Tonight on NIGHTLINE.....Tenet's Resignation

[Dover]

Nightline Daily E-Mail
June 3, 2004


TONIGHT'S FOCUS: He survived the change of administration, but has been criticized for intelligence lapses on 9/11 and Iraq. So today, CIA Director George Tenet resigned.


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"He's done a superb job on behalf of the American people." That's what President Bush said this morning in announcing Tenet's resignation. In this city, that's pretty much the kiss of death. He held that position for seven years, and for much of that time, there was open speculation about when he would go. But the greatest criticism came after the attacks on 9/11. How could the CIA have missed this? Not only is this a town where people say nice things when you're leaving, it's also a town in which blame is very important. Who's responsible? Who's firing or resignation will contain a crisis or make it go away? The same thing happened concerning intelligence about Iraq, and particularly on the issue of weapons of mass destruction. How could the CIA have missed the truth?

So in the end, is he a scapegoat? Being forced out to help contain a political crisis? To distract attention from other issues? Or is it past the time that he should have been removed anyway? And did he jump, or was he pushed? Washington will be buzzing about all this for days, at least until the next one. But outside of Washington where this kind of thing substitutes for sport, why should anyone care? It's relatively simple. Perhaps unlike any other time in our history, intelligence is vital. Let me correct that, accurate intelligence is vital. If we are going to win the war on terrorism, and avoid further attacks here at home or abroad, it's the intelligence services that are on the front lines. We can't afford for them to make a mistake.

So tonight we're going to take a look at his role as perhaps one of the most visible Directors of the CIA, his triumphs and failures, and we'll also look at the implications. Chris Bury will report on his tenure in the job, and Ted will anchor tonight. We're still working on who our guests will be as I write this. Bottom line, who sits in that office does matter. I hope you'll join us tonight.

Leroy Sievers and the Nightline Staff
Nightline Offices
ABCNEWS Washington D.C.

[progdonkey]

1. sure is convenient

Geez, isn't it amazing how this story completely eclipsed the story this morning about Bush hiring an attorney to counsel him about his knowledge of the Plame affair?

No planning there, I'm sure. :puke:

[Dover]

2. Not sure the part about Bush's knowledge of the Plame affair spread

beyond the Capitol Hill News exclusive. Without that little nugget, the story of Bush hiring an attorney is literally yesterday's news.

I'm sure if/when the info is verified that CHNews printed, it will be in the mainstream headlines and on Nightline.

[indypaul]

3. Believe this incident very much revolves around

the Chalabi matter. As far as a comparison of our war on
terror to WWII. At least during WWII we were able to keep
our success with the "Purple Code", "JN-25" and "ENIGMA"
under our hats and utilize the information for ultimate
success. If indeed the responsible persons in this
adminstration who have access to this information are
passing it around they should be taken out and shot.
Loose lips not only sink ships they get people killed
and those responsible deserve nothing less.