The media consensus on Moussaoui has nothing to do with facism and everything to do with the media.
The media was very disappointed that they won't be able to make a spectacle out of his execution. With a death sentence though could cover the inevitable appeals to their failure, plus a good week or so when he actually comes up for execution.
Life in Prison just doesn't have the same kind of media draw. Particularly since the prisons have gotten smart about not letting the guys in long term meet with the press.
Jay