George Bush defends alleged torturers: 'These are patriots'

George Bush defends alleged torturers: 'These are patriots'
(Image credit: CNN/Screenshot)

In anticipation of the release of a damning report on the CIA's use of torture following the September 11 attacks, former President George W. Bush said the participants in the brutal program were "really good people."

"These are patriots," Bush said Sunday on CNN. "And whatever the report says, if it diminishes their contributions to our country, it is way off base."

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Jon Terbush

Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.