I just came across this dialogue posted by Anthony Arend (and linked by Stephen). It's from the president's news conference last week:

Q Thank you, sir. A simple question. THE PRESIDENT: Yes. It may require a simple answer. Q What’s your definition of the word “torture”? THE PRESIDENT: Of what? Q The word “torture.” What’s your definition? THE PRESIDENT: That’s defined in U.S. law, and we don’t torture. Q Can you give me your version of it, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Whatever the law says.

Do you get the feeling that the president doesn't know what the law says? The precise legal definition is "severe mental or physical pain or suffering" to elicit information. How can the president know he is abiding by the law if he cannot remember the simplest phrase defining torture in the law?

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