In general a President should get the people that they want for their administration. Sadly Trumps picks tend to be boot-licker and brownnosers who tell him what he wants to hear. That terrible Cabinet meeting where they all took turns praising the President as he sat there basking in the adulation is a symptom of a very dangerous man.

On a recent episode of the podcast Intelligence Matters the host and the guest, both men who formerly were quite high ranking at the CIA administration advocated for Ms. Haspel’s confirmation. They spoke of her experience, her intelligence, and her commitment to this country. All great qualities for someone wielding terrible powers in the service of their country, but the pair also praised Ms. Haspel as someone who would tell the President ‘no.’

If I had faith that she would act in such a manner I would fully support her confirmation, this president more than most needs strong capable people to tell him ‘no’ and check his worst impulses. Not an easy task to do with the President of the United States, particularly when that President is known for verbal rages when thwarted and who possesses a fragile ego.

Unfortunately Ms. Haspel as already been tested in the manner and she failed. When directed to carried out torture she did so. When directed to destroy evidence of that torture, she did so. From person far less power than a sitting president when did not tell them ‘no.’

Called before congress for her confirmation she dodged and evaded, going so far to refuse to label torture as immoral.

When we select people for power positions, the Congress, the Senate, and so one the most important character trait is judgment. That is the real job we are hiring them for, not to follow public opinion polls, not to be a weather vane for shifting moods, but to render judgment on our behalf.

Ms. Haspel’s judgment has been found wanting.