Romney Backs Interrogation, Patriot Act

[Omaha Steve]

Jul 20, 6:11 PM (ET)

By AMY LORENTZEN



Republican presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney stands on a chair as he speaks at the Ida Grove Pharmacy and Soda Fountain, in Ida Grove, Iowa, Friday, July 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

DENISON, Iowa (AP) - Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney said Friday more intense methods of CIA interrogation are acceptable in dealing with terrorism and he praised the broad powers granted law enforcement under the USA Patriot Act.

During a question-and-answer session at an Iowa campaign stop, Romney was asked about aggressive interrogation of those in U.S. custody. In recent years, questions have arisen as to whether the CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques cross the line into torture and abuse, such as a practice known as water-boarding.

The CIA has denied it uses torture.

"I support tough interrogation techniques, enhanced interrogation techniques, in circumstances where there is a ticking time bomb, a ticking bomb," Romney said. "I do not support torture, but I do support enhanced interrogation techniques to learn from terrorists what we need to learn to keep the bombs from going off."

Romney answered questions about torture during a Republican debate in May but his answers Friday expanded on the issue.

The former Massachusetts governor also praised President Bush for enactment of the Patriot Act. Critics of the law contend that the government has invaded Americans' privacy using the newfound powers of the act, such as the Justice Department's authority on wiretapping.

FULL story at link.

[bluestateguy]

1. They only support the Patriot Act if they are the ones who get to use it

As soon as the Patriot Act falls into the hands of a Democratic President, these people will demand all kinds of restrictions, reforms, checks and balances, and sunset provisions.

[genie_weenie]

2. And the WMDs are in Syria because

Romney uses Lead based makeup...