Secret U.S. Endorsement of Severe Interrogations  —  When the Justice Department publicly declared torture "abhorrent" in a legal opinion in December 2004, the Bush administration appeared to have abandoned its assertion of nearly unlimited presidential authority to order brutal interrogations.

Republicans Grow Skeptical On Free Trade  —  WASHINGTON — By a nearly two-to-one margin, Republican voters believe free trade is bad for the U.S. economy, a shift in opinion that mirrors Democratic views and suggests trade deals could face high hurdles under a new president.

Clear Channel Rejects VoteVets Ad Because It 'Conflicts' With Listeners Who Tune Into Rush  —  Rush Limbaugh's hometown radio station that broadcasts his show — WJNO AM in Palm Beach, Florida — has refused to air a VoteVets ad by Brian McGough, the Iraq war veteran who was compared by Limbaugh to a suicide bomber.

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain al-Qaeda financier, one other  —  Multi-National Corps - Iraq  —  Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory  —  APO AE 09342  —  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  —  RELEASE No. 20071004-02  —  Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain al-Qaeda financier, one other

The New L-Word: Neocon  —  A few years back, at the height of the jingoistic post-9/11 wave, the dirtiest word in the American political lexicon was "liberal."  Everyone from President Bush to Ann Coulter was using it to denote wimplike, Volvo-driving softies too spineless for dangerous times and too given to speaking French.

Ron Paul's Impressive Haul  —  Young, Rabid Internet Supporters Boost Congressman's Fundraising  —  Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, the outspoken libertarian White House hopeful often dismissed by his rivals and the punditocracy as a fringe candidate, was all smiles Wednesday as he bandied …

Another Dimension Of The Thomas Smear  —  I spent some time last night reviewing some of the transcripts from the "high-tech lynching" delivered by the Senate Judiciary Committee to Clarence Thomas, just to refamiliarize myself with the actual testimony and evidence.

Iraqis to Pay China $100 Million for Weapons for Police  —  Experts Fear More Will Go to Insurgents  —  Iraq has ordered $100 million worth of light military equipment from China for its police force, contending that the United States was unable to provide the materiel and is too slow …

On Stump, Low-Key Thompson Stirs Few Sparks  —  Twenty-four minutes after he began speaking in a small restaurant the other day, Fred D. Thompson brought his remarks to a close with a nod of his head and an expression of thanks to Iowans for allowing him to "give my thoughts about some things."

Shield Law Perils . . .  Bill Would Wreak Havoc on a System That Isn't Broken  —  Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a "shield law" for journalists that would radically alter the way national security investigations are conducted.  Unlike state shield laws …

That Craigslist Ad (The One Posted By The Enterprising Young Woman)  —  Most of you have seen this (and forwarded to us) already but, for the record, this was the question: … And this is the answer:  —  » Continue reading "That Craigslist Ad (The One Posted By The Enterprising Young Woman)" »

The Democratic Economist  —  CHICAGO — In his curriculum vitae, Austan Goolsbee lists as his "other interests" — other than teaching at the University of Chicago — two activities: triathlons and improv comedy.  Evidently he is a masochist with a sense of humor, so he is suited to participate …

Thompson on Dobson  —  It hasn't gotten much comment yet, but in his interview on Fox last night, Fred Thompson rather emphatically told Focus on the Family chief James Dobson to take a hike.  Host Sean Hannity asked Thompson about Dobson, who has attacked Thompson and made it clear he would not support a Thompson candidacy.

The Values Test  —  REPORTS have surfaced in the press about a meeting that occurred last Saturday in Salt Lake City involving more than 50 pro-family leaders.  The purpose of the gathering was to discuss our response if both the Democratic and Republican Parties nominate standard-bearers who are supportive of abortion.

Romney's Religion  —  When Mitt Romney appeared last week (via closed circuit from California) before the Council of Retired Chief Executives meeting in Washington, he faced kindred souls: rich Republicans who had managed big enterprises.  Yet the second question from the audience inquired …