Breaking: Chas Freeman withdraws name from NIC appointment

The Hill reports on the good news:

Charles Freeman, the Obama administration’s choice to head the National Intelligence Council, has withdrawn from consideration after facing strong opposition from Senate Republicans.

Actually Senate Democrats like Chuck Schumer and “Independent Democrat” Joe Lieberman had big issues with Freeman, too.

Continuing:

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) told The Hill that Freeman has withdrawn his nomination and that Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair agreed to accept the decision. Blair released a statement late Tuesday announcing Freeman’s decision.

The withdrawal came hours after Freeman agreed to testify before the Senate intelligence panel on Thursday to answer questions raised in recent days. All seven Republicans on the panel had sent a letter to Blair raising concerns about Freeman’s experience and objectivity.

Already the whinefest/blame game has begun at The Daily Dish. And the widespread accusations of a “neocons/rich Jews” conspiracy against Freeman by “outraged” liberals should start in 3, 2, 1 …

Prior/Related:

• Rebuttals to the “Chas Freeman is a realist” arguments
• Another Obama pick gets vetted after the fact
• Obama’s atrocious pick for National Intelligence Council