NBC: Bush, McCain reach agreement on tribunal laws

[Coexist]

Deal comes as House, Senate wrangle over how to treat enemy combatants

NBC News and news services
Updated: 10 minutes ago


President Bush and Republican negotiators led by Sen. John McCain have reached an agreement on legislation covering tribunals for enemy combatant suspects, NBC News reported Thursday.

Details on the deal were not immediately available, but Rep. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said it represented “very positive steps forward. Once everyone looks at it, we hope to come to an agreement.” He was meeting with McCain and Sens. Bill Frist and John Warner, according to NBC.

The compromise comes amid a stalemate that has divided the House and Senate on the treatment of detainees. The two sides remained at odds this week over how to adhere to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and — simultaneously — give the CIA wide leeway to conduct interrogations.

more...

Great.

[bullimiami]

1. you can torture whoever you want to and have kangaroo courts if...

you dont kill my family.

DEAL.

[ThomWV]

2. How about "we the people"? Do we get to say anything about it?

[indepat]

23. We'll most likely return to office almost all the supporters of this

torture scheme who are up for office in November, i.e., the entire HofR and 1/3 the Senate: we the people will have the right to vote up or down on these rascals.

[fooj]

3. Hey McCain...last time you compromised

HE SHOVED SIGNING STATEMENT #555 up this country's ass! Damn you.

[Coexist]

6. McCain only pretends to have ethics until push comes to shove

He reminds me of Lieberman and the rest of that Gang of 14.

[fooj]

9. Will someone please neuter these rabid dogs?

[Coexist]

17. Too late

they have already spawned.

[Justice Is Comin]

11. Bullseye with that. All that's missing is the kiss.

Two mf's giving each other bj's. The ghost of Clinton lives.

[Virginia Dare]

4. Don't ask don't tell...n/t

[Generator]

5. I want the specifics dammit!

What was the compromise exactly?

[Coexist]

8. It really doesn't say - this is the only thing that even hints at it...

"Bush’s anti-terrorism plans got a boost Wednesday when a bill by Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., gained steam after she rewrote it to allow warrantless wiretapping when an attack is imminent, as the president has demanded. Even so, she told reporters differences between the House and Senate versions were unlikely to be worked out before Congress reconvenes in a lame-duck session after the Nov. 7 elections.

It was not known if Wilson’s proposals were included in the agreement between Bush and McCain.

This breaking news story will be updated."

[kerry-is-my-prez]

7. They're building up McCain now....

Buildup for 2008

[Bluebear]

10. I see, those these two are the final arbiters of our national conscience?

[Coexist]

12. Jeepers, I hope not.

[Kutjara]

13. Sounds like this 'compromise' means...

...we can torture people on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but not on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with Sunday as a kind of potluck, 'torture 'em if you got em' floating holiday.

[pwb]

14. this big compromise includes zero democrats

how is this any kind of compromise a real compromise would include democratic opinions too.

[MoonRiver]

15. Oh, joy, oh joy...

:sarcasm:

[global1]

16. Was This All Planned From The Beginning?.......

now they can say the Repugs can have differences and come to a compromise and that all are on the same wavelength now - see - we're reasonable people. Vote for us in November.

[glitch]

20. Certainly seems like one of their simplistic scripts.

They can all hang together.

[Dr.Phool]

26. Did The Chimp torture McCain?

That's how they reached a compromise.

[MODemocrat]

18. McCain just playing both sides against the middle

Don't ask me what that means; my Father-in-law used to say this about someone who's wishy washy. I just thought McCain fit the bill.:+ :+ :boring: Maybe they'll just kiss and make up now.

[Coexist]

21. that phrase sounds as muddled as McCain's actions

so it fits just fine.

[MODemocrat]

27. It rally does fit him doesn't it?

My Father in Law had me confused for years, but then....as time went by I began to understand what he meant. It seems that McCain just can't keep his word about anything.

[no_hypocrisy]

19. Can't believe McCain is falling for Lucy pulling the football on him

in the tradition of Charlie Brown. McCain will compromise, the bill will pass, and * will do another signing statement that will allow him to torture wholesale.

[flyarm]

22. THIS WAS A BULLSHIT PLOY FROM THE GET GO! N/T

[mmonk]

24. Well now everything's alright. We'll have the proper definition

of such things instead of that quaint one of the past. Remember, people need to give up their rights and have them entrusted to these honorable men who are going to protect you. Give up your rights and be free. Besides, everyone knows a terrorist organization can take over a country of over 300 million people who have the most powerful military in the history of mankind. Only giving up your rights can save you. Makes perfect sense.

[Marr]

25. I don't think one-party discussions qualify as "compromise".

I think that's called "strategizing".