The present Republican leadership is masterful at framing a debate in terms that

1. Make the Democrats uncomfortable
2. Mislead the lesser informed among the electorate
3. Appeal to a very real fear amond the population

Here’s a question – is there any truth in the following quote from President Bush’s We Do Not Torture speech?

We knew that Zubaydah had more information that could save innocent lives, but he stopped talking. As his questioning proceeded, it became clear that he had received training on how to resist interrogation. And so the CIA used an alternative set of procedures. These procedures were designed to be safe, to comply with our laws, our Constitution, and our treaty obligations. The Department of Justice reviewed the authorized methods extensively and determined them to be lawful. I cannot describe the specific methods used–I think you understand why–if I did, it would help the terrorists learn how to resist questioning, and to keep information from us that we need to prevent new attacks on our country. But I can say the procedures were tough, and they were safe, and lawful, and necessary.

or in this section?

It’s important for Americans and others across the world to understand the kind of people held at Guantanamo. These aren’t common criminals, or bystanders accidentally swept up on the battlefield – we have in place a rigorous process to ensure those held at Guantanamo Bay belong at Guantanamo.

Most particularly, is this true?

I want to be absolutely clear with our people, and the world: The United States does not torture. It’s against our laws, and it’s against our values. I have not authorized it – and I will not authorize it.

That last quote is like announcing “I did not have sex with that woman” with a pair of ladies underwear poking out from your breast pocket while waving a dry cleaning bill for a blue dress.

NRO answers some of these questions. Andrew Sullivan addresses others.