Kerry forced Bush into this so he could tell everyone it was because of his pressure that Bush implemented this. If it goes wrong under Bush's watch, Kerry can then flip flop and say Bush acted too hastily.
This is strictly a political gamble on the part of the RATS for the reson someone above stated. This agency will be the precursor of a domestic spying agency.
Rudy would make a good choice.
"This agency will be the precursor of a domestic spying agency. "
Ahem, I dont think Bush signed up for that, and a domestic spying agency is *NOT* what the 9/11 commission recommended. They want it kept in FBI ... hence the reason to *require* some coordinator above and beyond, say, DCI.
So this is IMHO an alternative (but I'll have to read the fine print) not a precursor. Besides, that question will require congressional action.
My belief is that Bush is acting on policy, and Kerry on politics.