I'd really like to know why so many people in the states are against him/it (army). Doesn't this guy have more discipline? Why can someone think that this post shouldn't be connected with army guys? I believe he's the right man, because not much space left for corruption, that is what the CIA was and is struggling, intern. Goss stepped back, because ... hmmmm ...delicate ... Lets cook in the rumour kitchen, even better, lets find out the truth ...
It's just a matter of fear that since he's from the military he might not be made for a civialian position. Honestly, he seems like the most qualified individual for that position, since he did work for the NSA. One of the biggest roles in the CIA is to give intelligience to the military, and who would know better than him!? All he should do is resign his military position
I can understand why some are concerned over having an active General sitting at the head of the CIA, it too closely ties a civil agency with the Pentagon. However, odds (and rumors) are that Hayden will resign his post prior to being confirmed, so that may ease those concerns. I agree that coming from a military background may be beneficial to the position, especially at this juncture in the CIA's history. Still, 'worst case' concerns of the CIA being annexed by--or becoming a fool's tool of--the Pentagon shouldn't be dismissed out of hand simply because they sound far-fetched. Post 9/11 America is a different animal that I don't think many of us have yet to come to fully appreciate, stranger things could happen than a CIA-Pentagon union in this world. But again, if he resigns his post that should ease those concerns. Personally, I have a deeper concern with his role at the NSA and the warrantless wiretapping program. Regardless of whether or not that program is effective (I don't want to start that debate here), it has yet to be shown as lawful and within the President's right to authorize. Again, I don't want to start that debate here either, it's not my reasoning for concern. What concerns me isn't that Hayden, a member of the armed forces, did what he was told with regards to creating and refining the program. It's that he became personally involved in the administration's PR campaign to quiet critics of the program that concerns me. The only motivations behind his countless public addresses and interviews during this PR campaign were purely political. It bothers me that someone so willing to turn lobbyist for the White House (under any administration) might head an agency like the CIA, especially at this point in time. I may be off-base here and the guy may be 100% pure, but I'd like to know what others think about this and see a little more discussion in this direction before his confirmation.