Strange subhead in the Washington Post today — "Obama Silent Amid Conflicting Advice" about whether to replace the nation’s top intelligence officials.  What is he supposed to do, shout to the highest mountaintop about how he wants to get rid of Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell and CIA Director Michael Hayden?  Is he supposed to make all these changes within one week of getting elected?  Let’s hope this isn’t a hint of how the Post plans to sell newsprint and pageviews as the Obama Administration comes to power.  The presidential transition should be just that — a transition, not an abrupt change brought on by outside pressure on the president-elect to "look decisive" or "take action."  The guy was only elected eight days ago!  He not only has the right to occasionally keep mum about his plans, he has an obligation to do so.  The country needs reasoned and well-considered decisions, not a rush to judgment.  And as far as the intel chiefs themselves go, it might make sense to keep them on for a few months or even better, to agree with them on a six-month consultation period to help their replacements learn on the job. -NH

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