This appointment was done very carefully to cover up for Bill Richardson stepping down from the Commerce Secretary job. They announced Bill Richardson's resignation on Sunday, a day when many journalists are off, and then announced the Panetta appointment on Monday. The media was more than happy to play into this game.
The Bill Richardson resignation is a scandal and the media has brushed over it like some minor sports story! Don't be fooled by this political maneuver!!!!!
Also, it's great that Panetta has 0 intelligence experience. I guess Obama thinks we need another 9-11 again.