This election will be the ugliest ever..

[Stuart G]

Yes.ugliest ever..Why?
..The Attorney Generals statement that no investigation into CIA waterboarding opens up the question as to whether or not this procedure is accepted and reasonable.

The Republicans will try to focus the discussion on the fact that this is not torture, and that this can be and will accepted as treatment of the most difficult "terrorists"

As the discussion focuses on this issue, many voters may side with this idea, since it does sound reasonable, even though ridiculous.

So by controlling this discussion, they may control the election. Since, a true and complete discussion about torture and its definition is likely to be over the heads of most citizens, (at least it seems to me at this time) the simplification of it to the idea that... "we must do it to protect the nation...and we do it better.." and we will make the U.S.A safer than those who would not do it...(the Democrats)..

This train of thought may be far more dangerous than we think...Can the saner position win in a climate of fear?..Who knows. I sure don't...Stuart G.
..

[Ganja Ninja]

1. This election won't even be close.

The GOP is finished. They've trashed the economy, destroyed the military and bankrupted the country. Torture is not going to be a major issue when people are losing their homes and jobs. Bringing the criminal to justice for their crimes is something people may want but torture is only a small fraction of their misdeeds.

[AndyTiedye]

5. It Looks Really Close Now, We're LOSING in All Recent Matchups

The MSM adores McCain, and they always call him a "maverick" so as to ensure that none of Bush**'s unpopularity rubs off on him.
It is working. He ties or beats us in every matchup I have seen recently. Are there ANY polls that back up your contention?

[Ganja Ninja]

6. There's still a year to go and we've yet to see the two sides go

head to head. When that happens McCain is going to have to defend the last 7 years. I doubt he can do that.

[bdamomma]

2. I just hope these "superdelegates" do not make the decision for us

who the next President should be.

[Mike Daniels]

3. Except that McCain has already basically come out against our interrogation methods

That was one of many the issues the base had against him to begin with.

I don't think torture is going to be a point of difference between the candidates this year unless McCain goes against everything he's already said vis a vis the topic.

[bryant69]

4. Well - I don't know if McCain will make that an issue

He is on record as having been on the wrong side of this issue, from his parties perspective. He's been chastised for opposing "Life saving interrogation techniques" (so close to "Life saving torture" which makes me laugh in grim depressed way).

Could pop up in the congressional races though. And I'd expect Obama or Clinton to say something like "I really commend your position on Torture when your party and PResident Bush clearly have a different opinion on whether or not we should be torturing."

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Stuart G]

8. Yet..Mc Cain doesn't have to say anything...

His mere presence as a candidate implies terrorism and torture.

As an ex POW when he talks, he talks with the ......:patriot:
..Further, if they drug him up enough..so that he sounds reasonable, and proper..(even if he isn't..drugs do that ) then some may listen.


Of course all will not listen at first. But the MSM will have time to try to convince people that he is OK. If he changes his mind on torture.or modifies his stance some, than he certainly will have credence and believability over his opposition,.. (whoever that may be)
since he knows about ....the t word...torture..he can be referred to as an expert on the subject...

..In fact, I think that that is what the Republican Establishment was thinking all along.,,So torture will be the new mantra, as opposed to 9/11 or terrorism. And it is ok in certain instances. Just cause he has been on the so called ...wrong side..doesn't mean he will not change....these people are really something. Just look at what they have said and done.

So, it is possible that the Republicans have been thinking about making this issue.."torture when necessary is ok.." as a centerpoint of their campaign .....all along. Framing the discussion to their needs, by the mere presence of Mc Cain..please..we must not underestimate the enemy...They stole the 2000 election, and cheated in 2006. They kept thousands of people from voting (including soldiers that were fighting in their war..) ..thru illegal cageing..and other methods. They will do anything to remain in control. We must be ready for the worst....................Stuart G.

[slackmaster]

7. No, it will be beautful

No George W. Bush!

[Stuart G]

9. You can see what they are going to say..boy it is bad..

...Here..at this thread, started today..you can see that the Republican noise machine will state that most Americans will support Waterboarding...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2832084&mesg_id=2832084

L. Coyote
WTF! Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) 99% of Americans Would Support Waterboarding.............

for the good of the country, of course..to save people...of course...........I believe that Bush and McCain will try to always try to steer the debate in this direction, or directions like this......