Dan Coats: “I think making this as transparent as possible, not only to our own public, but throughout democratic nations that are…”

Electoral legitimacy is the essential linchpin of our entire political culture.

One of the first things you can do--at this hearing, even--is to make a strong statement of support for professionalism in the IC and pledge that you will not tolerate politics influencing the analytical process.

You will need to inspire a workforce that has unfortunately been hollowed out by years of firings, and remind them that their mission is critical--and still noble.

You'll need to demonstrate to the American people that the Intelligence Community deserves their utmost confidence as a source of truth and insight.