Mike McConnell, Director of National Intelligence

"The first responsibility of an intelligence professional is ground truth, and the second responsibility is to speak truth to power."---Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell

"Today, we face some of the greatest threats that any generation will ever know, and we must not be slow in confronting them. We must continue to emphasize integration across the Community to better serve our customers, provide frank, unencumbered analysis, and strengthen collection capabilities that continue to penetrate the seemingly impenetrable."--Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has interesting postings about our national security.

On July 22, 2007, Tim Russert had an exclusive interview with Mike McConnell on Meet the Press. [ODNI text]

MR. RUSSERT: Let me show you an—a key judgment from this report [National Intelligence Estimate entitled “The Terrorist Threat to the U.S. Homeland”], “We judge the U.S. homeland will face a persistent and evolving terrorist threat over the next three years.” In layman’s language, for the American viewers watching today, what is the most serious threat facing our country?

Admiral McCONNELL: Tim, the most serious threat is that the plotters that are being observed will be successful in penetrating our defenses and conducting an attack that would result in mass casualties. Their intent is to effect an attack with mass casualties. A secondary attempt, attempt would be political or infrastructure targets to even include economic targets that would have long-lasting impact.

MR. RUSSERT: Is it biological and chemical? Or the—is—do they achieve nuclear? [Full text]

On July 26, 2007, Mr. McConnell addressed the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on the topic of reforming America's national security.