CNN

Soccer Nana – he was given the chance to pick qualified people and this is what he does. Panetta: no intelligence experience. This one is crucial to our security. He blew it when he served Clinton; that's partly why we are dealing with terrorism. These guys who are wimps on fighting terror shouldn't be allowed near our intelligence agency.

This is another joke created by the new administration. I think we are going to have all jokers in these posts including the president.

Annoying thing is, it has to be someone from the Bush or Clinton Administration, because Bush and Clintons have been Presidents for so damn long

Why i was Glad Clinton wasnt picked again, it would have been Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton

2 Families running the country one after the other, and im sure they would have each tried for 3rd

If DiFi is opposed, that's good enough for me. All hail Panetta!

If my employer worked the way the Obama administration works I would qualify as CEO! It would be funny if it wasn't so darn serious.

Perfect fit for the Obama administration! He has not intelligence experience!

Ain't Richard Nixon a zealous partisan? Remember watergate? Why the hell should anyone quote from that horrible excuse of a person. Frankly, i don't care if Obama chose Bill Clinton as Secretary of Commerce, if these Clintonistas can change the failed policies of bush, then let them serve!

Oh boy, another Clinton crony....and now for OJT of Leon. Bin Laden...have no fear Leon is here!

Panetta? What is this the third term for Clinton? Enough with the Clintonistas already.

I found the Panetta choice highly ironic. I'm reading Conrad Black's biography of Richard Nixon. Nixon fired Panetta from the HEW dept over 35 years ago for being a zealous partisan. Just what we need at the CIA - a zealous partisan.

The problem I have with Obama's picks are if I knew he was going to pick most of Bill Clinton folks for the White House; I would have voted for Hillary Clinton. I'm an African-American who worked hard and voted for President-Elect Obama. I don't mind half of his cabinet filled with people from theClinton Adminstration. But when it appears that 80 to 90% of people are from Bill Clinton's Administration, this does not look like change to me. I know I sound like a Republican, but I'm deeply disturbed by all of these picks. Obama, we need to see change. Get some new people not a part of the old establishment to drive our country in a new direction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would bet a dollar against a dime, that the "Panetta" selection was
suggested by Hillary, or Bill, and a "bug" put in Obama's ear, for Obama to pick Panetta, especially when he was the "Chief of Staff"
during the Clinton Years.

Larry
Houston, Texas

Good choice.

Let's see, someone with no intelligence experience and someone from the Clinton administration.

What part of change don't you people understand?

Noah in Philly,

Kevin voted in both Ohio and PA, like many others on the Obama team.

Change you can believe in.

There is now no experience required to become eligible for a high ranking seat (including the top seat) on the Obama team.

Obama- you are now too obvious. You are just a posterboy.

Beyond being Clinton's Chief of Staff, I don't know much about him. But, a quick scan of his public bio indicates he has no security or intellingence experience and a common thread of civil rights activism.

That's change, all right. I like civil rights as much as the next woman, but do we really want an DC-lifer with a thin resume and bleeding heart in that job?

Seriously – is this appointment a joke? Did Jane Fonda turn down the job? Whew.

Give the incoming administration a chance people.

Has anyone posting here questioned the current administration why they stopped looking for Osama Bin Laden? Or why Cheney is so involved with Halliburton and not being held accountable in anyway? Why wasn't he asked to resign after his indictment?

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!

Socialism!
Weakening of US Defense!
Fighting Terrorists in America!

I support Obama, like Panetta, and tend to vote Democratic . . . but this pick doesn't make much sense to me. It would be better to appoint someone with a background in intelligence, military, law enforcement, or judiciary. Panetta's a solid public figure, but there are probably many other positions that would be a better fit.

On the other hand . . . other CIA directors have served without prior intelligence background. For example . . . George Bush Sr. And at the time, Bush had a far less distinguished career in public office as well. So, it's possible that Panetta will work out. I do regard him as someone with common sense.

Does this guy have any experience besides giving Clinton his daily briefing? Was he in the military or intelligence community at any point in his life? They said his organizational skills and economic prowness are the only qulifications to run the most important front on the war on terror. He's not going to have the respect of his peers and the people he will depend on for important intelligence. Obama should have chosen someone who worked their way up and has the stomach to make unpopular decisions. Being the head of the CIA should not be a political favor. Anybody else feeling safe yet?

DAVE IN CA – Let's hope they pick you and hold you hostage. Good Lord your stupid

Gina in Atlanta....gee, it would be nice if he actually had some EXPERIENCE on how to run something; anything! Heck, he couldn't even qualify to be a fry cook at the Krusty Krab.

I wonder if this "Clinton retread,' is the same brain child who, under clinton's direction, had the opportunity to take out ol' Bin Laden...but the administration failed to do so....

There's no change here...more Chicago corruption!

re noah: you must be the biggest bleeding heart liberal in the world..... your president has chosen a man who thinks that a little conversation with terrorists will have the same result in getting key information that will save american lives..... please inviting these s.o.b's to a sit in and roasting marsh mellows with an encore of koombya while our borders are wide open to every extremist who decides they want to blow some stuff up and kill some people.... you just better hope that it is not PHILADELPHIA they choose to target now that when they are caught they will be given more rights than yourself is afforded, while they await the ACLU to come rescue them from any harsh treatment.... Time to wake up

You morons call this change?

What are his qualifications to head the CIA, he has dirt on the Clintons?

Sandy Burglar will soon be picked for something as well.

Oops, I let the cat out of the bag.

MOTS.

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN?????????????????????

Thank God for the Clinton era eh???????? pretty smart to surround yourself with intelligent people that will TEACH you how to do your job.

Let's hope Obama will be another BILL CLINTON to revive the country!

It is just like the Clinton years again.

And THIS is the change he wants? An old Clintonite who has NO Intelligence experience? It seems to me Obama is showing his LACK of intelligence with this pick. This is truly worrisome, but then agaion, the American people will get what they voted for.

Is this a joke? If so, it is in very poor taste. My background is in criminal justice and intelligence gathering, so I am shocked that someone with actual training and experience in intelligence wasn't selected.

Hello...this guy's specialty is economics...what is he going to do, threaten sanctions against criminals? Geez...and this is Obama's idea of who needs to lead our country in intelligence gathering...what is he thinking?

It sure would be nice "not" to have anymore Clinton admin. staffers in your admin. President Obama. Choose your own people. Give us real change. If we wanted Clinton, we would have elected her. All we are getting is the Clintons including a Clinton. I did'nt vote for this!

It sure would be nice "not" to have anymore Clinton admin. staffers in your admin. President Obama. Choose your own people. Give us real change. If we wanted Clinton, we would have elected her. All we are getting is the Clintons including a Clinton. I did vote for this!

Another horrible choice.

Why do people like Dave in CA always call liberals wimpy for believing in the principals of human rights when they are always so scared for their safety? It is obvious to me that liberals are acting out of principal and those who are pro torture are the wimps that are acting out of fear. I bet Dave drives 45 mph on the highway as well... dou che

ummm....this man has no experience in the intelligence business?

He is a budget director.....does this pick not concern anybody?

This is a joke, right? Obamessiah cannot be serious!

I did some research...sounds like a wonderful choices....

Sorry for all you critics, but if Clinton appointees just happen to be the best people still available to get the job done in the Obama administration, then so be it. It is what it is!!

Wow, a Kevin from PA and a Kevin from Ohio making nearly identical posts at the same time. Amazing. This pick stinks, but for the guy who was babbling about, "OH WOW YOUR KIDS WILL GET KIDNAPPED BY TERRORISTS," your fear mongering garbage has had its day. 350 million people lose their rights so a hypothetical kidnapping can be prevented. You're a genius.

um, does he have any experience in Intel? I kind of think that would help, maybe... oh wait, thats right, this is a new era, one where experience in a given field doesn't really matter...sigh

I would hope the world of moms and dads don't want their kid in a hostage situation

I was evacuated out by the marines in 1996 during the Clinton years and I think the armed forces do a stand up job no matter who the top guy is

The problem is not how professional or well they do their job, the problem is how the job that they do is choosen

Our CIA, Army, Navy, Marines etc are top notch

Our last 8 years of political direction is a steaming pile of ...

Panetta sure is old. Whatsa matter, Obama, couldn't find a college recruit who knows anything (those people who voted for you)?

I'm a big fan of the TV show, "24". I think torture is good and I like to pull the wings off flies.
Mom, is recess over yet?

I am italian and I am happy with this pick!

Does not matter whom Panetta worked for! CHANGE HAS COME!

Another BRILLIANT CHOICE!

WHY IS IT THAT PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE WORD ..........CHANGE?

CHANGE HAS COME TO WASHINGTON........

IN THE WAY OBAMA LEADS

IN THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE

IN THE WAY FEAR WONT BE SPEWED

IN THE WAY WE WONT BE ACCUSED OF BEING UNPATRIOTIC BECAUSE WE DARE TO DISAGREE WITH BUSH!

IN THE WAY OUR GOVERNMENT WILL CARE MORE ABOUT THE MIDDLE-CLASS & WORKING CLASS THAN THE RICH, OIL CO., AND THE ELITE OF WALL STREET!

IN THE WAY OUR PRESIDENT WILL BE HONEST AND NOT .......LIE...... LIKE BUSH DID!

HOPE WON.............HOPE WON............HOPE WON..........HOPE WON!

here's one for leon when he gets appointed; what ever happened to the little black book; you know the attorney who was at the center of the scandel never produced the little hot potato, wonder why, well, maybe leon can get to the bottom of it..

I'm an Obama but this Penetta pick is stressing me out! For a guy who is seen as weak on security .. this is not helping!!

wow, I see that my entry was removed for citing the abovious, Debka will have more influnce regardless who Obama picks, hence Emanaul will call the shots. I respct Penta but he has no intelligence experience.

To RJ, Phonix,
Barack encouraged us all to help him bring about change.To start making change right in our own communities and neighborhoods. To volunteer to help somewhere, to help sombody, some child, some senior citizen. With all that said, what the.....(smile) are you doing to help bring about change???? Tell us, we are all waiting to hear......... thought so...now SHUT UP if you are not willing to help bring about the
CHANGE!!!!!! HOPE THIS LITTLE REMINDER CHANGES YOU.

Wow, someone totally unqualified to head the CIA. He has absolutely no experience in the intelligence world but he was Clinton's Chief of Staff so he should be good. Change, Change, Change...NOT

You can't be serious. This is beyond stupid.

Panetta! Yes, the same guy that was involved with "Grasso" ,the controversial chairman of the NYSE that had oversite of his salary ,and the approx. $$$ golden parachute as an acting Board member. Now he's the "CIA", boss? What kind of change is this,...

Bad choice. This appointment is a turkey.

At least this time there's not a military talking head at the reins. Maybe CIA decisions will have a bit of common sense this time around.

Also, Kevin in Ohio and Gina in Atlanta-

Clinton resided over the largest economic growth in America's history. Perhaps you'd like to continue not having civil liberties and economic instability – but I wouldn't. You can barely compare the Clinton presidency and the Bush atrocity.

And Rj -

You do realize that right now these people are merely candidates, right? They don't get sworn in until Obama gets sworn in. (It's in that tricky thing called The Constitution) They haven't done anything yet – of course there hasn't been change. Simply intending to change something does not immediately change that thing – you actually have to act on it.

COME ON ,,, I VOTED FOR OBAMA NOT HILLARY IF IWANTED TO SEE ALL THESE CLINTON ADIMN.. PEOPLE I WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR HILLARY COME ON OBAMA YOU'RE SCARING US AND DON'T GIVE US THAT CRAP ABOUT THESE ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO CAN DO THE JOB , YOU WERE NOT PRESIDENT BEFORE AND WE FELT THAT YOU ARE CAPEABALE, I AM SURE THERE CAPEABLE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO WERE NOT IN THE CLINTON ADIMN. THE CLINTON ADIMN. WAS NOT THE BE ALL AND END ALL.OF EVERTHING THOSE WERE THE FOLKS THAT BROUGHT US NAFTRA AND A LOT OTHER CREEPY POLICIES TO USE YOUR WORDS ((ENOUGH)) WITH THE CLINTON PEOPLE !!!

To R J and Kevin.

How stupid can you be? Obama is on point with getting his cabinet set up so how in the heck can you say " we seen more of the same" what and idiot. will you morons let the man get into office where he can make a difference and stop spurring your ignorant remarks? good grief!!

chris from Ohio January 5th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

Get over it, change is coming and so far our president elect has done more in the few weeks since the election than Bush did in 8 years.
_____________________________________________________
Yeah ok, thats about idiotic.

A couple more solid picks by Obama!!!

To RJ, Phoenix,
You haven't actually seen anything yet, since he's not President until January 20

Another Clinton vet. Why doesn't Obama just resign now and let Hillary into the Oval Office.

well if you are cheering this pick for the head of the cia, i will pray that your children are not taken in a hostage situation and the cia having some of the culprets in custody..... the new softer interrogation that will now be observed to get information from terrorists will surely bring your children home safely to you... but then again we wouldn't want to hurt a terrorists rights while his colleagues have a gun pointed at your children go get em liberals i really feel safe now.......

Can't remember Barack Clinton being on the ballot, I must have been blinded by the halo of some saviour promising change, but he may have meant change in terms of money as in the coins that are in my pocket that he is after.

I'm all for picking experienced people, and I understand that a Democrat President is going to choose Democrats for his administration. But are ya tryin' to tell me the ONLY qualified Democrats in Washington are Clinton-era leftovers? When Obama said his administration would be more focused on the environment, I thought he meant something besides recycled bureaucrats.

So far it looks like the least experienced member of the team is the quarterback. That's OK is you've drafted the Heisman trophy winner; but nothing in his background says that's true about Obama.

gina.

"change will come from the way Mr Obama will govern"

his choices ARE the way he will govern!!

This is not change...it's just more of the same of Dems grasping at what they can get from themselves. People will soon discover that life is not going to be that different when President-elect Obama takes office.

To date, exactly what of the same have you seen?? Oh, I know, more of the same Bush failure and you will keep seeing this until day one after inauguration!

oh so strangd.

we elected obama and get clinton (bill) lite.

so why did we not for clinton (hillary) in the first place?

Only time will tell if these people can get the job done.

RJ-

Even when you experience the change we can believe in over the next 4 years, you still won't acknowledge it.

Change Everything Change Change will come from the way. Obama I love you, I hope, You are the bast person for the country. What going on. What about Richardson, Please I need real Obama.not >>>>>.....

Rather have Clintonites then Bushies anyday!!

I guess RJ is still sore about the elections.
Regardless of who sits in the new cabinet, only their action (come Jan 20 and beyond) is what counts. I am at least glad the gangsta's are leaving town.

A remake of the Clinton farce.

I'm familiar with Leon Panetta and have had dealings with his office. He's a good man, a good mind, with a hard earned, sterling reputation. LP has been in politics for years, is well respected on both sides of the aisle and I find this to be a solid appointment. The fact Leon Panetta has agreed to accept the offer for appointment by President Elect Obama speaks of Panetta's high regard of Obama. LP isn't a wanna be beginner. LP is worthy of trust.

To RJ of Phoenix: It's too early to give an accessment of change in Washington. I believe the change America was seeking was moslty in the direction of the country and Bush & his ilk. Not because Obama has recommended appointments from people from prior administrations means change will not be forthcoming. If you think of it, it would be political malpractice to put the average joe from the street like you and me in these positons. I dont know squat about running no government, and I would not expect Obama to appointment me to any government office just to make a symbolic statement that change has arrived. Change will be measured in the new direction the country will take, and the new policies of the Obama administration. Looking at indiviudal appointment is misguided.

Kevin in Ohio, your constant Republican ranting is getting old. Do you have anything constructive or are we going have to continue to listen to your regurgitated Rush Limbaugh talking points?

Does anyone know what spy background he has? This has to be more than an administrator role.

We, the citizens, don't get to vote on these appointments, and there is a very good reason it is that way. The process would take months of valuable time that the administration needs for myriad pressing issues.

Another celebrity name from the Clinton White House! And this is the change that the Messiah promised?

kudos to PE Obama for picking experienced people. To all of you who keep saying people that were involved in the Clinton era represents no change, stop and think about it. Who in the world in politics, unless they're a newbie, hasn't been involved in someone's administration previously. The change for Obama will be in the way he governs our great country and that includes selecting people who are known for their intelligence.

Leon is a fantastic man who has done so much for my community for many, many years and I'm excited Obama has him on board. What a surprise.

President-Elect Obama is choosing wisely in his choice of people to his cabinet and staff. He has chosen people who have talents known for man years; ie, Leon Panetta, who has served this country well in the past. It is heartening to see President Obama reach back to wherever he desires to get the best available individuals. By 20 January when he is sworn in as President, he will be ready to go into action.I feel very optimist about this administration.

Panetta's experience is in economics and budgets-where does intelligence fall in there. This is a very weird appointment.

All good news for America.

I agree with Kevin in Ohio, I am in Wisconsin, ! I am so DONE with Obama and the sleezebags Clintons !!! THIS IS NOT THE CHANGE I WAS LOOKING FOR, AND I WILL BE VERY HARD PRESSED TO EVER VOTE IN THIS COUNTRY AGAIN ! I AM SO DONE WITH POLITICIANS...

Kevin in Ohio:

They were just about to pick you to head the CIA but then they realized you know nothing of politics.

Of course, thats a joke, but the point is that Change is not about finding brand new people but placing the best of the best around a guy who shows leadership skills.

Kevin, please show just a little bit of intelligence before posting something ignorant.

This isn’t change; this is the Clinton Administration 2009 edition back to rewrite Bill Clinton Legacy. Get a new lock on the National Archives building!

I thought Obama said the problem of America started from 1992.

Change is inevitable.

Once again Kevin –

Got into every blog now did ya? Hmm......seems a little suspicious to me that you and your dividing ways gets every one of your blogs posted.

That's right......change we can believe in......

And you are in the minority NOW buster.....better get use to THAT!

Those who are scornful of "Clintonistas" should remember that most Americans admire the Clintons, were happy with the Clinton administration, and when Clinton left office he . Most of the world loves the Clintons, including our allies and our enemies. Most Americans believe that after a $65 million investigation that ended with NO evidence against the Clintons, that the whole impeachment thing was a complete waste of time. It was a political ploy, nothing more.

"Among living Presidents, Jimmy Carter and the first President Bush are viewed favorably by 57% of Americans. Bill Clinton is viewed favorably by 55%."

Those who used impeachment just to stop the Clinton administration from being successful were bordering on treason, reminiscent of the impeachment of Johnson after Lincoln's assassination.

nice choice. I am Italian American and I like that choice. Atleast one italian in the cabinet!

you have to give it to clinton. he done good. monica did what we should have rewarded him for – peace, prosperity, progress. i'd be willing to give obama utah to rule as he wishes if he can turn this country around in 8 years. i kid of course. about the monica thing.

I guess we should not ever see anything ever again about how Bush nominated anyone who isnt qualified for position. This guy has absolutely no relevant experience to run the CIA.

What? Panetta as CIA director? He has absolutely no experience in the intelligence field and he's going to run the CIA? It might be just me, but that makes no sense whatsoever!

In response to "Kevin in Ohio" - We've had one Democratic administration since 1980. The idea that Obama can't draw from the ranks of the successful, talented people who were part of that administration because he wants to change things (mainly Bush's programs and policies, by the way) is silly.

Indeed, to flatly reject the idea of hiring folks from the Clinton administration simply because they were part of that administration would be sheer stupidity. And Barack isn't stupid. Nor did he ever say, or suggest, that he would limit his search for qualified cabinet members and others to people who hadn't served in past administrations, let alone the Clinton administration.

So give the sarcasm a rest, please.

Panetta has no experience in intelligence. Now that he has been selected to lead the CIA, I feel very safe for my country....NOT!

Good God, why couldn't he pick Jack Bauer.

To Gina,
I'll believe it when I see it.
So far we've seen nothing but more of the same.

I am sure that the decision came from the experience that this person is bringing to the table and not about making you Kevin and the other mccain lovers happy. Get over it, change is coming and so far our president elect has done more in the few weeks since the election than Bush did in 8 years.

People who vote Republican don't want change anyway. They were happy the way things were. Whether they have a deep seeded belief that a black man can't do the job, or they make enough money off of a republican policy of survival of the fittest, no matter who he picks for any post, President-Elect Obama will be heavily criticized by close-minded republicans. The same way close-minded democrats never gave Bush any credit for the good things he did, like protecting the country after a devastating event.

Hooray for open-minded people we can believe in!

Where is Leon Panetta's Intelligence Community experience? The Porter Goss experiement by President Bush did not work well. A chief of Staff does not have the background. There were a number of qualified names floated around, but instead makes what seems to be a politcal appointment.

Oh man you gotta love this CHANGE!

For all the "change Mongers". What did you expect? Picking Joe-the six pack types to Intelligence positions? or your beloved highly qualified distinguished woman from Anchorage?
"Change" means picking qualified people to do the job, rather than cronies. Get it?? jeeez

OK....let's be realistic before we start using the "Clintonista" banter as meaning something less than positive. The majority of the experienced political workforce for the Democratic party had something to do with the last Democratic administration.....duh! I applaud Obama for trying to retain QUALIFIED people he believes will do the best job, period. It makes sense if they served the Clintons since that was the last Democratic admin......think about it!

Or are you using the "Clintonista" banter because you still can't get over the election???

To Gina, you are exactly RIGHT. Change comes from the leadership and the way Obama will govern according to this vision for the country. It is amazing how many people don't GET IT, it is very simple to comprehend.

@Kevin in Ohio: One change that we should BOTH be able to believe in is a change to an executive office that won't treasonously "out" CIA agents for political purposes.

Or are you one of those neo-tards who wants to put country first by quibbling about the facts of that despicable debacle....or who wants to mindlessly complain about the Clinton admistration which brought unprecidented prosperity to this nation, in stark comparison to the mess we are living with now ....or who wants to try to defend the downright regressive, ill-considered policies of the past 8 years by always blaming their failure on the past admistration, in an irresponsible uber-partisan defence of [R] incompetence?

I enthusiastically voted for Obama because of the change he said he would bring.

So far, however, its hard not to be miffed by the number of former Clinton Administration officials being called to service. Its kind of like when Republican Administrations keep bringing Jim Baker back for duty. The career people get recycled versus replaced.

The only thing left is to see whether the Obama Administration governs differently. If not – 2012 may be up for grabs.

What experience does Panetta have in the intelligence field? He was a partisan democrat in the House. Bad choice for what needs to be a non-partisan job.

It makes sense that his cabinet members have Clinton connections since the Clinton Administration was the LAST Democratic administration. Did you expect him to appoint recent college grads?

Where is the Change? We are getting disillusioned already with Obama. The more we see of people that Obama wants around him the worse it gets. More of the same "old" politics.

Leon Panetta?!?? WHAT?!??

kevin in ohio – quit being negative and seeing the glass 1/2 empty, and be positive and see the glass 1/2 full.....

Wow! This is an even bigger story than George Bush's cat dying!

How will the newspaper's pick their lead story Tuesday morning?!?

A 3rd Clinton administration . What a surprise ! What a waste to have endured all that flim flam about change ,hope and a new era !

Perhaps Kevin in Ohio would rather Obama picked someone with absolutely no political experience whatsoever. Maybe he could just stop off at the local 7-11 and ask the next guy in line if he would like to head up the CIA?? You betcha... wink, wink.

The more thing Change, the more they stay the same...

Hooray!!!! For change that works....

I voted for Obama.... but what business does a Washington re-tread, Clinton guy have beening the head of the Central Intelligence Agency?? What Intel experience does he have? What does he know besides being a political operator in DC?

How is this guy better than John Brennan????

Honestly, my first impression once reading this was all the Bush folks with absolutely no applicable experience getting sent over to Iraq to help "rebuild".

Leon Panetta head the CIA? The Leon Panetta that defended the Clinton's definition of 'is'??

To Kevin in OHIO...
Change will come from the way Mr Obama will govern, not be seeing new faces.

rather a clintonista than a bushie

Oh shut up Kevin. Change means in how Obama will have things done and what policies are approved by Obama. It's not wrong in selecting folks with experience...there will still be CHANGE!!! Thank GOD!!!

Dennis Blair is a solid pick for the NSA. And while it's traditionally been a naval flag officer in charge at Pacific Command, as a global combatant commander he works for the Secretary of Defense, not the Navy.

"Most predictable comment from an Obama Detractor" award goes to Kevin in Ohio. Of course the guilt by association game is complete B.S. but it's a good one liner, so who cares about substanitive comments.

Panetta and intelligence!? CIA director? Now I feel safe!

Another great pick....

Hmm, Change? Sounds like same old politics with same old players. Obama is even coming into power with scandal dirt from Illinois still on his suit.

Oh Kevin give it a break. Anyway you cut it, Obama is a change from the neo-nazi Bush republican right wing nut crowd. That is the change I want.

So far the only change I see between the Clinton and Obama administrations is – ABSOLUTELY NONE!
Obama can't find any other politicians, military personnel, historians, academias, etc., who are capable of doing a job that haven't worked for the Clintons?
He's recycling the same cronies from 8 -16 years ago.

Everyone who cast a vote for him was duped!

Now who is it that's President-Elect? I am beginning to think it is Bill Clinton again–UGH.

do you not recall the Suplus the Bush inherited?

Another Clintonista Retread! Some Change!

Why is it a bad thing if he hires someone from the Clinton administration. No offense but democrats have not been elected into power as much as republicans and thus there are few democrats who actually have experience in the white house. Just saying if you work for one company and then another one hires you would that also be consider a bad thing?

Wow, I am impressed. What's his military experience?

Very disappointing.

Yes, the change from the current "reward incompetence" mindset of the Cheney/Bush administration is indeed a reason to cheer loudly!

Get over it.

He may as well picked Bozo The Clown-again Obama is showing his inability to run a pizza kitchen, let alone the US. Get ready you Obama voters-you are all going to get what you paid for come January 20!

good for panetta! we need someone not OF the CIA to direct the CIA. he may be a clintonista but, at least he's not already in the CIAs pockets. clean house leon!

yes!! change from 8 years of bush. (america actually did pretty well under the clinton administration. i know you obama-haters don't want to remember that!!)

Now I feel safe. How come it is only in government that you don't need to have any experience in the area you are are hired for to be the Topdog.

Is there going to be any other picks besides FORMER Bill Clinton staffers to run this four year term? Seems kinda strange to me, that all the Clintons, and their former staff are on Mr. Obama's train.

Mr. Intelligence, who would YOU have chosen? This is change....change from a lying and hypocritical Bush administration's to one that will be open and display "responsibility" for the things it says and does....can YOU get use to being "told the truth"?......

Panetta was a surprise pick for the post, with no experience in the intelligence world. An Obama transition official and another Democrat disclosed his nomination on a condition of anonymity since it was not yet public. I am sure Rham Emanual will provide him with Debka Experts so he will continue with false CIA analysis and this way we might fight another propxy war.
I do respect Panetta but he is not right for this JOB.

Well, since Bush used cronies from his father's administration, who were crooks back then and continued to screw the USA, I think Clinton advisers, who presided over peace and prosperity, will work out just fine. And as far as I know, they were not intent on twisting the Constitution to make themselves Dictator and helpers.

What's wrong with Panetta KEVIN IN OHIO...so he worked with Clinton. Clinton was a great president who surrounded himself with leaders. Clinton himself made some mistakes. Obama is doing great and change is going to come!!! Be prepared for the fruits in the next few years........

The Real Issue is what is going to happen in our country and we have had a pitiful 8 year record from George W. Bush and that's history.

Not another former Clinton appointee.

Remember this; it was Bill Clinton that GUTTED the CIA and the National Intelligence agencies that not only led up to 911 but Iraq as well. Then Bush had to rebuild it.

Please make the CIA and National Intelligence Agencies STRONGER and not weaker like Clinton did!!!!!!!!!!!

MORE OF THE SAME – MORE OF THE SAME. YEAH, CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN.
SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE THAT HOPE DOPE?
67 MILLION IN A DAZE OF HOPE AND CHANGE AND WHAT DID THEY GET??

MORE OF THE SAME.

"I TAKE NO BLAME, I VOTED MCCAIN"

Where in this guys resume is there anything related to intelligence work ?
Change? – "You Betcha !"

What's his qualifications for this post? Hopefully, this is not another appointment in the same-old, business-as-usual, patronage system of former executives.

vive la liberty...viva america!

Shouldn't we just call this the Clinton whitehouse, again? If it were a reality show, it would be called "Clinton's House", starring Barrack Obama as The President. So much for bi-partisan politics.

Another Clintonista...go figure.

Obama is really picking well it appears

Again someone from the Clinton Adminstration. When will we see the Obama Administration instead of the same old names? Where is the change?

Another Clintonista! Hooray for change we can believe in!

Outstanding choice as far as Panetta, even though I disagree with him politically, he is an honest politician, great intellect

Good pick.

Former Chief of Staff? How does that prepare him to head the CIA? Talk about secrets..that's the best kept one I ever heard of.

Obama didn't have much on the positive side to say about the Clinton years, while running against Hillary, Then proceeds to hires nearly the entire old Clinton team! Go Figure!

Excellent Pick!

Had I known that by voting for Obama I would be electing nothing but a Clinton White House Hiring Firm......I would have saved my vote for Hillary!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA..........WHERE IS THE CHANGE YOU TALKED ABOUT??????

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle. Now I have to listen to the righties whine and cry about more of the same.....wah wah wah wah wah wah