I found this CIA text on the psychology of intelligence analysis quite interesting. URL: http://www.cia.gov/csi/books/19104/index.html
In particular, the section on cognitive biases seems particularly relevant these days. Professional analysts are more conscious of such biases and their impact, compared to the casual viewer of the news. How much and how far does intelligence get distorted when presented to the public by the media in a manner that makes a better story?
Needless to say, I'm fairly cynical when it comes to the nature of popular punditry. Cognitive dissonance is uncomfortable, so people will opt for pundits who echo their own beliefs at some level.