Gina Haspel's nomination for CIA director has not been easy. The current deputy director of the agency faces critics from both sides of the political aisle who are shining a spotlight on her role in the enhanced interrogation techniques program that was used during the George W. Bush administration. That program, which included what critics call harsh tactics, were employed in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) wrote a whole op-ed about why Haspel, who was "complicit in torture," is wrong for the role of CIA chief.
Condoleezza Rice, who was national security advisor at the time of the tragedy, defended Haspel on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday morning. She shamed critics who are condemning the nominee without knowing anything about what it's like to lead during such a unique national crisis.
"If you were not in a position of authority on September 11, you have no idea the pressures that we faced to try and make sure that this country wasn't attacked again," she said. "Walk a mile in our shoes and you'll understand some of the things that—"
"So you're almost offended when people are judging her?" host Brian Kilmeade asked.
"I am offended that people who were not there and who didn't have to make the tough decisions now want to second-guess," Rice said. "We're an open society. People can debate. There's nothing wrong with that. But the fine professionals who kept us safe deserve our praise, not our criticism." (Free Beacon)
Former CIA Dir. Michael Hayden also jumped to the nominee's defense. Haspel is the “absolute, best choice to be the director of the CIA, he said.
He's 100 percent certain she’s "the best athlete available in the draft."
Former CIA Director Mike Pompeo is being sworn in as the new secretary of state Wednesday, so his old position is patiently waiting its replacement.
