Legislators: Obama Vows to Focus on Civil Liberties

By JESSE J HOLLAND

By Jesse J. Holland

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Barack Obama told House Democrats on Tuesday that as president he would order his attorney general to scour White House executive orders and expunge any that violate civil liberties, several lawmakers said.

Presidents, as head of the executive branch of government, issue orders to executive branch agencies such as the Justice Department and the CIA. For example, President Bush used an executive order last year to breathe new life into the CIA’s controversial terror interrogation program that allowed harsh questioning of suspects.

Obama “talked about how his attorney general is to review every executive order and immediately eliminate those that trample on liberty,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.

“He indicated there would be a review in his administration,” said Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the House majority whip.

Obama did not mention executive orders when he addressed reporters who waited for him outside the closed-door meeting. He said only that he would be campaigning alongside members to win the presidency and help expand Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.

Obama’s meeting with the House Democratic caucus came hours after he spoke with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke about the economy, part of his effort to focus the campaign on domestic issues after last week’s foreign trip.

Obama spokesman Michael Ortiz said the senator and Bernanke discussed the outlook for consumers and businesses, as well as the effect of rising home foreclosures on families nationwide. Obama called Paulson as he rode to a meeting with Pakistan’s new prime minister, the campaign said.

Originally published by BY JESSE J. HOLLAND.

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