Judge Michael Mukasey and the Department of Justice

Yesterday, former Federal Judge Michael Mukasey promised to resist White House political meddling, to restore the integrity of the Justice Department and to balance the requirements of national security with Constitutional liberties. His chances of being confirmed to replace Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General were looking good. But today, some Democrats said they were "very disappointed" by his failure to clearly answer the question, "is waterboarding torture?" Approval of harsh means of interrogation got Gonzales in trouble with civil libertarians of both political parties. Others insist Mukasey should be required to appoint a special prosecutor to clean up the political taint left by Gonzales. We hear different opinions about Mukasey's record, the legal challenges he faces and morale at the Department of Justice.