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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Holder: Waterboarding Is Torture

But supports FISA, Patriot Act

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(Newser) – Eric Holder minced no words when asked about waterboarding in his confirmation hearing today. “Waterboarding is torture,” the AG-designate said, a declaration neither Michael Mukasey nor Alberto Gonzales was willing to make. He said that, even in emergencies, the president couldn’t override the constitution. Republicans also leapt to question Holder about the Marc Rich pardon, which he readily admitted to regrets about.

Arlen Specter, the committee's ranking Republican, said the Rich incident was “hard to brush off” because of Rich’s “reprehensible record.” “I did not acquaint myself with his record,” Holder replied. “That was one of the mistakes I made.” Holder also confirmed that the Guantanamo Bay detention center would be closed, but said it would take longer than many hoped, because certain dangerous inmates couldn’t be tried or repatriated.

Patrick Leahy leads Eric Holder, center, and John Warner, on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, prior to the committee's hearing on Holder's nomination.
Patrick Leahy leads Eric Holder, center, and John Warner, on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, prior to the committee's hearing on Holder's nomination.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vat., left, leads Eric Holder on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, prior to the committee's hearing on Holder's nomination.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vat., left, leads Eric Holder on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, prior to the committee's hearing on Holder's nomination.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
Attorney General-designate Eric Holder walks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, prior to testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his nomination.
Attorney General-designate Eric Holder walks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, prior to testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his nomination.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
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2 comments
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Shannonals
Jan 17, 09 11:07 AM CST
I don't care what any of you say, if Waterboarding a suspected terrorist will save American lives, than I say waterboard them. I find it hilarious all these debates against waterboarding is conducted by people that have never walked a patrol. How about all thoe couch warriors sit back and let the real Amnericans do their job Reply
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Doctor_Zaius
Mar 2, 09 7:10 PM CST
Your problem is you are a foolish person who thinks a television show like "24" has all the answers. Read anything by an actual intelligence operative on torture, they will pretty much tell you the same thing. It doesn't work.
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