As the 2008 presidential primary season was in full swing, a lineup of Republican hopefuls competed with one another on a debate stage in Columbia, S.C., each hoping to rise to the top of the primary pack by proving he was the toughest one of all.

Since it was a string of white men wearing the political uniform of dark suit and red or blue tie at that 2007 event, standing out was difficult. But that didn’t stop each one from trying to grab the spotlight, especially when the topic of a hypothetical terrorist attack was raised.

How far could one go to make a suspect talk?

Then-Rep. Tom Tancredo name-checked Jack Bauer , the fictional hero of the once popular Fox TV series “24.” Bauer was known to do whatever he deemed necessary, including utilizing every manner and instrument of tortu

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