2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida, Nov. 28, 2007: on Homeland Security

John McCain: Waterboarding is torture; we’re not going to torture people

ROMNEY: I do not believe that as a presidential candidate, it is wise for us to describe precisely what techniques we will use in interrogating people.

McCAIN: I am astonished that Mitt would think such a torture would be inflicted on anyone who we held captive and anyone could believe that that’s not torture. It’s in violation of the Geneva Convention. It’s in violation of existing law. If we’re going to get the high ground in this world and we’re going to be the America that we have cherished and loved for more than 200 years. We’re not going to torture people. It’s clear the definition of torture. [Waterboarding] is in violation of laws we have passed.

Mitt Romney: Not wise for us to describe our interrogation techniques

A: I do not believe that as a presidential candidate, it is wise for us to describe precisely what techniques we will use in interrogating people. I want to make sure these folks are kept at Guantanamo. I don’t want the people that are carrying out attacks on this country to be brought into our jail system and be given legal representation in this country. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed went to Guantanamo and he met G.I.s and CIA interrogators. And that’s just exactly how it ought to be.

Rudy Giuliani: Remain on offense against Islamic terrorism

A: The most important thing to do is to make certain we remain on offense against Islamic terrorism. Then make it clear that what that means is this is a small group of people, Islamic terrorists, who have defiled a great religion