Hayden Confirmation

One of the few times we get some strait talk out of our leaders is when an appointee has to go through a confirmation process. I think today's hearing, with a few exceptions, was one of those times.

First and foremost, we once again heard of a covert domestic spying program, initiated by the president, but this time from the man who led it.

Hayden said he decided to go ahead with the then-covert surveillance program, which has been confirmed by Bush, believing it to be legal and necessary.

"When I had to make this personal decision in October 2001 ... the math was pretty straightforward. I could not not do this," Hayden said.

Saying you can not not do something because of the circumstances is a far cry from something being legal, but I digress. Most important in these hearings are the things that are not said.

Under questioning from Democratic Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, Hayden said he would only talk about the part of the program the president had confirmed.

"Is that the whole program?" asked Levin.

"I'm not at liberty to talk about that in open session," Hayden said. A closed-door session was planned for later in the day.

Translation: I will tell you about the other parts of the plan that the president has cleared me to discuss, but you bet your ass there is more, a whole lot more, and even y'all are going to only see the tip of the iceberg. Don't worry.

He has had disagreements with Rumsfeld, which is a plus in this case. How often is it a plus that you have had disagreements with a person that you will have to work closely with? I don't think he had much choice on this one. If he comes off like a yes-man for Rumsfeld, he is dead in the water. Nice coaching.

The following is the most important quote of the day.

"We just took too much for granted. We didn't challenge our basic assumptions."

Listen up Iran hawks. Words of wisdom right there.

The democrats acted like sheep in wolves clothing as usual.

Hayden, as expected, drew the most fire from Democratic members. "I now have a difficult time with your credibility," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.

Yes, and, your point? That didn't work on Condi (just ask Barbara Boxer), and it won't work now. Now for your rehearsed sound bite.

"I would reaffirm the CIA's proud culture of risk-taking,"

Is that spy language for breaking the law? If not, what exactly does that mean? What they need is an insider cleric. Now that would be risky.

I think Hayden will be confirmed rather easily. No one wants a fight on this one. They need someone in there, and this guy seems like at least he is competent, which is saying a lot for a Bush appointee.