Compare And Contrast Photos Of The Day - NSC Edition

Though we believe you shouldn't "judge a book by its cover," we are making an exception in the case of the membership of the re- shuffled National Security Council.

Here is the newest member, empowered to attend all "principals committee" meetings:

(White nationalist Trump advisor Steve Bannon)

Here is the member disempowered to attend only those NSC meetings "relevant to his portfolio":

(Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, USMC, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff)

Really gives you an enhanced sense of ... national security, doesn't it?

National Security Team Shuffle

Word leaked out today that President Obama is going to name current CIA Director Leon Panetta as Secretary of Defense, replacing Robert Gates. In Panetta's place at CIA, Obama plans to name Gen. David Petraeus. Panetta's one of the most experienced officials in DC, having served in the Clinton Administration as Chief of Staff and OMB Director. Petraeus won praise for his surge strategy in Iraq, and has been a good team player under Obama. Looks like a good move all around.