How Obama Can Save the NSA

[Commentary] The National Security Agency's ability to track terrorist activity will require more than a successful appeal of Judge Leon's decision to survive.

The public needs to be reminded how vital -- and constitutional -- these efforts are to protecting America from terrorist attacks. That hasn't happened much recently. Even if President Barack Obama belatedly engages on this issue, his credibility has been diminished because of his repeated false statements on health care. The nation's chief executive, in short, will need bipartisan help in explaining and defending these vital programs, principally from former CIA directors like Leon Panetta and Gen. Michael Hayden (who was also an NSA director), and former Attorneys General like Judge Michael Mukasey. Sen Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Rep Mike Rogers (R-MI) as Intelligence Committee chairmen also have important roles to play, as do Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the chairmen of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. The horrifying memories of 9/11 are fading for many Americans. The same can't be said for Islamic militants, whose burning hatred for us is undiminished. It now requires leadership to refocus the American people on the lethal terrorist threats we face and the importance of the NSA's tools in combating them.

[Rove, a former deputy chief of staff to President George W. Bush, helped organize the political action committee American Crossroads]