So here's the deal. I will be attending a "Candidates Forum" next week and I am stumped. I just do not know what questions to ask candidates that will not be answered with just some over-rehearsed, campaign-managed response designed to get votes. Maybe there aren't any such questions, but I have faith that if there are, that you, my learned and wise friends, will be able to come up with them. So here goes:
What question(s) would you ask a candidate running for local, state, or federal office if you wanted to find out what that candidate really believes and not what he/she thinks we want to hear?
15 comments:
Bev, Here are a couple of good ones:
1. What do you think is a fair percentage of tax to take from people's income?
2. When principles do you use to decide when something should be regulated?
The first one should get you beyond the "I believe in lower taxes" line they all use but don't mean. It should also give you a sense of how much economic intrusion they are willing to have by the government.
The second one is probably more important because it will tell you how quick they will be to use the power of government.
Bev,
"The Constitution is full of restrictions that the government shall NOT do. What new restrictions do you advocate for the government to NOT do or never do?"
I don't know what good this will do, but.... good luck!!
Bev: Ask the Democrats the following question, and insist on a yes or no answer: "Are you still giving money to the Communist Party?" That always brings down the house. LOL
If these are national candidates, ask if they believe that America has the right to forbid immigration that violates its territorial borders, and to enforce laws which prevent illegal border crossings. If the answer is "yes," follow up with "what would you do about the 12,000,000 illegals already in the country?"
If they are local candidates, ask them if they believe the state/municipality has the right to make its own laws, or should it always defer to (and take money from) the federal government.
These are ALL great questions! See, I knew I came to the right place...
Bev, that's a tough one. I like the question our other esteemed posters have given already.
Maybe ask them "Who is John Gault?" ;)
What current laws on the books do you feel are too burdensome on the public and should be repealed?
look them in the eye and ask: are you planning of f'ing us over too? their instantaneous reaction will tell you all you need to know.
Umm, Patti, though I reeeeeaaaalllllyyy understand the sentiment, don't be upset if I have to pass. Frankly that is the only question I could think of which is why posted my question in the first place...LOL!
Q: Mr. or Mrs. Candidate, how much of Mexico is enough? A fifth, quarter, third, half how much is enough?
A: BS
Follow up Q: The population of Mexico is approx 110million, and if we have 12million (government estimate) we already have 1/10 of Mexico here, and the truth be known there are closer to 20million so the actual number is 1/5 of Mexico, how much is enough?
A:BS
Follow up Q-2: So, what’s in it for you?
A: Righteous indignation…what fun.
Or just use Patti’s LOL!
bev: lol! i know it's why you asked. too easy to pass up though ;) i think that will be the main question on everyone's mind as they go to the polls in november.
Bev - I would ask if they would specifically support 1) maintaining the Bush Administration's tax levels. and 2) Will they pledge to vote to repeal Obamacare and start over with a more realistic plan to reform our health care. 3) I would hand them a copy of Commenterama Care. 4) I would ask how they would vote on secret ballot for union membership. 4) I would ask if they would vote to return T.A.R.P. money to taxpayers.
All of these questions may not be applicable to candidates depending upon the office they are trying to attain.
Bev
Ask are you willing to have any rule or law you support or facilitate in implementing be applied to yourself
in exactly the same manner it becomes applied to the rest of society?
How much do you plan to CUT government spending if you are elected?
If they will not pledge to cut government spending, they do not have my vote.
Are you willing to stand up for a public sector hiring freeze and pay freeze, and or cut for all federal employees including elected representatives and staff? Will you agree to a budget reduction over two years to 2003 levels? This should get a few stutters and gaffs at least. Oh yeah, which lobbyist do you like the most?
"Are you a narcissist"
"Will you keep your campaign promises?"
"How do you feel about the Constitution?"
Finally...
"What constitutes the difference between tyranny and government?"
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