President-elect Obama made two references to torture during his introduction of his nominees for DNI (Dennis Blair) and DCIA (Leon Panetta). The first was indirect but unmistakable:

we know that to be truly secure, we must adhere to our values as vigilantly as we protect our safety with no exceptions.

The second was direct:

I was clear throughout this campaign and have been clear throughout this transition that under my administration, the states does not torture. We will abide by the Geneva Conventions that we will uphold our highest values and ideals.

And that is a clear charge that I’ve given to Admiral Blair and to Leon Panetta. And I think it is important for us to do that not only because that’s who we are, but also, ultimately, it will make us safer and will help in changing hearts and minds in our struggle against extremists.

Taken together, the two comments add up to: no torture, no exceptions.