I question the timing.
I’ll throw out a simple explanation for the removal of Clinton, Panetta, and Patraeus.
Obama doesn’t trust the group of them after Benghazigate. Benghazigate was a consequence of Obama going nuts and now throwing them all out.
They all keep relatively quiet or signs of frustrated betrayal in their own personal fashions.
Seems consistent with the withheld behavior of those relieved in the past from his cliques/entourage.
The bodies being returned to Dover of the 4 Benghazi victims, rerouted to Andrews, so Obama could personally verify they were dead.
Seems consistent that he doesn’t have confidence in any of them.
His agenda is now international, not domestic. He’ll toss domestic issues to anybody else, provided they don’t interfere with his international aspirations.