I don’t agree about this being an issue of chain of command. If the Director of the CIA does not have “direct report” relationship with the President then there would not be direct briefings. Yes, its via the NSA, but I can’t conceive of walking into the oval office going over threats and holding back because I haven’t discussed with NSA. That doesn’t make sense.
What is the purpose of the daily morning briefing? To foster direct and open communications. If Tenant thought there were items that required formal NSA oversight/approval/decision then additional joint meetings and/or decision documents could be forwarded.
I don’t disagree with you that it should be this way. But, I can conceive of a Clinton White House not doing it that way. I have yet to hear from credible sources that President Clinton was that involved in leadership. Politics, yes, but actual leadership, no.
It is my understanding that Tenet hardly ever met with Clinton. The daily briefings were with Pres. Bush, who cares about protecting this country. Ex42 just skated on everything and lucked out with problems swept under the rug.