We've been focusing on the Wilkes-Wade dimensions of Porter Goss's firing at CIA. Meanwhile, much of the criticism of CIA nominee Gen. Hayden, from both sides of the aisle, has been over the fact that he's an Air Force General (not retired, but currently serving) and that his command over the CIA would bolster Don Rumsfeld's efforts to consolidate control of the intel community in the Pentagon. Remember, in theory at least, as a general, Hayden works for Rumsfeld.

But Steve Clemons has a contrary view.

He thinks Hayden's appointment may actually bolster John Negroponte in his efforts to resist Rumsfeld. There are a lot of different moving parts in what's going on here -- contending personalities, fights over the structure of the intel community, whether the balance of power will be at the Pentagon or elsewhere, etc. But on balance, blunting Rumsfeld in his efforts to run everything out of DOD seems like a good thing.

Steve also says that Steve Kappes, a key CIA player who was run out by Goss, will be coming back as Hayden's deputy.