What I Liked Best About the YouTube Debate.

Let me add my voice to the chorus praising the recent Democratic YouTube Debate, but for a different reason that the others I’ve seen. Throughout the debate, which featured real people asking real questions requiring real answers from the candidates, I could not hold back my glee at the fact that we will get to watch the Republicans do the same thing in September!

Clearly, some of the questions in this debate were submitted by those who won’t be voting in the Democratic primary, or who weren’t supporters of the candidates they were questioning. Many submissions were intended to be tough questions, occasionally designed to highlight the weaknesses of the candidate, or of the party in general. A notable example was the guy worried about protecting his “babies,” including the large gun he pulled into his lap.

I’m guessing that CNN might be a little more protective of the Republicans. On the other hand, if they are looking for thoughtful, interesting questions to make for a lively and entertaining debate, I’m guessing that the pool of potential questions will be weighted more from the progressive side of the political spectrum.

With that in mind, I’d like to throw out a potential question for each of the major Republican candidates. At this point, I’m not a YouTube guy, nor am I interested in seeing my mug on the teevee. However, if anyone out there wants to submit them, be my guest.

For Romney:

In a previous debate, you stated the opinion that the U.S. should “double the size of Guantanamo,” and you have been a strong supporter of the war in the Middle East.

You have five sons who are all active in your campaign, and presumably you have a large extended family as well.

Would you describe your relationship to the closest family member who is active in the United States Armed Forces, and what advice have you given, or would you give, that relative about how to psychologically deal with the possibility of being captured by an enemy and subjected to “enhanced interrogation techniques?”


For Giuliani:

After the tragedy of September 11th, you have reported stating to Bernard Kerik that you were thankful to God that George W. Bush was our President.

Are you still thankful that George W. Bush is our President, and do you support his assertion that he does not have to cooperate with requests from Congress, or comply with laws he does not agree with?

Are you equally thankful to God that Dick Cheney is our Vice President?


For McCain:

Would you describe any three things that you would not do, even if doing them would guarantee that you would become President of the United States?


And a Lighthearted Bonus Question for Giuliani:

Would you quickly describe your views on the potential scenario that she sells seashells by the sea shore . . . and without spitting?

With any luck, we could get the following clip some competition for the title of Best YouTube Moment Involving a Republican!