However, the Panel would utterly fail in its responsibility to the American public if it did not conclude that national intelligence estimates must be kept apolitical and candid.
Releasing such PDBs to the Panel and to the public during an election campaign, if used or leaked for political purposes as Democrats proposed, is certain to destroy its usefulness. Future PDBs would have to be scrubbed of all details potentially embarrassing, including details that some groups would seize upon as politically offensive, or wrongly interpreted when examined with the benefit of hindsight.
Thus, the 9/11 Panel -- if it is to have any integrity or credibility -- must recommend (and should do so in advance) that PDBs never be released to those who do not have the ultimate responsibility for the defense of the American people. If partisan critics wish to quarrel with the president's judgment on national security matters, they should work to elect an alternative candidate with a better plan and more effective advisors.
In this respect, history is not be kind to Democrats. They had their chance, but squandered many opportunities. Perhaps, that is why Democrats are adopting strategies of desperation.