Campaign '04: Putting It In Context

A periodic look at the charges being made against the presidential candidates--and the facts behind them

THE CHARGE: While wiretaps, subpoena powers and surveillances are routinely used against drug dealers and organized crime, Kerry would now repeal the Patriot Act's use of these tools against terrorists. --BUSH-CHENEY campaign advertisement

THE CONTEXT: Senator Kerry does not oppose antiterrorism measures, as implied by this TV spot. Nor does he advocate repealing the Patriot Act. He does, however, argue that it provides insufficient judicial oversight of surreptitious searches conducted by domestic security agencies. The ad also charges that "fellow liberals" cajoled Kerry into watering...

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