Biden On Prosecution Of Bush Officials: "Not Ruling It Out"

In an interview with ABC News' George Stephanopolous, Joe Biden said he was 'not ruling out' prosecutions for Bush administration officials over torture.

STEPHANOPOULOS: The Senate Armed Services Committee last week had a unanimous report that said that the prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib, at Guantanamo, at prisons around the world is a direct and indirect result of decisions made by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and other high officials. Should they be prosecuted for that?

BIDEN: First of all, that's a judgment, remember, four years ago on your program I made, so I haven't changed my mind. And this confirms.

But the questions of whether or not a criminal act has been committed or a very, very, very bad judgment has been engaged in is -- is something the Justice Department decides.

Barack Obama and I are -- President-elect Obama and I are not sitting thinking about the past. We're focusing on the future. Obviously, that if the Justice...

STEPHANOPOULOS: But should the cases be reviewed?

BIDEN: Well, that's a decision I'd look to the Justice Department to make.

STEPHANOPOULOS: But you're not ruling it out at this point?

BIDEN: I'm not ruling it in and not ruling it out. I just think we should look forward. I think we should be looking forward, not backwards.

Newsweek reported recently that Donald Rumsfeld and John Ashcroft could soon face "legal jeopardy" for their role in abusive interrogations.

Comments

[cacatua]

Don't just gripe here - write and call your representatives! Everyone send an avalanche of mail to Congress and the Speaker of the House and the White House when the Obama administration is sworn in! Do it frequently. Raise a fuss. If there is a hew and cry coming from the populace they have to take notice. It isn't the Bush administration where doing such things was like beating your head on a wall. Obama has always asked the people for their input. Now let's leave no uncertainty as to what we think is important!

[lokipuck]

I've written these people time and time again only to receive the same bs form letter about how prosecuting war criminals is not good for America at this time. I'm going outside right now to commit some serious jaywalking.

[GAPeach99]

Timing is everything. They've got to get in office, get the people confirmed and get things in place. Then lower the boom. Anything they say before then is just bluster.

[grf67]

If we do not return to a nation of laws and prosecute those who violated them, you will be a one term VP.

[lthuedk 1]

Not_ruling_out?

Joe: There's no grey area. You _must_ prosecute or we will impeach you for criminal negligence. How's that for starters? And I like you.

It's like this: Country and Constitution before any totalitarian junta or cabal. So, don't placate us. Do your job and I'll gladly support you. Do the right and lawful thing, Mr. Vice President.

http://www.light-to-dark.com/brewster_jennings.html

[WorkingClass]

Nancy took justice off the table a long time ago. Thats why George (the coward) Bush is still the president. Remember? Obama is "reaching out" to war mongers and bigots. There will be no prosecutions.

[Agent420]

Chickenshit.

[lungfish]

"I'm not ruling it in and not ruling it out. I just think we should look forward. I think we should be looking forward, not backwards.­"

Very, very misleading title, Huffpo.... here is the whole quote and it implies anything but a willingness to pursue these criminals. It is clear that Obama and co are NOT interested in pursuing criminal investigations.

I am very disapointed.

[23000Days]

There are now many small, under-the-radar investigations in progress, by congress, justice and private concerns. There are lawsuits now in court awaiting Jan. 20. IMO, withe the help and encouragemant of the incoming democrats, these will all converge into one large and unavoidable case agains the current administration.
This route will provide cover for the democrats, since it will not require a frontal assault while accomplishing the very worth goal of bring the war criminals to justice

Kinda' Rovian, methinks.

[Yola]

As the progressive choir says 'AMEN'!

[dakotaharp]

Mr Biden, If you let these criminals get away with all their crimes you have lost my vote.

[Tom95134]

Actually, if they let these criminals get away with it in the face of overwhelming evidence that they committed the crimes then they put themselves in jeopardy for failure to prosecute a crime (and there by failing to protect and defend The Constitution of The United States).

[nualak]

Make that two.

[BigBen]

make that three

[Rosey]

Please oh please oh please oh please DO IT! Show the world we do not condone such bleep!

[bygollymissmolly]

It is really hard to look forward when the sins of the past are left un-adjudicated.

[AZ4thatone]

I agree 100%. We can not let these criminals off the hook. The world is watching to see what we do now and we have got to send the right message. That message is that the behavior at Guantanamo was wrong, it does not represent the american people and it will not be tolerated.

[Countdown09]

Which is why the republicans don't want Holder becoming AG.

[23000Days]

...or any other Democrat!

[roshni]

This is why we have to join forces in support of Holder.
Rethugs are scared sh*tless that he will come after them.
Go Holder!

[cornagainstsorcery]

Key words..."i­s something the Justice Department decides." Which brings us to the Holder nomination­.... Hmmmmmmmmm­mmmmmmmmmm­mmmmmmmmm

[lbrillante]

It is very important that we the american people make certain that they do investigate the crimes that have occurred during this adminstration and that they hold all involved accountable. There is a danger of the statute of limitations running out so it needs to be done expeditiously. 'We' elected Barack Obama. "We' can insist that the Obama adminstration and congress take action on this. 'We' do not have to take no for an answer from Pelosi, Reid, or anyone. It is important for the sake of our future that the criminal activity of the past 8 years be clearly established and those responsible be brought to justice.