HEY, WAIT...:

Obama and Counterterrorism: The Debate Moves Right (Massimo Calabresi, 2/10/10, TIME)

The debate over counterterrorism tactics has seen a shift to the right over the past year. Republicans are now criticizing Obama for policies that were embraced by Bush during his last years in office, like closing the Guantánamo Bay detention facility, pursuing civilian trials for terrorism suspects and repatriating and releasing detainees held in U.S. custody. At the same time, Obama is touting the use of Bush-era tactics he once deplored, like the use of military tribunals, detention without trial and an expansive interpretation of the state's secrecy doctrine.

Brennan is not only citing the Bush-like policies that are being adopted by Obama; he's even turning to the Dick Cheney playbook to put opponents back on their heels. On Meet the Press on Feb. 7, Brennan used the "We briefed them" gambit, saying he had informed GOP leaders immediately after the failed Dec. 25 bomb attempt that the suspect was in FBI custody. He said it was clear by implication that the suspect would be read his Miranda rights, a fact to which the Republicans now object. "None of those individuals raised any concerns with me at that point," Brennan said.

To the extent that Brennan and the White House adopt the Bush Administration's approach on security, they win with the public.

...why wasn't the UR weakening the country and the p[resident when he was deploring W but any criticism of him borders on treason?

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 10, 2010 6:30 AM