THE PANETTA PICK: A brave choice. “The choice is a brave one because it can open Mr. Obama to charges of appointing a loyalist to a crucial post. But that is exactly what is needed at this time.”

UPDATE: More on the Panetta pick: “He’s 70. A 70-year-old man with no background will lead the hunt for al Qaeda. . . . Whatever happened to deep knowledge and real-world experience? Now, you’re willing to go on assertions of good character and a cocky belief in the soundness of what your instincts tell you is obvious and right? That attitude is positively… Bushian.” Meet the new boss, yada yada!