The Administration Authorized Torture and Violent Interrogation

The fact that the administration authorized torture and other violent interrogation techniques is, of course, extremely important. I don't have anything substantive to say about this. I'll just note that some liberal blogs seem to be acting as if they think this will be a blow to the administration. This seems to me to fly in the face of the facts. I doubt that anything of this kind that could really harm the administration. Not to dredge up the ghosts of old battles, but just for some perspective: it's not like there's any non-marital sex involved. (Not that that would really matter). But I suppose it seems to me that nothing that involves getting tough with "the terrorists" will result in any outrage or action against the administration, nor any further blow to its popularity. The remaining thirty percent or so of the electorate that supports the administration certainly will not be moved by anything of this kind. I have serious doubts that it would even matter if we discovered that they had authorized recreational vivisections at Guantanamo. Democrats won't take any action, and Republicans wouldn't stand for it if they did. Part of this is just about antecedent political possibilities here and now. The Dems are timid, fold easily, and are more readily plagued by self-doubt. The Republicans are tough, notably more partisan, and not easily gripped by doubts. The Dems, that is, are easily defused by FUD; Republicans, not. And, anyway, when in doubt they close ranks. Unless there are notable changes, serious investigation and impeachment will loom as possibilities for Democratic presidents, but not for any Republican one.

I would think that even Republicans, in their heart of hearts, would be worried about the advent of the super-imperial presidency. But I've seen no sign of that.