R. James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence; co-chairman, Committee on the Present Danger
Photo from October 30, 2003, hearings, "Panel III - China’s Energy Diplomacy and its Geopolitical Implications I" of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

Two recent Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle World articles, "R. James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence and current co-chairman of the "Committee on the Present Danger," urgently supports plug-in hybrid electric vehicle strategy for fighting terrorism and enhancing national security" and "Committee on the Present Danger and New York Times Op-Ed columnist strongly support plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and 'green energy solutions' generally," have highlighted the campaign by former Director of Central Intelligence R. James Woolsey to accelerate the transition to a "plug-in hybrid electric vehicle" transportation system in the U.S.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle World spoke this afternoon with Mr. Woolsey about his campaign and issues surrounding it.

Towards the end of the interview, Mr. Woolsey, asked about plausible presidential candidates for 2008 who might steer the country in the direction he favors, referred to his 2000 support for Arizona Republican Senator John McCain; called him "a remarkable individual;" said that Senator McCain "has been wonderful, at least from my point of view, on these energy issues…been just terrific;" denied that he'd be in line for a position as an advisor or high-level appointee by a President McCain (because he, Woolsey, is a Democrat); and said of this reporter's request for assistance in arranging an interview with the former and perhaps-future presidential candidate, "I'll send it in."

You can listen to this exploration of the present danger to the U.S. and its economy posed by dependence on foreign oil; and associated issues involving renewable energy, biodiesel and ethanol bio-fuels; SUVs; Detroit's "Big Three" automakers; "third-rail" energy politics; and Mr. Woolsey's hope that President Bush will take the lead in using his "bully pulpit" to convince Americans of the need to end their dependence on foreign energy sources, by clicking here.

For an executive summary and a more detailed version of the points made in this recorded interview with Mr. Woolsey, click on the title of the Committee on the Present Danger Policy Paper he recently co-authored with former Secretary of Labor/Treasury/State George P. Schultz: "Oil & Security.".