Change I can believe in. Of course, “change” so far has been a move away from his campaign rhetoric and I doubt that that’s what the left had in mind.

Barack Obama’s incoming administration is unlikely to bring criminal charges against government officials who authorized or engaged in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists during the George W. Bush presidency. Obama, who has criticized the use of torture, is being urged by some constitutional scholars and human rights groups to investigate possible war crimes by the Bush administration.

Two Obama advisers said there’s little — if any — chance that the incoming president’s Justice Department will go after anyone involved in authorizing or carrying out interrogations that provoked worldwide outrage. …

Obama has committed to reviewing interrogations on al-Qaida and other terror suspects. After he takes office in January, Obama is expected to create a panel modeled after the 9/11 Commission to study interrogations, including those using waterboarding and other tactics that critics call torture. The panel’s findings would be used to ensure that future interrogations are undisputedly legal.

Democrats talk tough but they’re unlikely to pursue charges against the Bush Administration. They won’t even punish Joe Lieberman with more than a slap on the wrist after actively campaigning against their party’s nominee. Taking the time to prosecute an outgoing president while Americans are losing their homes might not go over so hunky-dory.