actually Panetta has looked pretty sane compared to most of this administration. I am surprised he is being given this post, honestly.Agreed. While Panetta is a lib, he's always struck me as an American.
What person in this administration would be a good SecDef? I can't think of a single one.
Back in the late 80s as a radio news director I often interviewed Leon as he was the congressional rep for the Monterey Bay Area. He was originally registered as a Republican but changed party affiliation around 1976 and was voted into office then as a democrat. If one remembers the political climate back then--it was after Watergate and the Republican brand was deeply tarnished.
Personally, I like Leon. Back then he was adamant about the deficit and the budget and the need to reduce both. His pleas fell on deaf ears. I was there when he held a meeting between Mexican groups and the INS and the INS protocols for nabbing a suspected illegal. Twas interesting indeed.
And yes, at least Leon is an American.