In a New Administration, Some Brand-New Jobs?

Really? Maybe Holbrooke's detractors had failed after all? Talk about an eyebrow-raiser.

But an aide to Holbrooke said that the announcement was "completely false" and that the "reason he canceled was totally unrelated" to the transition and "for personal reasons."

"He is not part of any transition team," we were told, and he "hasn't been to Washington since before Election Day."

What's more, he wasn't going to be in Washington on Thursday. The speakers bureau apparently had miscommunicated with the university.

Holbrooke's detractors were breathing easier for another day.

DNI Will Play Lead Role, Not the CIA

Just before the election, the media carried stories, apparently coming out of the CIA, that both candidates would be receiving intelligence briefings. After the election, there were follow-ups, some again spotlighting the CIA, that Obama would be getting those briefings.

It sure left the impression that the CIA was in charge, although that may be because reporters by habit naturally call Langley about these matters.

We were totally confused, because we had thought the director of national intelligence would take the lead on this. Fortunately, we were right, as we learned from the DNI Web site:

11.10.2008 -- Media Spotlight DNI's Lead Role In Briefing President-Elect Obama.

On Thursday, November 6, most major news outlets reported that DNI Mike McConnell had led the first intelligence briefing for President-elect Barack Obama since the Illinois Senator's election two days earlier. Many media noted that the President-elect will now be offered the same briefing given to President Bush each morning. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence will continue to lead the effort.

Probably good that they clarified this.

With Philip Rucker

and research editor Alice Crites.