take the advice of FIENGOLD seriously,,,,,, I hope O brings in 2 of the brightest minds in DEM party and progressives with long great track record,,,GARY HART and BILL BRADLEY,,,, Both are ready to serve with talents we need and they are not holdovers from CLINTON era.......

[RJII]

this going to be an interesting ride. I can't wait for January.

[NotMcCain]

Love him.

I only wish there were more progressive Democratic voices like his in Congress (and the in-coming WH....)

He's right about the need for INTEGRITY and honesty in these agencies. That is definitely NOT Bush cronies.....

[PalmG]

Co-sign. I can't figure out for the life of me why he decided not to run for President. He, like Howard Dean, has been right about virtually EVERYTHING. Time and time again these soldiers are vindicated. They've been outspoken and right-on about all the major issues facing this country. Feingold was against Iraq War (Check), against FISA (Check), against Gitmo (Check), against the 740 Bil Bailout (Check), and the list goes on. I heart him, I really, really do. Dems are so stupid, they put their weakest members in front (Pelosi, Reid, Daschle) and leave the real leaders in the background. When will they EVER learn????????

[walk0nwalls]

Feingold is my man.

Huffpo, why the bad pic?