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In an interview with Leon Panetta in Nov. 2006 the Weekly took a look into his views on bipartisanship, the legislative process and his stepping out of the political spotlight. Now, after two years as director of the CIA—the killing of Osama Bin Laden accomplished—and a position waiting for him as defense secretary later this year, Panetta’s name is once again making front page news around the nation.

According to a New York Times article, Panetta was said to be hesitant to leave his CIA post, but eventually agreed to take the position at the helm of the Defense Department. Due in large part to his budget-tackling experience in Congress, its no surprise Panetta's nomination is being seen as a way for the Obama administration to corral defense spending. However, after the effective handling of the hunt for Bin Laden, it seems there might be a little more to his appointment than budget management.

Panetta has now secured positions of immense responsibility and power during the last two democratic administrations—perhaps, in large part, by heeding his own advice and governing by leadership, as opposed to crisis.