I disagree with McCain's comments on this issue and believe it is irrational and unreasonable to believe that there is NEVER an occasion when torture is a moral option. Furthermore, If we as a nation come to believe so, we might as well pack it up.
Defending against foreign enemies is the most basic and primary functions of government, and such a defense may include on infrequent occasions, torture. No one is suggesting we adopt the barbaric practices of brutal physical torture routinely used by terrorists, the Viet Cong, Nazi's or anyone of hundreds of oppressive, tyrannical regimes.
But using for instance, the technique of water boarding when it may save many or even one life held in a painful, hostile situation, is justifiable. Unlike other forms of physical torture, it is quick (most give up in less than a minute), and leaves no lingering physical or even psychological damage. This in anyone's book, should be a small price for a vicious enemy of the United States to endure, something you GWB, are plenty bright enough to understand.
Furthermore, because of the overall nature of the technique, it is not a form of torture which would increase or inspire retaliation by our enemy against American troops situated in hostile territory.
Seconds or minutes of discomfort administered to a vicious enemy with no lasting side effects, or one to thousands of lives lost forever. Pick one.
A commander should never let on that less than legal and proper treatment of prisoners will be condoned, least he create a thousand avid torture masters among his subordinates.