The information gained from these techniques was valuable in some instances, but there is no way of knowing whether the same information could have been obtained through other means.

He has also promised to end special interrogation regimes and believes the Intelligence Community must conduct analysis on opportunities as well as threats. Blair spent over 34 years in the United States Navy. Former DNI Mike McConnell and the first DNI John Negroponte were both unable to take this community management function away from the CIA which has been under the CIA's jurisdiction since 1947.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve in the Obama administration as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on January 28 2009 and took office the next day. Blair resigned as DNI on May 20 2010 effective May 28; multiple new sources reported that the move was requested by President Obama.