Intel Director’s Comments on Libya, Russia & China Trigger Calls for Firing
- Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:28pm by
Meredith Jessup
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The White House moved quickly Thursday to distance itself from National Intelligence Director James Clapper’s latest controversial comments involving Libya, China and Russia.
Speaking to a congressional committee early Thursday, Clapper asserted that “over the long term … the [Gaddafi] regime will previal” in Libya, a message which directly conflicts with the administration’s pro-rebel messages to date:
In addition, Clapper, the nation’s top intelligence official, went on to describe both China and Russia as “mortal [threats]” to American security as Vice President Joe Biden simultaneously met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow:
National Security Adviser Tom Donilon told reporters on a conference call Thursday that he still has confidence in Clapper, but admitted Clapper’s conclusion about Libya reflected “a static and one-dimensional assessment.”
Administration analysts have “come to various conclusions about the various advantages that the Qadhafy regime has … and [what] opposition has,” Donilon said. In a more “multi-dimensional” view of the situation unfolding in Libya, the White House believes pro-democracy rebels are still strong and worth supporting as potential allies.
Reflecting on Clapper’s comments on Russia and China, Donilon added: “Gen. Clapper was presenting a kind of a flat-out resources analysis in terms of their regime. He went through the kind of equipment and resources that the regime has. … I’m talking about looking to the future here.”
Still, he concluded: “I don’t think that’s the most informative analysis, quite frankly.”
Clapper has come under fire in the past for public gaffes. Last month, Clapper’s office tried to walk back his assertion that the Muslim Brotherhood is a “largely secular” organization:
In addition, Clapper raised eyebrows last December after admitting to ABC News’ Diane Sawyer that he knew nothing about recent terror arrests made in the United Kingdom:
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told Fox News Thursday that it may be time for Clapper to resign or be fired as Director of National Intelligence. President Obama should “repudiate” today’s “third strike,” Graham said. “Three strikes and you’re out.”
Graham added that Clapper has a “lack of situational awareness” and was sending the wrong message to Gaddafi and the people of Libya Thursday. He should know better, Graham concluded.
Meanwhile, at the White House, press secretary Jay Carney insisted that Clapper maintains Obama’s full support.
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Comments (155)
Rick300
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:24pmClap(per) OFF! Please remove the gentleman with the upmost kindness and respect but please remove him…
Report Post »HeReturnsSoon
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:20pmWhat Country was this guy a General in? Obamistonia?
Report Post »Thing
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:20pmHe’s right, China and Rusia are your mortal enemies, your fall means their reign. Chinese dont want you in Asia and Africa, Rusians dont want you in Europe, they have means, and lots of allies who hate you even more. Also you should know that this days their cooperation is closer than ever
Report Post »B-Neil
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:12pmMass confusion leads to what??……….Carry on McDuff
Report Post »sweetscience
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:05pmWow…I feel LESS intelligent just reading his unbelievable comments. Another homerun for the Obama freakshow.
Report Post »NYSTREETKID
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:05pmI was just having one of my flash back to 1978 and then I was very scared when it hit me that it was not a flash back to carter,but a flash forward to carter 2.0. (oBama!)I need to start drinking more again. This is to painful to live through twice in one life time,and to do it straight up. Bam-not winning
Report Post »wraith67
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:02pmOf course he’s asleep, that’s why they hired him.
BTW CBS apparently pulled the links. As to NATO, its a hollow force, there isn’t 10 bridgades they could muster to save themselves. They constantly whine about the burden of fielding 8,000 guys (the Brits) and nobody else has more than a quarter of that. The Brits adjacent to Basra watched and did nothing as tons of Iranian weaponry wandered into Iraq to kill US soldiers. Europe is a joke.
Report Post »UpstateNYConservative
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:09pmYou may be right. My dad always used to say, “There will always be an England–long as the US has guns and money.”
Report Post »UpstateNYConservative
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:57pmClapper’s a jackwagon. But this time he might be right.
Ghaddafi might well prevail. He has the arms, and his air force. Most of those people (about 21,000) come from either his own tribe or others allied to it. This seems a neutral assessment, based on facts and history. I see no politics involved.
Russia and China…historically, two peoples who want a high place in the world. I once saw an old cartoon from a Brit newspaper of around 1898 showing a bear over Russia extending its paws over Europe. Remember–the royals of Europe at the time were all cousins, at the least. I think Kaiser Wilhelm was a direct cousin to Czar Alexander. Wasn’t Wilhem also a nephew of Queen Victoria?
Russia is NOT our friend.
China is NOT our friend.
There is no such thing as a friend in international politics, so we need to get back to the warning of George Washington: Be careful with whom you make treaties.
I’m no fan of Clapper, but this time he might be worth listening to.
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:53pmI don’t know about you guys, but I feel safe with geniuses like this watching out for US. Obama, The One, STRIKES AGAIN!
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:02pmAnd furthermore…….THIS GUY IS A GENERAL. Ha, wad up wit dat? It’s a sad day for America and the military if this type of moron can climb up to such a rank. Only thing I can think of is that he must have been quite the KISS-ARSE!
Report Post »Waltermelon
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:18pmThe same idiot that dropped Hussein Obama in our laps, is the very same idiot that gave Clapper his job.
George Bush!
Report Post »GardenoftheGods
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 12:31pmWatermelon:
Report Post »Unless I’ve got my facts wrong…Obama was ELECTED by citizens (sad sacks that they are) & not SELECTED by Bush. Whether McCain or Obama got elected..we were continuing down the Progressive path to Hell…Bush included. As for Clapper–he’s had quite a military past; but that’s the past…these days, he seems as out of touch with reality as Obama is. Just sayin’
Waltermelon
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 3:08pmGardenoftheGods:
What I meant by dropping him in our laps, is, that his failure as a conservative was so huge, that he enraged just enough people to make Hussein Obama possible.
George Bush conned us into believing that he is a conservative. He isn’t. He is a worthless progressive who stole our liberty with such things as the Patriot Act, DHS, TSA…
Hussein Obama, for all practical purposes, IS George Bush on fast-forward. George Bush on crack.
Report Post »GODSAMERICA
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:53pmAnyone else notice that he’s made some really stupid statements and shown intense stupidity and no one calls for him to resign or anything but when he makes one true statement then the talk starts up about getting rid of him.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:53pmThis is the season of treason.
Report Post »There’s only about 15 minutes left to hear Walt Fitzpatrick.
He’s giving good information.
flagbearer
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:52pmI don’t believe or trust anyone in this administration.
Report Post »Waltermelon
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:15pmGeorge Bush is the person who appointed Clapper…
Report Post »thegoodvoter
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:52pmWhy do we have a Downs-syndrome dude as our national “Intel” director?
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:47pmHey, I’ve worked with Downs Syndrome kids. Don’t insult them by comparing them to this moron.
Report Post »Waltermelon
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:15pmBlame Bush, he appointed Clapper
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:51pmSeldom has such total buffoonery been present in a single individual outside of the circus.
Report Post »isgau8
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:51pmWhile Clapper may indeed be unqualified for the job, I must agree that at a minimum, China is a huge threat. Iran is perhaps our closest aligator to the canoe, but China long range represents a serious challenge. Consider that many of the large scale cyber attacks on U.S. tech have come from China. China’s military buildup is based largely on countering U.S. capabilities. When China goes after Taiwan, are we going to be ready? The answer to that is how we view them in the present. The sad part of this is that we are willfully financing their efforts.
Report Post »sleazyhippo
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:35amBefore considering General (USAF, Ret.) Clapper unqualified, perhaps a visit to Wikipedia would discuss his credentials and add perspective to his assignment. Just Sayin”
Report Post »Puddle Duck
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:46pmFrankly speaking he may be right about Libya….pro government forces have pushed back the rebels and are about to go on the offensive. organized co ordianted militray vs rebel rabble with ZERO air support and no heavy weaponary…it’s a matter of time before they are destroyed comepletely…that is if the pro Gov forces are ably led and organized…let’s hope for the Rebels sake that is NOT the case. The longer this drags out the bigger the advantage grows for the pro Gov’t forces.
As for the other comments by Clapper…he should have been fired last year for thr gaff in TV let alone the latest serious comments before this stunner hit the airwaves. Unfortunately this level of competence seems to ramapant in the Obama Admin. Reminds me of the disarray in the Carter WH shortly after the special ops mission to resue hostages (in Iran) ended in dismal failure.
Report Post »thisoldman
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:44pmHow long will it take to see Obama and friends will not be happy till we are attacked and bombed again.BUT they will still blame it on Bush. Do not admit to anything, if caught in a lie, find someone to blame fast. Obama and friends should all be made null and void.
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:39pmWhile Clapper’s comments contradict what the acornseiuvoterigged president is doing as a Usurper – accommodating the needs and wants of Russia and China – instead of the United States of America – that obozo “pretends” to represent –
Clapper is exposing what should not be done by this administration.
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:38pmIt is time for crazy uncle Clapper to warm up the room under the stairs so his constant insane laughter doesn’t wake the children.
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:37pmHow about three strikes Obama is out! I believe Obama is working on 20 strikes and he is not out yet for some ungodly reason. If there was ever aPresident that deserves to be impeached it is this one!!
Report Post »thisoldman
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:48pmIn his mind, Obama was elected to Dictator by Exectutive Order
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:37pmI think Clapper is exposing – what should be said to the American people……
Report Post »Toastery
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 8:16amI agree with Clapper, in that, left unchecked, Kadahfi has the resources to win against poorly armed citizens. Some of his greatest tools are a spineless Obama and a creeply-crawley UN.
Report Post »fertlmind
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:36pmstupid name for a stupid man
Report Post »who hired this idiot?
whoever it was should be fired!
BHO
Marylou7
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:19pmWouldn’t that be nice. :D
Report Post »Waltermelon
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:13pmGeorge Bush hired Clapper…
Report Post »sleazyhippo
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:23amClapper has been in the intelligence trade since the first President Bush was Director of CIA. He is famously known in the intelligence community for doubting the existence of WMD in Iraq on the buildup to the war. He was at the time Director of the NSA the agency that figured out 9-11 on 9-15 based on 9-9 intelligence collections. .
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:36pmGood for the Gen.! Never,ever,never ask a question that you don’t want to hear the answer!!
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:43pmRe: Russia & China.
Report Post »aLinedog
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:03pmDamned fine point, brother.
“In addition, Clapper, the nation’s top intelligence official, went on to describe both China and Russia as “mortal [threats]” to American security …”
I’ll drink to that. Anyone that thinks this is an incorrect statement, or perhaps one that is ‘dated’, is playing at being an ostrich. I suggest a second analysis concerning the global goals of both forms of government. I assure you, they have no interest in man governing himself. Patton and MacArthur were both correct. Better to have settled the matter while we had all those armies in position.
Report Post »-Line
Drive On.
82dAirborne
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:23pm@aLinedog
After the Airborne stuff I was 11C.Chief Computer for the Weapons Platoon. Always had a couple of squads of ‘dogs to protect my as#! Wouldn’t be here now without them!!
Report Post »Follow Me!
KICKILLEGALSOUT
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:37pmChina is a huge threat to this country, they have a stranglehold on our markets for imports in which we continue to run up tens of billions a month in trade deficits, we now let record numbers of Chinese students into our schools even displacing our own students in the process, just last year alone in colleges there was a record number of 130,000 with 30% increases year on year, how many of those are placing themselves in our top corporations, universities, military contractors, government and other positions to commit espionage or potentially be an element of sabotage if needed. We are suffering huge economic losses with black market goods from China and huge internet espionage campaigns which corporations won’t disclose most times because they are afraid to spook shareholders. China also owns trillions of our debt and is starting it’s plan to buy our land, resources, and businesses here in America.
Report Post »http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-22/hu-s-u-s-trip-may-augur-japan-style-investment-push-by-chinese-companies.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-24/exxon-shell-bp-said-to-have-been-hacked-through-chinese-internet-servers.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-08/hacking-of-dupont-j-j-ge-were-google-type-attacks-that-weren-t-disclosed.html
http://thisbluemarble.com/showthread.php?t=20845
Curioso
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:40am@Alinedog
Report Post »You are exactly correct in that both Russia and China are big threats. But the middle east IE. Iran Egypt etc. and all of the countries in turmoil at present pose a larger threat at the moment. These are major players that have had the backing of both China and Russia in acquiring the means to become the major threat that we will face in the near future.
cheezwhiz
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:35pmGraham added that Clapper has a “lack of situational awareness” and was sending the wrong message to Gaddafi
Report Post »—–
Translation :
Clapper is stoned and winking at Q-daffy
BurntHills
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:32pmclapper’s been a total mobama-moron thru out, LIGHTS OUT!
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:36pmDHS people don’t wake up Clapper for the important stuff
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:44pmJay Carney insisted that Clapper maintains Obama’s full support.
Report Post »—————
Heckuva job Clappie
:D
Dakota
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:45pmThe Peter Principle is alive and well in this administration. It is surely on display everyday. Un-freaking-believable.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:46pmCLAP ON…..Someone must have given him a 5 hour energy drink, he is alert. I think he just read a Tom Clancy book because we are back to the enemies being Russia and China, OK. I hope he doesn’t pick up anymore old books, or he might add Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan to the list.
Report Post »OK, CLAP OFF.
GBMBulletsSKNRD
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:01pm5 strikes your out, when the libs are at bat.
Report Post »Rob
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:20pmANYONE that supprts the socialist bastard has got to go.
Report Post »VTPatriot44
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:39pmAll I can say is watch the other hand right about now. This goes beyond blatant stupidity to the point I have to wonder if this didn’t happen on purpose. I would have to think that these folks are pretty well prepped before going to testify and I would think “What’s going to happen in Libya” would be a pretty obvious one to address. Here are the facts: the administration has no interest in leading the international community; the Rs are beginning to get the upperhand on the budget struggle; GITMO is staying open; the economy has been teetering on the edge of oblivian for years; and unions are being hamstrung left and right. I have to think we’re going to see some executive order coming in the middle of the night to circumvent the States actions to limit collective bargaining. What better time to do it than when conservatives are focused on something the administration cares nothing about? Just saying.
Report Post »My Sacred Honor
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:48pmAnother “explaination”?
Report Post »MAYBE clapper knows a HELL of a lot more than we do and he’s right.
Just sayin’….“maybe”…
CatB
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:02pmClapper is typical for Obama Administration and should be GONE NOW! God help us these people are clueless!
Report Post »brickmoon
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:29pmOh, come on — Clapper was only stating his opinions, which do not necessarily reflect those of NPR …I mean the administration…
Report Post »marine249
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:32pmclapper may be the biggest light in the obaba administration
Report Post »home_of_the_brave
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:38pmWhat happen to the video??? I tried to click on it and… nothing. C’mon CBS get your head out of your @$$ and let Americans see the truth.
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:10pmDon’t they all just make you feel warm and fuzzy all over?
Report Post »OneFunR6
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:25pmI feel warm and fuzzy all over…
oh, wait……..
I jus’ wet meself.
Report Post »John_Free
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:27pmWait a minute folks….what if Clapper is correct????
Report Post »OneFunR6
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:30pm“….what if Clapper is correct?”
He IS,. Lol!
but he’s STILL dumber than a box of hammers……..
Report Post »John_Free
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:33pmHe said Gaddafi may prevail and that Russia and China are genuine threats to America.
Well I don‘t know about Gaddafi but I do know that he’s correct on Russia and China.
Report Post »restorehope
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:44pmI‘m thinking they ought to muzzle Clapper’s yapper and fire him pronto. This man could inadvertantly start a war with his off-the-wall, unauthorized comments.
Report Post »home_of_the_brave
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:50pmOK, finally was able to view the video, don‘t know why I couldn’t earlier. While, China and Russia could both cause great harm to this Country, China economically and physically and Russia mostly physically; China needs us as much as we need them, and collapsing our economy right now is not in their best interest. I do find it telling that Clapper would not even name or consider Iran a threat!
The question was: “Who represents the greatest threat to the United States in terms of intent.”
Intent: meaning resolved or determined to do something.
Ahmadinejad has publicly called for action against America, Zionists and Jews. He often refers to America as “The Great Satan.” A Wiki Leaks Cable dated Jan 20, 2011 Said Iran has cleared major hurtle to nuclear weapons, noting Tehran has technical ability to make highly enriched uranium. This was published by the guardian.co.uk website. So they have not only the ‘intent’ but the technical capability to do so, and they’re not even worth a mention at this congressional meeting?
We need to know why Obama and his administration refuses to acknowledge Iran as a threat. Simply firing Clapper over it will not get to the bottom of this.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 2:22amNational Intelligence Director James Clapper must know some folks near the top because he sure as hell didn’t get his job because of his abundance of intelligence!
My Dog is smarter than him.
http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 2:26amVTPatriot44,
Just a reminder… GITMO staying open is a GOOD thing!
http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm
Report Post »NanNJ
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 6:14amThis man is obviously suffering from an onset of dementia. He did a great job before, but it’s time to retire. The question is, why does this administration keep a person with dementia in this very important job? Hmmm.
Report Post »Jackers
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 7:02amThis man is completely delusional and out of touch with reality… He must go!
Report Post »Curioso
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:20amWhat do you expect from the democrats with their hate of anything that has to do with intelligence of both kinds the common one of thinking and reasoning ability and the collection and analysis of information pertaining to possible enemies. So they would of course appoint a useless and inept person to be the head of our intelligence network. We get what we deserve by not being involved in who and what these people are. Americans have been asleep at the wheel and we all know what that brings.
It is going to take a very long time and a lot of hardship to get all of the problems we are facing on the right path if we ever do. Am hoping for a positive outcome but we must BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST.
Report Post »sleazyhippo
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:30amThe 911 Commission criticized the national Intelligence Community for “group think,“ ”kowtowing,“ failing to ”connect the dots“ and lack of ”imagination.” It is good that General Clapper has independent analytical positions. He will be the first to say that no prediction needs to be the end result – what happens is based on action.
Report Post »psst
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:48amMy Sacred Honor
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:48pm
Another “explaination”?
MAYBE clapper knows a HELL of a lot more than we do and he’s right.
Just sayin’….“maybe”…
Umm.MSH, I’m w/ you on this line of thinking.
Report Post »Uncle Crusty
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:11amand this from a man who did not even know Londoner’s were rioting, when EVERYONE, even the lame stream media splashed it all over the airwaves.
The Obumbler admin is a total farce, not to mention a fraud and blight to this fine country!
Report Post »