I just watched Fred Thompson on Meet the Press. He did not do particularly well in the interview. Most of his answers did not give any clear indication that he had a complete grasp of the policy issues that are facing this country.
The one issue he did an excellent job discussing was the use of torture by the United States government. Many people seem to be very concerned about the use of torture. In fact, the issue seems to be tying some Presidential candidates in knots.
Torture should be illegal. However, the definition for torture is important and there has to be an exemption for extreme circumstances.
If your definition of torture is any discomfort caused to the detainee you are wrong. My definition is anything that would cause permanent harm to the detainee.