A reader writes:
How out of whack does someone's moral compass have to be for them to go on national television, demand a reporter look them in the eye, tell the reporter the United States doesn't torture (three times), refuse to discuss any interrogation techniques that are used, then, when pressed, offer the classic torturer's defense (ticking time bomb, evil men won't say anything unless coerced, etc.), and expect anyone to believe him. This was the same technique President Bush used on Matt Lauer: deny it, refuse to discuss it, and then justify it. All the while they act put out that the reporter would even dare to ask the question despite the volumous evidence that has been leaked about water boarding, stress positions, sleep deprivation, threatening with dogs, etc. All this from an administration promising to restore honor and integrity to the White House. Whenever, someone jokes about Clinton not knowing the definition of "is," I always counter with "at least he knows the definition of torture."
My favorite part of the George Tenet interview came when he was asked whether anyone had died from the interrogation program used by the CIA. Tenet quickly said "No," waited a beat and took a big swig out of a water bottle. That's what we call a tell.
He's a war criminal. And a liar.