Dems Debate: The Democratic presidential hopefuls debated last night in Philadelphia, and frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton was the other candidates' clear target. The peak of the criticism leveled against her came minutes before the end of the debate when Clinton declined to say whether or not she supports New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s proposal to allow illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses. She waffled on the point, causing John Edwards to pounce on her apparent double-talk. Also during the debate, Rep. Dennis Kucinich said he’s seen a U.F.O.- an admission MSNBC’s Chris Matthews just couldn’t get enough of in his post-debate show. Read more about the debate in today’s WaPo.
Waterboarding: Bush’s pick to fill the vacant Attorney General seat, Michael Mukasey, told Senate Democrats yesterday that he wasn’t sure if waterboarding violates U.S. policies against torture. He called the method of simulated drowing “repugnant,” but his failure to take a hard line against it has raised questions about the success of his nomination, says the WaPo.
Sentences for Madrid Bombers: Today, Spain’s National Court sentenced three of the men involved with the 2004 bombing of Madrid commuter trains to thousands of years in prison, reports the NYT. The men are charged with murdering 191 people and wounding more than 1,800. The bombing is considered the worst terrorist attack on European soil, but the court also acquitted seven of the 28 defendants on trial for their involvement in the attack. 18 others were found guilty of lesser charges, including belonging to a terrorist organization.
Don’t Play with Matches: Sheriff’s officials in Los Angeles said yesterday that the raging fire that burned more than 38,000 acres in northern L.A. County last week was sparked by a boy playing with matches. The boy’s age and identification were not disclosed, but he has been released to his parents’ custody, reports the Los Angeles Times. Initially, the blaze was blamed on downed power lines. It destroyed 21 homes.
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