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Mukasey Silent on Torture, Vocal on Spying

AG nominee's testimony a "massive hedge," says Democratic senator

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 18, 2007 8:31 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Michael Mukasey remained mum today on whether interrogation methods such as waterboarding constitute torture. But the president’s nominee for attorney general spoke out in favor of the White House’s eavesdropping program, the NY Times reports, frustrating and confusing Democrats on the second day of his confirmation hearings. Mukasey argued the president’s constitutional authority may allow him to supersede congressional law.

Democrats weren’t convinced: Pat Leahy responded, “I see a loophole big enough to drive a truck through,” later wondering if the White House pressured Mukasey into defending its views.  Mukasey denied the charge, and after he repeatedly refused to label waterboarding torture, another senator branded his testimony a “massive hedge.” Despite the rift, Mukasey is expected to win Senate confirmation.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, talks with Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, following Mukasey's second day of testifying before the committee's hearing on his nomination. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, talks with Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, following Mukasey's...   (Associated Press)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his nomination. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his nomination. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)   (Associated Press)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, right, is questioned by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., left, during the second day of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, right, is questioned by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., left, during the second day of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)   (Associated Press)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, on the second day of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, on the second day of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee....   (Associated Press)
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In "meal locker" temperatures, Mukasey hearing gets heated
Washington Post

Democrat: Mukasey testimony "a massive hedge"
Associated Press

Despite frustration, Dems say they'll still vote for Mukasey
Reuters

US • Politics

 
Congress • CIA • torture • Attorney General • Senate Judiciary Committee • White House • Patrick Leahy • Constitution • Michael Mukasey • waterboarding • Sheldon Whitehouse • George W. Bush

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