Bush says 'impressed' with Obama picks

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. President George W. Bush said Sunday he has been "impressed" by many of President-elect Barack Obama's Cabinet picks.

In an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," the Republican president said Obama, a Democrat, has showed decisiveness in some of his appointments.

"I've been impressed … . He showed decisiveness," Bush said. "He has picked people that are capable and competent people. And I think he's had a very good transition. And frankly, I think Josh Bolten, my chief of staff, and the people that work here in the White House have also had a good transition because they have reached out to the president-elect's team at all levels."

Asked specifically about Obama's controversial pick of Leon Panetta to lead the CIA, Bush was reticent.

"I really don't feel comfortable commenting upon President-Elect Obama's supposed choices, in this case," Bush said. "My only advice would be to recognize that the CIA is full of incredibly bright, hardworking, decent professionals who have got one thing in mind, and that is to serve the United States."