The drama surrounding Haspel's nomination escalated Friday when she offered to withdraw her nomination, according to several sources familiar with the matter. National security officials say they still believe she can survive a Senate confirmation hearing -- but some say there contingency plans if she doesn't. One of the contingency plans being discussed involves preparing Susan Gordon, the deputy director of national intelligence, to potentially take Haspel's place in case Republican senators or Trump balk, two intelligence sources familiar with the matter said. "Director Coats and PPDNI Sue Gordon believe that Gina is a great choice for CIA director and are fully supportive of her nomination. "This is stupid political game-playing and it's crazy to think they are doing it with a national security nomination," a US intelligence official said.

Source: CNN May 07, 2018 12:01 UTC