Candidate Questions

Suppose I got the chance to meet each presidential candidate and was told I could ask two questions of each. What would my two questions be?

Let's see.

Barack Obama:

You have made the fundamental messages of your campaign on two simple words: "Hope" and "Change". Can you give me some specifics about the "Hope" part? Whose hope? What hopes? How will you deliver on those hopes?

You clearly state a primary objective of your presidency is a rapid end to the war in Iraq and return of the troops. I think most everyone in America would be happy to see an end to the conflict. But if you deliver on your promise, it is almost certain that Al Quaeda, Iran and their agent Al Sadr, and other factions hoping to gain power in Iraq will combine to cause a major conflagration and instability that will cost Iraqi citizens their lives. So my question is, are you suggesting that the consequences of precipitous withdrawal from the region are not our concern?

Hillary Clinton:

Your healthcare plan requires every citizen to have insurance coverage, and most will be required to purchase such coverage. It sounds similar to the laws in most states that require everyone to have automobile insurance in order to license their vehicles. If someone prefers to pay their medical expenses out of pocket or simply cannot afford the cost of their health insurance policy, what precise penalty would the Federal government impose upon that individual?

You have claimed to have the experience to hit the ground running after you are elected. Can you clarify for me what experience has qualified you to be Commander in Chief?

John McCain:

You have made it clear that you favor free trade policies, which sounds like you support continuing substantially all the trade policies and agreements in place today. In light of the many problems with safety and fairness that have arisen in our trade imbalance with China and other countries, do you think our trade agreements with them should be reviewed and perhaps tightened to address those abuses?

You sponsored the bill that would have given effective amnesty to virtually all illegal immigrants now living in our country. Since then, you have slightly changed your position during the campaign to acknowledge that the borders must be secured before the amnesty issue is addressed again. Why exactly do you think requiring employer enforcement and implementing a reasonable plan that requires illegal immigrants to return to their home country and get in line for legal re-entry is not a compassionate option?

Sure, I know. I'll never get a chance to ask these questions. And even if someone does, the answers will be meaningless double-talk and spin. But I think these questions should be asked so people with an ounce of common sense can analyze the candidates' answers and make better decisions about their voting choices.