WSJ: Obama Won't Radically Overhaul Bush Intelligence Policy

President-elect Barack Obama is unlikely to radically overhaul controversial Bush administration intelligence policies, advisers say, an approach that is almost certain to create tension within the Democratic Party.

Civil-liberties groups were among those outraged that the White House sanctioned the use of harsh intelligence techniques -- which some consider torture -- by the Central Intelligence Agency, and expanded domestic spy powers. These groups are demanding quick action to reverse these policies.

Mr. Obama is being advised largely by a group of intelligence professionals, including some who have supported Republicans, and centrist former officials in the Clinton administration. They say he is likely to fill key intelligence posts with pragmatists.

First up to begin the weeping and wailing are the civil libertarians who voted for Obama believing he actually did mean to change anything (other than who's butt was parked in the Oval Office).

Next up, all the poor, simple peace-niks who were just sure that his wondefulness would end the war and daisies would spring up everywhere.

No national politician in the last five decades has gone wrong in over-estimating the gullibility and just plain dirt stupidity of the American electorate.