President Bush names general to CIA post

Despite concerns from Republicans and Democrats about the wisdom of installing a military man as head of a civilian spy agency, U.S. President George W. Bush named Michael Hayden to lead the CIA.

The choice of the Air Force general, who once ran a controversial eavesdropping program, was not being well received by Congress, but the president stood by his choice.

"Mike Hayden is extremely qualified for this position," Bush said in the Oval Office, with Hayden at his side. "He knows the intelligence community from the ground up."

As former head of the National Security Agency, Hayden oversaw the Bush administration's domestic surveillance program.

Porter Goss resigned under pressure as head of the Central Intelligence Agency on Friday. Hayden would replace him if his nomination is confirmed.

"There's probably no post more important in preserving our security and our values as people than the CIA," Hayden said.

Michael McCafferty comments:

General Michael Hayden is an excellent and outstanding person to head the CIA. General Hayden has distinguished himself as a remarkable military leader and I am pleased President Bush has recognized the General's leadership ability.