Plus: That Lawful Power. Senator Feinstein quotes Judge Mukasey's reassurance regarding his view of presidential power:
"I understand also the importance of the United States remaining a nation of laws and setting a high standard of respect for human rights. Indeed, I said at the hearing that torture violates the law and the Constitution, and the president may not authorize it as he is no less bound by constitutional restrictions than any other government official.
Note the nuanced logic: torture violates both the law and the Constitution. The president is bound by the Constitution. Notice anything missing here? Can you find any indication that Judge Mukasey believes the president is bound by the
law of the land? Me neither.
Also See: Glenn Greenwald and digby. And SteveAudio and the talking dog.