Transcript for 'Start Here' podcast: Hard road ahead for Haspel

I will the White House is supporting the president's choice to lead the CIA amid reports she offered to withdraw her nomination they're published reports that say she was ready to step aside because of concern. About her record on torture. In his statement from the White House so called sura highly qualified nominee. We asked Brad milky to look into Brett. A guys coming at you hear from the start here studio where everyone has been talking about Gina Haskell. C president trump would like a drama free confirmation hearing for his pick for CIA director well. That's not what he's getting. According to the Washington Post houseful tried to get un nominated this weekend before White House officials convinced her to stick around. She was reportedly were read over questions about her role in harsh interrogation programs. But some would call torture and I talked to ABC news contributor John Cohen he used to be the Department of Homeland Security he knows people in the intelligence community. After the attacks of September 11 we went down a path. That. A significant. How portion. Of the intelligence military and law enforcement community is very uncomfortable with this is a historical part the CIA. That is currently you know he evoking very strong feelings. Amongst people I know people who are vehemently opposed. To the use of enhanced interrogation techniques on the other hand there are others who believe that that it work that it was necessary so I think she's gonna have become a difficult time during confirmation. Now Haskell is a career CIA officer and the White House says she's supremely qualified. For this position but. The White House did not deny those reports she sought to withdraw her nomination you can hear that entire conversation with John Cohen on the start here podcast later this morning. Check it out and apple pod cast your favorite podcasting app. And as Diane.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.