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Although I don't know of any official polls done on public approval of Bush administration's policies on torture and wiretapping, it is pretty clear that politicians' tolerance to these acts is merely a reflection of the people's will. I am willing to bet that the majority, though not all, of Americans probably believe that torture and inhuamne treatment of foreigners are justified and necessary. "Better them and us." It would not be unreasonable to suggest that most American people support the notion that American soliders should not be subject to the same international laws that should be applied to other countries.
Like the "American Lion" Andrew Jackson, who owned slaves, protected slavery, sent Native Americans onto the trail of tears, politicians represent the will of their constituents. In matters that are unpleasant and wrong as well as good and right, democracy reflects the people's collective intentions, or the tyranny of the majority, however you like to put it.
