"I don't seen how you can lead this country in a time of war, in a time of uncertainty, if you change your mind because of politics, " Bush said.

CNN: Bush, Kerry bare knuckles in second debate

But their bottom line argument amounted to this: A military commander at a secure overseas military facility in a time of war couldn't remove disruptive lawyers who were inciting captured enemy detainees and endangering the safety and security of military personnel unless he first got permission from a federal judge.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Gitmo's indefensible lawyers