And That Goes Double For Lieberman
By Shakes notes the latest emerging talking point, which will be to say that the Democrats approved of Bush’s illegal searches, so nobody can complain. Like Shakes, I’m pretty dubious about the candor with which the Democratic caucus was briefed. And nor do I think that it would have mattered if they had expressed reservations. The policy was not not a collaboration between the legislative and executive branch’s; it’s Bush’s responsibility, and Bush who is accountable for it.
But having said this, let’s be clear about one thing. Would I be shocked to know that some Dems knew about this and didn’t have any major problem with? I wouldn’t. The Dems’ record in standing up for civil liberties is less than stellar. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter. The searches are illegal, full stop. They don’t become any more legal if Jay Rockefeller and Joe Lieberman knew about them and thought they were OK. If any Dems didn’t have a problem with it, then shame on them, but it’s not an argument in favor of the legality of Bush’s actions.
In related news, Russ Feingold’s presidential bid is looking better and better to me all the time.