An important sign: Jake Tapper offers this exchange between Senator Joe Lieberman (D-from you know where) and Dennis Blair, director of National Intelligence, on the appointment of Chas Freeman, to be head of Nat'l Intelligence Council. Blair says Freeman has an inventive mind and a great intellect, and yes, strong views, and will face fine-comb scrutiny. But he's standing by his man.
Also note: the National Jewish Democratic Council has declined to bash Freeman. J Street has said nothing against Freeman either. AIPAC has also been careful not to say anything mean officially about Freeman. Which means that the New Republic (Chait) and Jeffrey Goldberg are now isolated as the sole Democratic types in the neocon camp on this one. When Freeman goes on board at the end of the month, that will be the second call TNR/Goldberg have missed in recent months (Gaza), making them more and more irrelevant.
Update: Greg Sargent reports that Dianne Feinstein is having Freeman in to meet with several senators, make or break.
