Chertoff's Gut

U.S. Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff said earlier this week he has a "gut feeling" about terrorist attacks happening soon in this country. Now what color on the chart is that?

From The Progress Report:

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has a "gut feeling" that the United States is at an "increased risk" of a terrorist attack this summer. But as White House officials admit, there is "no credible, specific intelligence to suggest that there is an imminent threat to the homeland." Chertoff should not be announcing terrorist threats based on his gastrointestinal murmurs. State and local officials need solid intelligence in order to properly prepare. Yet there is no doubt that the global threat of terrorism has increased since the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. A new threat assessment from U.S. counterterrorism analysts concludes that al Qaeda is "considerably operationally stronger than a year ago" and has "regrouped to an extent not seen since 2001."

A 'GUT FEELING': Chertoff's comments were swiftly attacked by both the right and the left. "Gut feeling' doesn't help any of us," said Kerry Sleeper, homeland security adviser to Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas (R). "A gut feeling is not the way to convey information to hundreds of thousands of first responders across this country that are responsible for identifying, interrupting or responding to a terrorist attack." House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) wrote to Chertoff on Wednesday and asked him to clarify his comments. "Words have power, Mr. Secretary. You must choose them wisely -- especially when they relate to the lives and security of the American public. ... What cities should be asking their law enforcement to work double shifts because of your 'gut feeling?'" Not surprisingly, Chertoff's comments were not matched by an increase in the domestic security threat level. Even White House Press Secretary Tony Snow admitted that Chertoff's "gut feeling" was nothing more than a reflection of the Homeland Security Secretary's "belief that this is a time for vigilance." Instead of simply generating anxiety, administration officials need to offer constructive steps that first responders or ordinary citizens can take.