MSNBC showing tape of President Bush from a bit earlier. He says Tenet said he is leaving for personal reasons.
President Bush said he is sorry he is leaving, he has done a superb job. Tenet until mid-July, John McLaughlin (sp?) will serve as the acting director.
GWB: He is strong and resolute. Strong and able leader at the agency.
The new confirmation process is going to be ugly. No matter who the president chooses.
So who will become moderator on the McLaughlin Group?
MSNBC reporter, Carl Rochelle, says Tenet's farewell to the Agency was emotional, there were tears. Tenet's wife and son were there, and Tenet told the assembled CIA that his leaving was based solely on what was best for his family. Then Rochelle says, Tenet will rest for awhile, he's been 2nd longest CIA Director, at 7 years, so he'll take awhile to decide what he's going to do next.
Personal reasons...don't you love it?
I love the timing! Tenet was going to go. (after embarrassing Powell at the UN), Tenet was going to go, we just didn't know when. And there couldn't have been a better (smarter) day.
June 6 memorials will help drown out the noise, the Peterson trial too, and the President is leaving for Europe.
The 9-ll Commission Report coming out will be scathing to Tenet's CIA, Tenet couldn't have survived that. Upon finding out about 9-11, Tenet said to someone, "I sure hope it's not connected to those Moslems taking flying lessons.", that's what sealed his fate.
I don't think Tenet will be writing a book or go after President Bush. After all, Bush has not demanded Tenet's head on a platter, and Tenet is a long time, Bush family friend.
The most interesting possible connection to explain "why today?" I think, is President Bush hiring a lawyer about Joe Wilson's wife blown cover investigation. I think it's quite possible that Novak got his info from Tenet.
CIA Director resigns... President hires a lawyer:
I keep reminding myself how "in the dark" we are on a big news day like today. All the action that brought these announcements on, occured days ago.
I think all the handwringing is phoney baloney. Diane Feinstein might be all over television saying how surprised she is Tenet would resign now is BS. That's just her way of trying to imply that Tenet leaving the CIA at such a critical time, is a bad thing for the country.