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Michael Morell, earlier top pick for Biden's CIA Director before withdrawing, answering questions from @mvhaydencenter's @LarryPfeifferDC about why he withdrew. First, he clarifies he was never interviewed or vetted for the job.
If you missed the controversy over Morell's possible selection for CIA, take a read: https://news.yahoo.com/biden-caught-between-progressives-and-national-security-veterans-on-cia-pick-163707860.html.
Morell: "I didn’t want to re-litigate yet again this program, which would’ve been the fourth or fifth time it got litigated with a nominee. I really believe that the convo between the Congress and the CIA needs to be about the future, not about the past."
Whether or not there remains a need to broaden accountability review boards came up at Avril Haines's confirmation for DNI. Here's what she said. This briefly led Sen. Tom Cotton to hold her confirmation.
Morell continued to say he could've "finessed" his answers to the Committee in response to questions but didn't want to.
"I knew I could’ve said something like, while I have some disagreements it's an important part of the historical record; but...that’s not what I believe."
"I knew I could’ve said something like, while I have some disagreements it's an important part of the historical record; but...that’s not what I believe."
In response to a question about why he spoke out at all, he said "CIA got hung out to dry," and that critics should be calling President Bush, his national security advisors, and Congress "torturers," too. (Critics certainly have.)
Morell also says that clearly the coverage of the torture program, etc, shows "there's fake news on both sides of the political spectrum."
I'd be interested if others feel that way.
I'd be interested if others feel that way.
Pfieffer made a point to clarify that Morell does not support the program restarting, as it's now illegal, which he reaffirmed.
Not much further discussion about effectiveness, whether it was right, etc—issues that also came up during Haines's confirmation hearing.
Not much further discussion about effectiveness, whether it was right, etc—issues that also came up during Haines's confirmation hearing.
. @LarryPfeifferDC also asks about enhanced CIA authorities under Trump, or a loosening of the reigns on some things, I like to think referencing this story: https://news.yahoo.com/secret-trump-order-gives-cia-more-powers-to-launch-cyberattacks-090015219.html
Gen. Hayden says it's a "mixed blessing," and it remains to be seen whether Trump's approach, far more hands off than Obama's, will have adverse consequences. "We'll see," he says.
Morell is speaking about the challenge the IC faces in briefing and serving a President who is extremely steeped in foreign policy and natsec.
"The bar is pretty high for the IC here...I think this is going to be tough for the intelligence community."
"The bar is pretty high for the IC here...I think this is going to be tough for the intelligence community."
Gen. Hayden on NYT report that CIA wrote a letter to former CIA officers on media engagement and social media:
Hayden, a frequent media commentator says:
"The people want to know. I was able to do that. It's good for America."
Hayden, a frequent media commentator says:
"The people want to know. I was able to do that. It's good for America."
On the part of the letter addressing concern over former official working for foreign governments, Morell says that could be a problem, but the CIA's partnerships training foreign intel services is important and needs attention.
Morell on transparency for this IC:
"They have to get out there even more than they have before" speaking to the American people.
Though both he and Gen. Hayden say "no" to regular press briefings from the IC.
Por que no los dos??
"They have to get out there even more than they have before" speaking to the American people.
Though both he and Gen. Hayden say "no" to regular press briefings from the IC.
Por que no los dos??
