“I would not allow CIA to undertake activity that I thought was immoral — even if it was technically legal.” That was one of many answers CIA director nominee Gina Haspel gave to her critics and backers on the Senate intel committee. In contrast to he who appointed her, she also said, “I don’t believe that torture works.”

+ John McCain: “I believe Gina Haspel is a patriot who loves our country and has devoted her professional life to its service and defense. However, Ms. Haspel’s role in overseeing the use of torture by Americans is disturbing. Her refusal to acknowledge torture’s immorality is disqualifying.”

+ From the archives, that time Chris Hitchens let himself get waterboarded. Believe Me, It’s Torture.