Transcript for Obama Nominates John Brennan for CIA Director

In John -- on the men and women of the CI we'll have the leadership of one of our nation's most skilled and respected intelligence professionals. Not to mention that unique combination of smarts and strength. That. He claims comes from growing up in New Jersey. A 45 year veteran of the CI it. John knows what our national security demands. Intelligence the provides policy makers with the facts. Strong analytic insights and a keen understanding of a dynamic world. Given his extensive experience and travels which include by the way. Traveling through the Arabian Peninsula where he camp where tribesmen in the desert. John has an invaluable perspective on the forces the history the culture the politics economics. The desire for human dignity. Driving so much of the changes in today's world. Having held senior management analytic and operational positions at the agency. John's committed to investing in the range of intelligence capabilities we -- technical and human. He literally built and then -- the National Counterterrorism Center. And he knows the risks that our intelligence professionals face every day. John has lost colleagues and friends. Heroes who stars not -- that memorial wall at Langley. The last four years as my advisor for counterterrorism and Homeland Security John developed. And has overseen our comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. A collaborative effort crossed the government including intelligence and defense and homeland security and law enforcement agencies. And so think about the results. More only al-Qaeda. Leaders and commanders have been removed from battlefield than at any time since 9/11. Their communications recruiting training finances -- -- under enormous -- All of which makes it harder to plan and carry out large scale attacks against our homeland. And our entire team. Including our exceptional Director of National Intelligence Jim clapper. Rule remain relentless against al-Qaeda. And its affiliates. Get all this work John has been tireless. People here the White House -- part. But. John is legendary even in the White House for workable. He is one of the hardest working public service. I've ever seen. I'm not sure -- slot. In four years. We we. When I was on Martha's Vineyard. John came and -- the press briefing. Is in the summer its August is -- suit suit and tie. And one of the reporters -- don't ever get a downtime. John said. I don't do down to. Desire -- smiling. There's another reason -- value jobs so much and that is his integrity and his commitment to the values define us as Americans. -- has worked to embed our efforts in a strong legal framework. He understands we are a nation of walls. In moments of debate and decision. He asks the tough questions any insists on high and rigorous standards. Time and again he's spoken to the American people about our counterterrorism policies. Because he recognizes we every responsible to be open and transparent as possible. So John you've been more my closest advisors. You've been a great friend. I'm deeply grateful. For your extraordinary service -- even more grateful for cabbies. Willingness to put up with -- -- And I am grateful to both of you for your wants to take this aside.

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