Ask the Candidates: Other Topics
Here are the questions submitted by users on other topics, from student loans to presidential signing statements.
2:13 PM ET | 11-20-2007 | permalink
Comments
What would you do as president to restore our Constitutional freedoms that have been negated or compromised by the Bush Administration in the name of security?
We have heard about many specific issues, but being progressives we are concerned about how to move forward as a civilization. What is your vision for America and where do you intend to lead us?
What is your stand on States rights vs Federal responsibility?
Does God want you to be president?
Or, do the people want you to be president?
What is your stand on separation of church and state? And which church?
And Roe V. Wade?
thank you,
fred call
I have a question for all of the candidates except John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. It seems a majority of the media coverage for this election is focused on Edwards, Clinton, and Obama. Do you see this as doing a disservice to the voting public in providing information about all of the candidates? Do you think large news corporations have too much power in informing the public to the point of possibly tilting the election in certain candidates favor? What do you think should be done to put more media control in public hands?
WHY is the deepest levels of mathematics missing from the competitivenes science and mathe
bill passed.
Would any preidential candidate support greater supremacy in space
mathematical competitiveness, something
not utilzed by NASA.
Because President Bush has made the precendant that he has the authority to declassify any classified documnents at anytime will you declassify all non-critical documents expediently from his (and both previous Republican Adminstrations as he classifed those when he took office) for the public record. And will you allow the Justice Department to pursue criminal charges against the President and or his administration should they be shown to have violated the law?
To all candidates, and the answer can be one word: Yes or No.
There can be only one nominee for president.
If it is not you, are you willing to run as vice president?
If you are willing to run as vice president, who is your personally preferred running mate?
thank you,
fred call
Traditionally in the United States, public schools have been largely paid for and run at the local level. Since the implementation of the No Child Left Behind act, education has been increasingly controlled at the national level.
Do you agree with this shift? If so, what will you do as president to improve public education? If not, what will you do as president to return control of schools to the state and local governments?
In no particular order, what are the ten most internationally important American cities? (The answer cannot include Des Moines or Manchester.)
Question for Hillary Clinton--Can you guarantee there will be no "bimbo eruptions" in another Clinton presidency?
How should the Supreme court decide the second amendment Heller vs DC case?
Four years ago, John Kerry and John Edwards piled on Howard Dean, just as John Edwards and Barack Obama are doing to Hillary Clinton this year. Kerry and Edwards proved they were adept at running against Democrats; during the campaign they proved inept at running against Republicans. Are Obama and Edwards repeating this?
I make regular campaign contributions to 2 of you.
I am distressed that the Democratic Naitonal Party will not allow any of you to campaign in my state, Michigan, or any other "new" early primary state.
I believe that Michigan's economic, environmental, educational, and health-care problems are emblematic of our nation's most pressing concerns. Our country suffers because the spotlights following you do not illuminate these relevant Michigan issues.
What is your view of the national party's plans to punish the "new" early primary states?
Would you support a primary system that rotates early primary states?
The US has attracted the smartest and the brightest from all around world since the late 80's. With an economy on the verge of a choke and the falling dollar, the US has began discouraging the smart ones to move in.
What would you as a potential candidate do to prevent a brain drain happening in the US?
The framers of the constitution envisioned a system of checks and balances so that no one branch of government would have too much power, but under this administration this system has been abused by assertions of executive power that have gone unchallenged.
Given that Congress is not going to impeach Bush and Cheney in order restore the proper constitutional balance, what will you do to undo the precedent that the current administration has set regarding the "imperial presidency" so that no future president (including yourself) can abuse their power in the same way.
substituting borrowing instead of taxation causes problems when the borrowed money is to be repaid. why does the government borrow money instead of paying the bills through taxation.
WHAT would an presidential hopeful
do if very classified missle silo
launch codes were hacked into and
stolen then soled to terrorist.
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO ABOUT OUR COUNTRY'S EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM? Or will you continue to merely graze the issue by saying "education is very important to me," before moving on to something else?
Questions to the candidates on who votes, who doesn't vote, and how do you reach out to registered and non-registered American citizens of voting age:
It's reported that fifty-five percent of the total voting age population turned out to vote in 2004. According to your research, who are those who did not vote? What are you doing to reach out to the percentage of voting age citizens who did not vote in 2004?
The youth vote demographics, the 18 to 29 year old category, is an illusive category of voters to predict. It is reported there was a spike in the youth vote of 2004. Yet, youth vote statistics point to declines between 1972 and 2004. What are you doing to attract the youth vote?
What are your comments on popular vote compared to electoral college votes?
What are your comments on the redistricting that has transpired over the past two administrations, such as transpired in Texas?
In short, what are your presonal predictions on who will vote in '08 and in what numbers?
thank you,
fred call
If the public or an independent body is not free to examine the code in the electronic voting machines that we vote on before and after elections, and if the companies that make these machines may have their own political preferences or accept contributions from particular candidates or parties, how much confidence do you have that the vote we give is identical to the results we get? And if you ARE confident, what do you have to say to the large percentage of the public that is not?
America's schools are now more segregated than they have been in decades. What is the federal government's role in addressing this issue?
Would people give you good advice, even if their names are publically attached to such advice?
Why do you want to be President?
I am interested in your outlook on vocational education...I have raised 4 sons and still have one at home. Each of them is contributing greatly to their coommunity but not all of them went to college nor should have... it seems that high schools have essentially non existent vocational education available any longer and our society will suffer if this is not changed ~ do you see a need in this area?
A country needs a strong economy to feed and care for its people. But more and more we see the interests of big business--oil, media, defense contractors, lending companies etc.--superseding the interests of lower and middle class Americans. Part of the problem is cost of financing a campaign for public office. What would you do to create more equality?
Are you a happy person?
It is important that the person be happy because unhappy person and an extremely powerful military do not mix.
Does the internet make that much a difference in public opinion during a political election year?
It can be argued that there are more bloggers than stars in the sky, therefor you can't see the sky for the bloggers. For every right wing blogger, there is a left wing blogger. Hence, internet gridlock.
Before the internet, voters made up their minds the old fashioned way: through television, telephone, radio, newspaper and just plain old word of mouth.
When Bill Clinton took office in 1993, the internet was still a relative mystery. By the time George Bush took office eight years later, the internet told the whole story in billion ways.
What, if any in your personal campaign strategies, are the real differences the internet has made? Or, do a good percentage of the voters turn away from the 'internet din'?
Is it possible that the internet can breed apathy created by overexposure of a topic?
Is it possible that the internet can create distrust because anyone can have a blog that can say most anything?
Do you find that Americans who grew up on television and radio still rely on those familiar media outlets?
Does virtual reality threaten to make the office of the presidency more unreal?
thank you,
fred call
With regard to, in my opinion, "Taser-happy" cops, what would you do (and something better be done!!) to reign in the stupidity of these people, and stop the arrogant attitudes of these morons (traffic stop in Utah, Andrew Meyer, etc.) Do we have to start executing cops just so we don't get our civil rights SHREDDED by people who "claim to work for the public"?
What do you do for fun?
We need to know more about the person, not just the policies/plans. I do not want to elect an immoral or untruthful person.
I'm particularly concerned about the seemingly ever-increasing power of the executive branch. Are there times when it is appropriate for a President to invoke "executive privilege" to avoid investigation, Congressional or otherwise?
My question is for all the candidates, but specifically for Sen. Clinton and Edwards. It seems that America is at a crossroads and we face much the same challenge as President Bush did immediately after 9/11: we seem to have the opportunity to unite the nation, or continue with polarizing rhetoric. If elected, how will you bring the nation together?
Would you as president dismantle the office of faith based initiatives?
How would you address and affect the disparity between the rich and the working poor?
As President, one of your first goals will be an attempt to put the country on the right path, and remedy some of the mistakes of your predecessor. To that end, would you CONSIDER issuing pardons to Bush administration officials for crimes against the people of the United States they "committed or may have committed or taken part in" while they were in office?
Saturday (Dec 1st) was World AIDS Day. We recently got news from the UN that the pandemic isn't growing as fast as we thought around the world--meaning the next President might have the chance to take the bold new action that will help turn the tide against the pandemic. What is your plan on AIDS around the world? What about here at home?
Given that much of America's technological edge can be traced directly back to the space program, and that China, with it's questionable human rights record, is now planning on MATCHING our achievements in space, what will you do to assure that NASA, one of smallest government organizations, has the funding it needs to keep the US squarely in the lead? Keep in mind that the current NASA annual budget is roughly the same as what we're spending every two months in Iraq, and that even using the estimates of NASA's critics we could have sent manned missions to Mars for far less than the current price tag of the war.
What would you do to correct the problems of slow determination (up to 3yrs), fraud, and obviously uneducated opinions in the granting of disability? There are people who have paid for years into the program only to face losing their homes while waiting while those who have been in the country a limited time are being granted payments. Why should this be considered fair?
What do you believe the role of government should be?
Ron Paul Has submitted legislation to repeal the 16th Amendment ( IRS & it's tax), as H.J.Res. 23. Yet no one seems interested in giving to the low end workers even 1% of the tax relief that is "granted" to bigger business. Would you endorse this measure and work towards its passage, whether you win what you are seeking here today, or continue in your elected office?
And, if you are the nominee of your party, would you invite the Libertarian & other 3rd party/ non-party, president candidate(s), to debate you and the Republican "winner", of thier primary?
Mrs. Clinton, do you consider the statement attributed to Voltaire -- "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" -- to be a cornerstone of western civilization. And if so, would you defend to the death the New York Times, for example, if it were to publish cartoons of Muhammed? As commander in chief, would you pledge our troops to do the same? Please answer without using the word "but." Just a yes or no. Thank you.
What would you do to increase understanding between religions? How would you encourgage inter-faith communication?
Assuming you could not vote for yourself, which candidate would you vote for in the 2008 Presidential Election and WHY would you vote for that candidate?
Given that education is, in my opinion, the most important thing a society can do to preserve and expand its prosperity, what will you do to ensure America doesn't fall any further behind other developed (and even some developing) nations? Furthermore, do you think the federal government can do a better job at this by investing in areas of science, technology, and the arts rather than simply mandating how schools should be?
"With overwhelming bipartisan support, Rep. Jane Harman???s ???Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act??? passed the House 404-6 late last month and now rests in Sen. Joe Lieberman???s Homeland Security Committee. Swift Senate passage appears certain."
To all the candidates: Any comment will be accepted.
Also, in your opinion, what differences were made in congress after the most recent midterm elections?
thank you,
fred call
Friends, Many millions of Americans, and other millions throughout the world, believe that GW Bush has damaged our domestic framework of checks and balances as well as our international standing. What measures will the Democratic presidential candidates' undertake to reverse and correct the actions (taken place over the past eight years) of Mr. Bush, the vice-president, et. al? Two examples: How will mainstream science be restored to all federal agencies? How will Christian inroads and evangelical thought be purged from the same agencies? Thanks!
thad davis, Kendrick, ID
Politicians (on all levels) spend a lot of their time and the taxpayers' time soliciting campaign funds to stay in office/power. What is your stance comprehensive campaign finance reform, including caps on spending and contributions, at the national and state level; and/or full public financing of elections to remove undue influence in future political campaigns.
The boycott of Hamas and the closing of Gaza's border by Israel has caused severe unemployment, hunger, and other misery to the people of Gaza. The shortage of electricity to pump water is affecting the sewer system and creating a threat to public health. Because Israel bars even ink and paper from entering, school textbooks cannot be printed. As president what steps would you take to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and bring about an end to the occupation -- as called for by U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338?
In order to comply with the World Trade Organization mandates, the United States of America must comply with legislation that restricts Americans' rights to effective, over-the-counter amounts of supplements and vitamins. This is a violation of our health freedom, or our right to choose what we wish to do with our bodies.
Do you think it's right for the World Trade Organization to impose its laws on a Sovereign Nation and it's will on a free people?
If not, what do you plan on doing about it?
What are your opinions regarding Fair Trade agreements and the outsourcing of US jobs and industry?
What are your opinions on abortion?
What are your opinions regarding laws requiring fair health, wage, and employment standards for workers form countries receiving free trade advantages from the US?
What are your opinions regarding industrial production capabilities in the US?
What is your opinion on US military and financial support for Israel and how it may be impacting attitudes toward the US among Muslims?
What is your opinion on the special interest groups, lobbyists and the ability of political donations to influence the behavior and platforms of political candidates.
WHAT is the next presidents worst
hacker nightmare.
Last year two professors, John Mearsheimer (of the Univ of Chicago) and Stephen Walt (of Harvard) published a book critical of the power the Israel Lobby has in the US. They, along with others contend that our unconditional support of Israel and its policies have done disservice to both us and Israel. One example they gave was the pressure that the lobby put on the US government to invade Iraq. Do you think it's possible that the Israel lobby has too much sway in American politics?
If you were president on 9/11 what would you have done differently?
We are in a world wide economy now. Our products are not world ready unless they are metric and our students must learn both British and metric systems. Do you think it is time that the US seriously start a transition over the the Metric System.
I, like Lou Dobbs, think corporate influence actually control all government policies and functions, and if we can keep them from influencing government, most of the issues that face our nation would be solved. What would do you think of Lou Dobbs, and if he ran for president?
The greatest human rights issue in our nation today is the sexual and physical abuse of children. Child pornography has become a multi-billion dollar global industry. What have you done, and will you do, to protect our most vulnerable and voiceless citizens?
Congress has become increasingly ineffectual at solving the nation's many problems. Attempts at compromise are often thwarted by voter opposition to representatives who might otherwise be willing to seek accomodation with the opposing party. To what degree, if any, do you attribute failures to compromise to gerrymandering and the creation of highly partisan voting districts? Do we need national standards for determining the drawing district boundaries?
What limits should there be on executive power? How constitutional is the use of Bush of signing statements? How do you propose to re-establish habeus corpus? What needs to happen to make FISA work effectively without being a mere formality?
We seem unable to move forward on any issue becuase politics has become more important than issues. Neither party seems able to put aside name calling and postering. What do you think you can do as President to repair this damage and help the us move forward as a nation, regardless of our variety of views?
If your administration finds evidence of illegal activity commited by members of the current and previous administration. Will you work to bring them to justice, yes or no?
If yes, how and to what extent?
If no, why not?
The United States Supreme Court has accepted review of the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals decision holding that the Second Amendment to the United Sates Constitution guarantees citizens a personal right to own firearms. The Circuit Court of Appeals rejected arguments that the right is only a collective one. If you were President, would you, on behalf of the government, weigh in arguing that the right under the Second Amendment is a personal right or a collective right.
If you contend that the right is collective only, how do you distinguish the Second Amendment reference to the right of "the people" from identical references to "the people" in the First and Fourth amendments, both of which have been held to be personal rights.
I would like to hear Hilliary speak on the use of signing statements as a Presidential right to alter legislation without public knowledge. Would she use them as President and why would they be necessary?
Please name one thing you think the federal government does well - besides spending.
When appointing Supreme Court justices, will you favor those who will protect and defend:
1. Precedents from prior decisions?
2. Precedents from other countries?
3. Your personal political opinions?
4. The written Constitution as amended?
5. Other issues?
Do you believe that a monopoly is OK so long as it is a government monopoly for the education and indoctrination of our children?
What, if anything, would you do to reinstate our constitutional republic and get rid of the democracy which our country's founders rejected in Article 4, Section 4?
The Ninth Amendment states, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Do you support the use of that authority to allow individual citizens to carry guns regardless of any alleged ambiguity in the Second Amendment?
If you were not running, who would you vote for and why?
Do you have any creative ideas on how to develop/support families in our country? Since stable and healthy family life is THE foundation of of a stable and healthy society, why isn't this (targeting the family) considered an effective way to go about solving so many of our problems, e.g, educational failure, crime, drug use, child abuse, welfare, mental illness, just to name a few! We need a license to drive a car, but to marry and produce children requires absolutely no education, training, or governmental regulation whatsoever. We don't want to take away individual's liberties but there must be ways that could be developed by intelligent people of helping citizens form and maintain healthy family relationships. Is this issue anywhere on your radar screen?
As president, what will you do to correct the wrong-doings of the previous administration to restore the People's faith in their government?
Will your administration relinquish the powers the previous administration has taken for itself in order to restore the checks and balances?
Will your administration demand the previous administration be held accountable for any and all crimes they may have committed?
Will you [candidate] limit the growth of corporate ownership of the media to assure a mainstream media that is truly independent? Or do you support corporations owning a combination of newspapers and radio and TV?
During this Administration's first six years in office, I don't believe the Democratic minority almost never forced the Republican majority to invoke cloture. Now that the Republicans are in the minority, they have practically paralyzed the Democratically led Senate. How would a Democratic majority of five or six allow passage of bills for you to sign?
Question for the debate:
What is abortion; and if you are "personally" opposed to abortion, please state why.
In view of the history of government abuses that led to the formation of our country and the provisions in our "living document" Constitution, why would you even consider trying "to restore the People's faith in [the huge and invasive de-mob-ocracy] government" our republic has degenerated
How do you justify this government's current policy toward Cuba in light of the UN's near unanimous vote against the sanctions?
Knowing that the achievement gap exists at the kindergarten door and that the foundation for learning occurs from birth to three, what will you do as presiden to ensure that each child reaches her/his full potential?
My 30 second question is available on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WYR1qXnO2M
Here is the text:
I want to hear your definition of freedom, because freedom is what we claim to stand for in the world.
It disturbs me that President Bush calls his foreign policy doctrine the Freedom Agenda when it looks like he's doing more to set back the cause than advance it.
Freedom must mean very different things to different people. So, what does freedom mean to you, and how would you promote it?
It used to be said that America was the leader of the free world. What definition of freedom would your Presidency represent? What definition of freedom should endure?
Polls show that the majority of Americans feel that relations with Cuba should be normalized and that travel and trade restrictions should be loosened, if not eliminated. As President, what would your position be with respect to normalizing relations with Cuba and allowing trade and travel?
I'd like to know the criteria that each presidential candidate would use to pick a VP running mate.
I really want to know what pair of candidates on the stage would be an unbeatable combination in Nov 08...but understand that would be hard to get into at this point. Maybe your political commentators could take a shot at that.
This country seems to be more and more divided according to income disparities, and now that seems to be happening in the public transportation system. My question is, "Do you think that there should be special roads or lanes for people who can pay more, while the rest of us are stuck in traffic on public roads? Do you think there should be special lines through airport security for those who travel first class compared to the rest of us? Is it right to have government, e.g. TSA, supporting such a system?
Question for Sen. Clinton,
When 2008 rolls around, we will have had 16 years of polarizing presidents who have managed to divide the nation into red and blue. Given your polling data and your association with one of these past presidents, do you feel that you can avoid continuing that trend? Specifically how can you be a unifying president that brings America back together?
For decades, the war on drugs has drained national coffers, led to the incarceration of millions of nonviolent offenders, and brought havoc to America's inner cities. It seems hardly a day goes by without another innocent American witnessing his or her home invaded by heavily armed police in another botched raid--sometimes resulting in casualties. Should we persist in the war on drugs as it has been waged since the 1970's, or do we need to rethink our approach? How would you change our federal drug policy?
Do you feel the use of signing statements by the president are legal and ethical, and would you continue this practice if you were president?
A METATOPICAL QUESTION FOR THE CANDIDATES:
WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE OF THE DAY (AND WHY AND/OR HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT)?
Under your Administration, would US agricultural sales to Cuba from Iowa and other states be expanded by following normal international trade practices or face the same bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the Bush Administration to undermine the intent of Congress?
As the mom of a one year old son I am very concerned about the toxic chemicals that lace many toys and other products sold in America. These chemical agents cause cancer, birth defects and genetic damage. Unlike the European Union, the US does nothing to limit the use of these agents and does not require that the toxic ingredients are listed. If you are elected president, what changes will you make to ensure my son will be able to grow up free from these frightening dangers?
Lately I hear more and more about everyday toxicity and much of what I hear is that the US isn't regulating for consumer safety the way the EU is. Our government has been less able to stand up to big business to protect its citizenry from chemicals we now know are hazardous. What would you do to effect greater consumer protections? How would you deal with corporate interests generally?
How do the candidates view the many topics NPR hosts bring to our attention, such as: having America follow the E. U. and ban toys, plastics and cosmetics that contain harmful; carcinogenic; lead, and any substance known to be a danger to human health?
I don't want to hear any more talk on how or when we will pull out of war zones. I want to hear what they will do quickly to beef up America's protection here at home. what will they do immediately, to help Americans on American soil. Focus on the home land and not overseas where others don't want us.
What will they do to bolster health care and bolster the Gi- Bill so it takes care of those who place their lives in harms way or who die! ?
As a Democratic president, the Republicans in the House and Senate are going to do everything in their power to stop your programs, deadlock the government, and make your presidency fail. They will also seek to impeach you, if they have the votes in Congress to bring a bill of impeachment after the 2008 or 2010 elections. How will you counter this "permanent campaign?"
A tremendous number of socially-conscious voters are lost to the Republicans due to the single issue of gun ownership. Would you eliminate gun control from the Democratic agenda if that was what voters wanted and it meant a solid majority of Americans would then vote Democrat?
Despite claims by the Bush administration that the employment rate is high and constantly growing, many of these new jobs are in the lower echelon of skill set and earning potential. This is partly due to companies deciding to take their offices to other countries where the rate of pay is much lower. Would you seek to lure American companies back State-side so that REAL job growth would be possible? How about initiatives for Americans to BUY AMERICAN?
The cost of a college education has sky rocketed in the U.S. over the past decade. Would you do anything to help make higher education more affordable to middle and lower class families? Moreover, would you consider making the entire cost of college (tuition, room and board, and books) fully tax deductible?
The Bush administration has shown blatant disregard for the Constitution and has clearly violated the law in several areas.
1 . Why hasn't congress moved forward with impeachment proceedings?
2. If you were to become president, would you actively pursue prosecution of the Bush administration regarding these matters and renounce the horrible precedents set by this administration?
The "E" word (experience) seems to be a very popular concept to discuss among all candidates regardless of political affiliation. As no one other than an incumbent president running for a second term has ANY experience for this most unique job, my question is: Will all candidates refrain from citing experience for the job as a "plus" when in fact no one currently running has any experience for this most unique job, and instead, use this otherwise wasted time to discuss the important issues, such as but not limited to the war, energy, health care, education, social security, medicare, medicaid, the economy and scores of other items infinitely more important than the verbal diarrhea produced by claims of experience?
Should the Constitution be amended to require all states electoral votes to be cast in the same proportion as the popular vote? Why or Why Not.
The Constitution does not give the Supreme Court of the United States the power to declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional. It was established by the Court itself in the case of Manbury vs Madison. Should this self-assigned power of the Supreme Court be curtailed? Why or Why Not
Do you believe the power of President as Commander in Chief trumps the rule of law, for example Habeus Corpus. If so, at what point do those powers end?
Which approach is most compassionate:
1. Voting for the IRS to force everyone at gunpoint to contribute to the charitable organization of your choice?
2. Voluntarily contributing to the charity of your choice and trying to persuade everyone that it is effective and well-managed?
3. Other?
Article 2 of the Constitution states that the Vice President is part of the Executive Branch of government. The current Vice President has muddied this interpretation. Which branch of government do you feel is the appropriate role for the Vice President?
Some fear that the checks and balances set up by the constitution for the 3 branches of government are in jeopardy. Do you think this is so. Why or Why Not
Under a congressional declaration of war the President traditionally has exercised additional powers deemed critical for the safety and well being of the country. How is this reconciled for a war of ideals and how will you determine when the ???war on terror??? is over?
The Bush/Cheney Administration has ruthlessly pushed the limits in exercising executive power beyond what the framers of our constitution envisioned. It has said it will not enforce or execute provisions of laws Congress has enacted and the president has signed, and it has committed our country to a war while essentially denying Congress's primary role in making that decision. In your view, what is the role of a president in the constitutional order? How will you restore the proper constitutional order of the republic while resisting the temptation to use extra-constitutional means to get your way when thwarted by Congress or the Supreme Court in the exercise of their proper responsibilities?
For candidates currently serving as U.S. Senators. I often hear you commenting on your strong voting records. Why is it that none of you provide a link to your voting record on your websites so that the average American voter can easily view how you have voted on legislation? Thank you.
This election season has seen countless different debates and debate formats. You've gotten your questions from "professionals" and from the popular websites. This question is for each candidate, if you were creating a debate for yourself and your fellow democrats, how would you structure it and why?
George W. Bush...Great president, or greatest president?
Should the constitution be amended to require all state electoral votes be cast in direct proportion to the popular vote? Why or why not?
What are some new innovative ideas in how to positivity engage and empower Americans?
What are your ideas on how to "bring Americans together?"
President Bush has helped to bring about huge expansions to presidential power and privacy, while simultaneously limiting the oversight of these new powers. Would you work to restore more presidential transparency, knowing that it would lessen and limit your own powers; or do you believe as President Bush does that such power and privacy are necessary to winning the War on Terror?
With 1 out of 155 Childern in America diagnosed with Autism, what will you do as president to help the families of these childern. Also what can america do as a country to fight Austism as it becomes more of an issue.
As someone in my early 20s, I don't feel that candidates care very much about reaching out to young voters (though I feel Mr. Obama is a welcome exception to this). Why do you think that so many young voters feel distanced from politics, what can we do better to become more engaged, and why should we vote for you?
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
Comcast is and other internet providers might stop us from visiting sites we would like to visit and have us see the sites the people who pay them visit.
This is a world without Net Neutrality.
Here's an example close to your hearts. Your opponent pays several Internet Service Providers to not allow subscribers to see your website.
Is this constitutional? If congress said it wasn't, would you sine a bill legalizing it?
The magazines are awash these days in articles about a resurgent evangelical perspective on the left. It seems that more and more Democratic candidates are becoming comfortable with the idea of revealing their faith perspectives. Others would rather keep their faith to themselves and out of public scrutiny. Do you think the American people deserve to know how your faith might influence your actions and policy decisions as president? If so, why? If not, why not?
In view of important advances made in gender equality, would you support a change in Selective Service regulations to require young women to register for the draft as do our young men? Please explain your answer.
Ask each candidate to name one strength of each of his/her opponents.
I think this would show how each candidate can find the positive in others.
FOR EACH CANDIDATE: As a candidate for the DEMOCRATIC Party's nomination, will you commit yourself now to actively campaign for the candidates eventually nominated/chosen to run for President and Vice-President? If so, how do you reconcile it with the attacks you have conducted and are conducting against your fellow democrats?
Given this Administration's expansion of secrecy rules, Presidential privelege, signing statements,and centralization of power through FISA, the Patriot Act and the Military Commissions Act, will you do anything to reverse these precedents and laws?
Will you commit to giving the more than half a million residents of the District of Columbia voting representation in the House of Representatives and eventually full representation by two Senators? If not, why do you think D.C residents are undeserving of full representation in the Congress?
The US has moved to institutionalizing politcally correct speech. Some universities have gone so far as requiring the reporting of incorrect speech and attendance at reconditioning classes for offenders. Do you believe that enforcing politically correct speech is good for a respectful society or does it restrict open and valuable discourse
As a special education teacher who is working hard to teach my students the reading skills they need, I am deeply concerned that their progress is being measured by one test score. What would you do to reform the "No Child Left Behind Act"?
Will you sign the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
I have a question for Senator Barack Obama. What is your response to those that claim you lack enough experience to be President?
If you are elected, will you ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on behalf of the US, and if so, what is the timeline we can expect (eg: within 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, etc.)? Thank you.
Given recent DNA evidence vindicating convicts on death row it is evident that with or without DNA, the state has been executing innocent individuals. What is your position on the death penalty?
This is a subject that has not been raised at any previous debate. And yet it is at the heart of all the issues. The question is would the candidate support and encourage legislation that would mandate public financing for congressional elections and support efforts to reform the presidential election public financing system?
Senators and Congressmen don't pay Social Security taxes, have their own medical plan, and have exempted themselves from the property seizure laws they've passed in recent years. If elected President, what will you do to reverse these and similar special treatment plans so that our elected officials are treated the same as other citizens and not as an elected aristocracy?
Do you plan to sign the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities? And, if so, how promptly after becoming president?
A question for any and all candidates: Would you continue to use federal power to thwart the will of states that have allowed medical uses of marijuana?
In your current legislative role why have you not been more forceful in exercising the authority and responsibility given to your legislative body by the Constitution? The House continues to fund the war. Congress daintily refuses to accuse or hold responsible current and former executive branch officials. And impeachment is off the table.
On ID theft:
I am consistently asked for my Social Security number for things unrelated to taxes and employment: at doctors' offices, to rent an apartment, to get cable service, and even to rent a video. There are no laws that I know of that will protect me from theft of that information if it is poorly guarded. I even called the Social Security Administration and was told that anyone can require my SS number for any reason, and can refuse to do business with me if I refuse to provide it.
Isn't it time to separate our Social Security information from private business transactions? Why can't I, with proper documentation, obtain a separate credit ID number which could be changed if my ID is stolen, leaving my Social Security information intact? And if you don't think that will work, what do you propose?
This question is for all of the Democratic candidates. Do you believe that the United States of America should change current administration policy and support the the International Criminal Court, why or why not?
The president has signed many laws into being along with a signing statement that basically says he won't enforce the very same law he just signed. Do you agree with this president's expansion of powers and if not, what measures will you take to permanently roll back the precedent he seems to be trying to set for an executory president?
Many people consider large campaign contributions nothing short of legalized bribes. ???Generous??? donors clearly have more access to elected officials than others who don???t have the ability to give thousands of dollars to one ??? or more ??? candidates. That leverage has killed past efforts at health care reform and will make meaningful progress on global warming much more difficult. If the Democratic Party supposedly represents ???the rest of us,??? what are YOU doing NOW to change this system, and what would you do if you are elected?
Would you be willing to end some executive privileges to prevent future presidents from abusing their power in the way that George Bush has done with signing statements and the like, even though this would potentially limit your own power?
Do you think there has been a subtle erosion of American freedoms in the last 7 years, an ignoring of the Constitution, using fear for political purposes, much like what happened in Germany in the past, and what would you do to correct this?
As a canidate do you have a responsibilty to the American people to weigh in on the proposed FCC rule changes of MEDIA CROSS-OWNERSHIP? Is this serving the public interest, I think not.
I can't vote for any candidate who will not say the pledge of allegiance to the United States...loud and proud. Does any of you have reservations to saying it? Explain.
What qualifies you to be Commander-in-Chief?
Is it in the best interest of the nation for members of the same two families to be elected to the most powerful post in our government for two decades (and counting...)?
What constraints should be placed on the federal government's ability to eavesdrop on the communications of US citizens?
All of you have come out staunchly pro-choice. In your view, is there any room for pro-life Democrats in the Democratic Party? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
As President, you will oversee many federal agencies with a wide range of administrative powers. The policies that these agencies make through regulations affect citizens as much as laws made by Congress. As a result, many business and social issue interest groups lobby agencies as well as Congress. As President, you will set the direction for these agencies. In whose interest should agency regulations be made - in the interest of those deemed to be most "affected" by the rule? Or by a determination of a general "public interest'? Or a balance between the two?
Economic Self-Sufficiency ... Of the 93 million American adults identified as being in need of basic skills according to a recent study, over six million work full time but continue to live in poverty. For these workers, limited basic skills or limited English proficiency often keeps them from becoming self-sufficient. What steps will you take to ensure that workers have the opportunity to improve their literacy skills, get a high school diploma, and continue their education?
Foundations are the most significant criteria for selecting a leader. What spiritual basis do you have for your life? What absolute values do you hold? Is there an authority higher than your own intellect that helps you make decisions?
There has been outrage expressed about the current administration's expansion of executive power. Which of these excesses, e.g. signing statements, commander-in-chief rules, would you renounce in your first week of office?
I am an African American 30 year veteran Inner City Public School Teacher.
a recent study done by Dr. James A. Crupi shows the following statistics. Our drop out rate is 51%, 25 % of our population live in households at or below 100 % of the Federal poverty level,( i.e. below $20,650 annually), absenteeism rate is 26%, We have the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the metro area; 74 % of the students receive free or reduced lunch.
I work in a community where all seven community problems involving youth are rated as ???very serious???. These include: Violence on TV, lack of affordable and quality child care, lack of after school supervision, and alcohol and other illegal drug use by children.
I want to know what do you plan to do, if elected, about the educational needs and solving these problems of our inner city school children , How will you bring hope and opportunities to millions of children who seem to have lost all hope and faith in this country?
Sincerely
David L. Franklin
Richmond Virginia
If you could lead any country in the world, other than America, which one would you choose and why?
17 states - including New Hampshire and South Carolina - have passed legislation against complying with the federal Real ID Act, calling it a back-door national ID. Do you support a national ID card and, as President, would you enforce the Real ID Act in the face of so much opposition?
My Question is to Hillary Clinton. Senator Clinton, are you a christian? IF you answer yes, then you are aware of the fact that the bible says " when a man and a woman get married, they become one;" As a christian, therefore...while you were married to former president Clinton, you were one. This means you have been president of the United States of America twice. This makes you ineligible to run for president. My question to you now is " why are you running for president? if you are a christian and believe in christian marriages as being one with the husband?"
Should you not be the successful nominee and sequentially the next President, would you take an executive level position if/when asked within the new Cabinet?
It seems to me that for quite a long time now, we've gone to bed each night a little less free than the night before, and I don't believe that this erosion of liberty and privacy are justified by the need for security or to protect our children from the monsters that may be stalking them. Do you agree, and what would you do to reverse the erosion in our personal freedoms?
The GWBush administration under Karl Rove's direction has gone to unprecedented lengths to control the President's image in the news media. He implemented new techniques to enforce everyone to be "on message." At public events for GWB, only verified supporters were allowed to attend. My question is: would your administration use similar tactics or would your administration be more open?
When elected, what is your intent regarding the use of presidential signing statements? Would you revoke any of the Bush signing statements?
Governor Richardson -
You are the only Democratic candidate that has governed a state, and you were re-elected in a swing state by the largest majority in that state's history;
As a former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and foreign envoy, you are the only Democratic candidate with hands-on foreign policy experience;
As Bill Clinton's Energy Secretary, you are the only Democratic candidate to have run a federal agency;
As a Member of Congress for 14 years, where you rose high in the Democratic leadership, you have almost as much Congressional experience as Senators Clinton and Obama and former Senator Edwards combined;
Given all that, what explanation do you have for why your candidacy appears to be lingering in fourth place?
The human condition is essentially tragic, yes or no, please expand.
How come today's presidents are being elected with only 51% of the vote? Don't we have leaders any more? Are we headed towards a two state solution to our problems?
My family and I live in the District of Columbia. The State of Montana, which has a population smaller than ours, has a full congressional delegation that votes on our future. Wyoming also provided our current vice president. Territories like Puerto Rico have no representation, but they do not pay income taxes as we do. What will you do to rectify this unfair "taxation without representation" situation?
As a middle class American I believe that America's number one problem today is this: We are being held hostage by countries who do not like us because of our dependancy on foreign oil. These countries are buying up large portions of our country. If a president would stand up to big oil and car companies and say that in 5 years we would not be dependant on foreign oil then we would have a chance for survival. If we would invest in technology to make this happen then we would see a different world. Do you place a high priority on solving the energy problem? Do you have guts enough to do this? Do you think that this is important?
Over the last few years, many Democrats have rightfully objected to the unprecedented expansion of executive power committed by the Bush Administration. As president, what do you promise to do to reverse this expansion of power and restore reasonable limits on all subsequent administrations, including your own?
We see too much self-promotion amongst our state and national leaders today. It seems to me that a mark of true leadership has to do with being promoting national interests above personal ambitions. With this in mind, my question is: Which of your fellow candidates on this stage is most qualified to be our next president and why? (please don't insert how you'd be better or how anyone would be better than George Bush or another Republican! I really want to know who you admire in the Democratic field and why!?!)
sacrificial to the point of promoting the good of the nation above personal gain
This is a question for Senator Clinton. During Bush's presidency, his critics, including you and many of the candidates onstage, have denounced his refusal to take responsibilty for his mistakes and errors in judgment. This campaign season, you have refused to apologize for your vote supporting the Iraq war, claiming instead that you were misled by the administration. On a much smaller scale, you shrugged off the claim by a waitress that your campaign did not leave her tip. You also shrugged off evidence that your campaign has been planting individuals in audiences with Clinton-friendly questions. If you are not willing to take responsibility for your big mistakes (Iraq) OR your small mistakes (tips and plants), how are we to believe that you'll be any different than George Bush when it comes to accountability?
There is more and more mention of the Republican Play book, which is, as far as I can see, a personal attack manual pumped up daily and distributed to bloggers, hosts and other media. Many of us are concerned about how each candidate, especially Mrs. Clinton, will be able to deal with the relentless allegations, talk radio attacks, spin and innuendoes. Some say that Mrs. Clinton will be a lightening rod of hostility, and bring more republican voters out, although each candidate will probably attract their own customized playbook strategy.
What is your strategy to defend your campaign against the torrent of hostility and half truths?
Question for all candidates: If, for any reason, you could not be the candidate, which of the other announced candidates do you feel would be the best president? This question is intended to by-pass any consideration of electability. Assume that your choice will serve as President. The question is posed now, but you will not be asked to respond at this time. Sometime later in the program each candidate will be asked to give the answer to this question in the form of a single name, with no discussion.
I've always wished this would get asked:
Many of the candidates are people of faith, in particular the Christian faith.
Question: Does your faith teach that anyone who doesn't accept Christ as the savior will go to "hell." And, if so, do you subscribe to that part of your faith.
Thank you for considering this question.
I am a senior in high school currently applying to colleges. My family makes enough money to be considered in the "middle class", but due to several payments we have to make, we see almost none of it. In the past 5 years tuition rates have exploded, topping $50,000 in many instances. The very rich can pay these costs and the very poor are allotted huge amounts of federal aid via the FAFSA, but millions of middle class citizens can no longer afford to go to college. My question is, under your administration, how will YOU make college an option again for the millions of middle class Americans like me who have been forgotten by our government?
To all candidates: If you were sure you had a lock on the nomination but NOT the election, would you still run or would you give your party the best chance possible to regain the presidency?
look around the stage these are some of the brightest minds in the United States, will you as President ask the others to join your cabinet to listen to the American people and to work with both parties for a better America and a safer world.
There's been a lot of talk of belief and faith in the public statements of candidates from both major parties. People can believe anything, but they may not be in touch with reality. How does your faith guide you in your actions, and how would you distinguish real results from an appeal to fear?
As a teacher in a public middle school, I have seen a growing reliance on state standardized testing. More and more, curriculums in schools are changed to reflect these tests, and teachers have been forced to "teach to the test". Please tell me, in practical terms, how we can fix the ailing system of "No Child Left Behind" and actually reach the goal of making sure every child recieves an adequate if not exemplary education?
Sent by Arrey Ashu: As a christian, therefore...while you were married to former president Clinton, you were one. This means you have been president of the United States of America twice.
I vote this the most imaginative post I've ever read on this blog. This is absolutely a thought that never, ever occured to me.
Maybe it's because I'm Buddhist. I don't know. But this is about as imaginative a thought as any I've seen around here. One that I will pass around to my colleagues with due deliberation and energy.
Thank you, you made my day. And I'm not kidding. That was great!
fred call
I work in health care, where privacy is a big and growing issue, and one that intersects with privacy of financial information. Would you favor enacting a presumptive right to ownership for an individual's own information? Europe seems to be moving in this direction, and it puts the burden of protection on the corporations who hold the information.
Who are your largest 3 campaign contributors? Please include the company/industry they earn their paycheck from.
Thank You
Many Democrats in the South, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain region have expressed distress about how the Democratic nominee might impact races down the ticket in 2008. If you were given proof that your candidacy would actually hurt these state parties and their down-ticket candidates, would you reconsider your decision to run? Why or why not?
Would you consider a first step in bringing much needed relief and respect back to our nation's public school teachers by forgiving all educational loans for those who have served ten years or more in such school systems? What other ideas do you have on ways to retain and attract qualified persons to such careers?
Mr Edwards and Ms Clinton had an exchange about the importance of getting rid of 'no chance' candidates during debates.
Actually, I think that is rather insulting to the voters. What is so horrible about third parties? Is it not true that the Green Party so many democrats reviled in 2000 has basically been co-opted to the point that even Republicans are trying to talk about global warming now?
What are you going to do to open up the political process to fringe candidates?
In the past winning the presidential election has been a popularity contest yet the vast majority of American's didn't vote. The next presidential hopeful must get disenfranchised voters to the polls in mass to win the general election. How do you as the nominee plan to get your constituents to the polls to make their voices heard and more importantly, what previously unrecognized issues will motivate this half of our country to vote in this election?
This question is for Senator Dodd.
You???ve said that, while there are those who say America???s best days are behind her, you remain optimistic that her best days are ahead. I want to agree with you, but I???m scared. This country needs deep- and long-reaching, long-term changes in the figurative infrastructure of our politics, our economy, and our role on the world stage, and those changes will take a long time to complete. If they are not made, I???m scared that we will wake up one day to find that the pessimists were right. Solving the problems of today ??? ending the war, weathering the mortgage crisis ??? is not enough. What will you do, Senator, to begin the process of making these fundamental changes. I believe this is the single most important question of not only this, but the next five or ten presidential elections.
Joseph Avins (pronounced with a long 'A')
Kearneysvillee, WV (pronounced like 'Car-neysville')
In our political system, money grants access and voice, at least in the very powerful form of lobbying. In the last several decades judicial decisions have granted many of the rights and privileges of individuals to corporations but few of the responsibilities. Add the tremendous amounts of money spent by corporations to influence the political process and given that corporations are not people, and so don't operate under the same moral forces at work between people, we have seen significant harms accrue to regular people as a cost of "doing business." What would you do to repair the harmful imbalance that privileges corporate interest above the interests of individuals and even our society as a whole?
to all candidates: How do they feel about banning certain substances in our food and other things that are banned in Europe, such as phthalates, lead in lipstick, etc. Why are we so far behind Europe in our food safety?
What would you do as president to restore the constitutional checks and balances between the three branches or government? What would you do to safeguard and restore our civil liberities?
(this is a simplified version of a question I submitted earlier - in the hopes that it will be better understood and perhaps selected).
Do you believe that it is most important for government decisions to be based on the wishes of those that are the most affected by the specific decision? Or do you believe that decisions should be guided by a general public interest, even if that means not meeting all the needs of specific interests?
The U.S. Constitution puts the majority of power in the hands of Congress, granting presidents only limited powers, such as the powers to veto and to pardon. But over the past century, without any constitutional changes, presidents have come to dominate the American government. Presidents now effectively declare war, declare laws unconstitutional (via signing statements/by refraining from enforcing them) and legislate (via the regulatory power of executive agencies). What actions would you take to restore the checks and balances in the Constitution--for yourself and your successors in the presidency?
To all candidates: What qualities and skill will you be looking for in your selection of a vice president? What role will your vice president play in your administration? Do any of your other democrats running for president have the qualities and skills that you are looking for?
Some people believe the unprecedented use of ???Signing Statements??? by President Bush has subverted the will of Congress and dramatically strengthened the Executive branch beyond what the framers of the Constitution envisioned when they considered the ???checks and balances??? of our federal system.
If you become president, do you plan to continue the use of Singing Statements to further increase presidential power?
OR
Do you agree that this Administration has exceeded its authority with its use of Signing Statements? If so, what would you do restore a proper balance between the Legislative and Executive branches of government?
You are currently seeking the Democratic Party's nomination for President. What vision does the Democratic Party offer for our nation and how will you work to advance that vision if you are not the party's nominee? And, please no talking points!
What would you as president do to unite this country? We are badly divided, and need someone who can bring us (and Congress) together.
It seems like presidential debates spend a lot of time arguing issues that don't matter much once the candidate is sworn in? For example, during Bush Gore we heard endless debate on the lock box and little about terrorism or global warming. What are we spending a lot of time on now that will mean little by next year? What aren't we discussing that will very likely be a key issue in 2009?
Please discuss your understanding of the development of, the structure and function of, and the current impact of the military-industrial complex on the daily lives of American citizens and on the government of the U.S.
If we have learned anything from recent administrations, it is that the tough issues that face the United States of America require bipartisan solutions. We have experienced an ongoing stalemate on the most pressing issues of our day. Though everyone talks about bipartisanship, that typically breaks down when real compromise is necessary. Are you willing to compromise on issues that are dear to your heart (and the hearts of your voters) to get at solutions? Can you give an example of how you have done this in the past?
Who would win in a fight, the Hulk or the Thing?
I would strongly second Nancy Horton's question about checks and balances of Pres. power--I think this would be a great reflection on my sense of what they offer.
What do you believe is flawed in the "No Child Left Behind" Act and how do you propose to remedy these flaws?
- Andrew Miller
Seattle, Washington
Sent by Anton Goldman: Who would win in a fight, the Hulk or the Thing
It went two out of three, thanks to the managerial talents of Don King...and in the third fight, both fighters succumbed to heat exhaustion in the ninth round.
fred call
What is your postion on Impeachment Now of presidents Cheney & Bush for the treasonous outing of a CIA officer, perjury to USA citizens on Iraq, War Crimes, torture and degradation of our Constitution?
It has been argued that the interest in science, technology, and mathematics generated by NASA's Apollo program is strongly correlated to the biotechnology and microcomputer boom of the 1970s-1990s.
Please describe your vision for the nation's space program and how we might inspire current students to pursue degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics.
1. Do you recognize the
nation of Palestine?
2. Would you de-fund Israel's
West Bank "settlements"?
How can you stop the president from being sealed off from the ordinary people of the United States by the sometimes-overzealous security of the Secret Service and other security agencies?
To all the candidates:
While it is understandable that your personal views may be affected by your respective religion, do you think it is constitutional, or simply fair, to push for or pass laws that are based on religiously-driven views?
The current adult education system
serves approximately 3 million of the 93 million individuals a year in
need of adult literacy services, with waiting lists throughout the
United States. If elected, what steps will your administration take to
increase access for new immigrants, the unemployed, underemployed, high
school dropouts and others in need of assistance?
Jill Blair
Normal, IL
This question is for Hilary Clinton, how do you respond to Democratic voters who are hesitant to vote for you because of their fear that the position as President of the United States is becoming a legacy for certain individuals rather than a position attained through hard work for the American people?
American political leaders devalue intellectuals and intellectualism at the same time that the American education system is lagging behind so many other countries and Americans are reading less and less. Do you see these trends as related? What would you do to restore intellectual leadership in this country?
Will you commit to reversing policy toward Cuba, ending the embargo and instituting normal trade and diplomatic relations with Cuba?
What steps would you take to halt the prostelizing activity by and preferential treatment afforded to religious fundamentalists particularly at the Air Force Academy and elswhere in the military?
Are you willing to personally travel to Iran, Syria and other Middle East countries to meet with Islamic leaders to demonstrate a new openess of the US to the problems of that region?
Two questions:
1) Prior to an election, those running for president talk about what they will do when elected. Clearly, this is not an easy task because the other two branches of government also impact the path the nation takes. Speaking specifically and not just referring to non-partisanship, how will you implement your ideas in this complex and often confrontational environment?
2) I believe that one often lacking, but essential skill that we need in our president is that of leadership. Specifically, how will you engage, unite, and lead the American people into the future? Interestingly, this is a task that the president can do without involving the other branches of government.
Would dyou be willing tdo meet with President Hugo Chavez in an attempt to open a dialogue with him and other South American leaders who are critical of current US policies?
93 million adults (and their children) would benefit from adult education and
literacy services. With a combination of federal, state, and local
dollars, only three (3) million adults are currently served. Waiting
lists, in a majority of states, indicate that millions of adults,
are waiting to enter a program. Increasing these adults' basic skills improves their ability to support themselves and their children and increases the chance that their children will be educationally and economically successful. What steps will you take to support, promote, and sustain an increase in funding to insure that services are available for adults who need them?
As president, would you introduce legislation to lift the ban on growing industrial hemp in the U.S.?
As the father of a son with Down Syndrome, I would like to know what each candidate's plans are for supporting individuals with special needs, not just in education but also in the transition to independent living and in securing funding for the necessary research to improve the lives of more than 50 million Americans.
All of you would make a fine President. But, as one who is desperate to end the Republican reign in the White House, I will vote for the one who has the best chance to win in November. Why are you that one? Do you think that Senator Clinton arouses too much negativity to win the general election? Would Senator Obama's race hurt him?
Senator Clinton, I want to ask you about something that bothers many of us. Wasn't your decision to run for the Senate from New York (a place you can't legitimately call home by any common-sense standard) ethically equivalent to gerrymandering? Shouldn't constituents choose their representatives and not vice versa?
Were you a registered Republican, which candidate in this current primary field would you vote for, and why?
If you do not win the presidency, what single piece of advice would you give the new president?
To all candidates:
I once heard a story (on NPR) about a college president who did not hold an inaugural ball (as tradition) after taking office at her college. As I remember, times were tough, the school was in transition and she felt that the money could be better spent in other ways. With the money she created scholarships for low-income students. I was moved by the story and thought it an amazing gesture and a much better use of school money. With so much money being spent on the wars, I was reminded of this story and thought that this was a great lesson for our elected officials. I wonder, if you became president would YOU forgo all the inaugural balls and the millions of dollars spent on these events and put the money to better use helping our country?
How would you address the ad hoc, insidious infiltration of voting, tax-paying American's personal correspondence as an effort toward combating terrorism? Isn't this just a side-blind to the Constitutional Right of Privacy? Terrorism of the American People?
To Sen. Obama & Former Sen, Edwards,
Please comment on the following. I believe one of the greatest threats to democracy is to the concentration of power. If Sen. Clinton is elected, we will live a generation of Americans who have only known two Presidential families. As we have seen with the current political dynasty there are tremendous problems with turning American into a quasi-monarchy. Could you address this issue BEYOND the comment which Sen. Clinton makes (which is "the voters will decide."
Senator Obama once said he would not use nuclear weapons to kill Osama bin Laden. He was quickly criticized as naive for "taking an option off the table." If torture is off the table, why is the tactical use of nuclear weapons morally different?
The war on drugs is a failure. The amount of drugs entering the country continues to rise even as funding go up. The prison population has exploded as has violence in poor neighborhoods and communities. Some studies suggest money would be better spent on education and treatment. Do you support the war on drugs and if so, why?
Why don't legislators have to disclose potential conflicts of interest and/or refrain from voting on issues in which they have a conflict of interest? All investigators on NIH funded projects (those who can impact research outcomes) must disclosure any potential(financial) conflicts of interest. Amounts received over $500 must be disclosed and vetted. Why don't legislators have such a requirement? Why are legislators who receive funds from corporations allowed to vote on issues that impact their contributors?
Question to Ms Clinton: I am a Haitian American, in 1995, your Husband then President Bill Clinton,had committed one of the worst foreign policy mistake by allowing Then president Aristide to return to power. I have no doute that Aristide was democratically elected however, he chose to govern dictatorially. because president clinton returned him, we know the rest. A little history of haitian politics; since independence, only 2 presidents have been elected and achived their mandates, one is Nissage Saget and the other one is Rene Preval, all thers either they declared themselves Emperor, King or president for life or being deposed by the military Knoing that now what your government plants to do to help this extraordinary poor nation respire a brain new fresh air?
Ok..so MAYBE I'm crazy, but here' something I want to know:
It almost always seems that the ONLY thing I hear from both sides with all the candidates is, "As your President..." Doesn't something seem WRONG with this? NONE of you are President....YET..so this makes you all sound more like a Salesperson rather than a President to be. So therefore, I have a 2-part question:
What would you do to PROVE to me, beyond your "selling points", that I should vote for you at all? And I am not seeking some "cookie cutter" answer (like MOST politicians do). I want you all to be open and honest, since THAT is what Americans want. Not what you THINK we WANT to hear.
Second part is: How come I cannot see ALL hopefuls on the same stage at the same time...both parties, in other words? If I am someone who wants to hear both sides of a topic, I don't want to watch one debate one night..then wait a WEEK for the other side to speak on those same topics.
Thanks.
I am a New York City public high school student. When was the last time you steped into one of our schools? They are unsanitary. We are infested with roaches and rats and our bathrooms smell so bad that I often wonder if they are ever cleaned. Education is obviously a major problem that needs to be addressed in America, but what do you think about THESE issues?
What makes you the most electable Democratic candidate in the general election?
What are three values that are most important to you and that influence your work?
I would be happy to see the Senator of New York elected ,but my question is how USA will be perceved after that? A kingdom, or family affair? Bush to Clinton , Clinton to Bush and now Bush to Clinton.I want the senator Clinton to answer that.
Thanks,
I am not interested in voting for the Emperor of the United States, so my question is to all of the candidates. Which of you will promise to restore the Constitutional balance of power among the three branches of the United States government?
What percentage of our US Budget is spent on previous wars not yet paid, current wars, and regular budget for the military? (Hint it???s almost more that the rest of the world combined!)
Also, what percentage of your income do you spend protecting your house or what percentage do average Americans spend on theirs?
Why don't we apply that same common sense to our military budget?
I am a proud American. Confident that our military and if need be the NRA can protect us just fine without cluster bombs and other massive killing machines.
Please don't dodge the questions.
As an atheist, I would like each candidate to go on record regarding what role religion should have in American government.
I would like the candidates to tell me who I'm actually voting for. Please tell us who your three largest campaign contributors are and what we, the American people, are going to have to give for that support.
I'm concerned about our vets and I feel that troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are too often used by both Democrats and Republicans as backdrops in photo ops and wedges when trying to make a political point. We have too many in this country who believe that sticking a magnet on their car means that they support the troops and that those who oppose the war in Iraq don't support the troops. I believe we will soon have a crisis on our hands if we don't prepare for our wounded and mentally ill vets coming home after they've served. Do you agree that this issue is under reported and what will you do as president to meet the needs of our vets and their families?
Do you favor a program of space exploration which will have the United States establish a permanent presence on the Moon and landing a expedition on Mars within the next few decades?
What is your view on presidential signing statements?
Would you be willing to lead efforts to insure that signing statements have no future legal validity?
The current president has signed numerous 'signing statements.' Why do you think he did this; and why or why not would you as president also enter into 'signing statements?'
Do you think that the present administration has any chance of brokering peace between Israel and Palestine? What would you do differently?
When is a person innocent until proven guilty? Does current US law and policy support your view? Why or why not?
How do you feel about the CIA? Is it worth keeping? I just read Legacy of Ashes by Tim Weiner. Frightening!
Would you require that American young children should earn to speak a foreign language in elementary school if the bill came up, and do you feel this would help us understand the world more around us better?
To all the candidates: The current administration has presided over the worst erosion of constitutionally-mandated checks and balances in the nation's history. What concrete steps would you take to protect our Constitution and to repair the damage done to the Republic by the excessive and dubious use of presidential signing statements and the politicization of federal agencies and advisory panels?
In September, 2006, Pres. Bush exercised the first veto of his administration. He vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. In October, 2007, Pres. Bush vetoed the SCHIPs legislation.
My questions are for all candidates; they require a "sign it" or "veto it" response. As President of the United States, if Congress sent you an embryonic stem cell research bill like the SCRE Act of 2006, what would you do? And, if Congress sent you an SCHIPs bill, what would you do?
Are you for or against legalizing same-sex marriage and why?
One of the things that disturbs me most about the current administration is that when the American people demand to know what is going on behind closed doors they act as if we are a nuisance. My question for the candidates is this - what is your point of view on accountability and transparency and what will you do to make sure your administration fulfills this vision?
How can candidates talk about restoring America's international reputation, but largely avoid addressing the US policy that isolates us even more than Iraq?
Our unilateral trade and travel embargo of Cuba is seen by the world, and especially by our own hemisphere, as anachronistic US bullying and completely inconsistent with our close ties with Vietnam and China.
Why do the candidates (and the national media) ignore the issue of Cuba except in Florida? Do they agree with Bush rather than most journalists that nothing has changed in Cuba since Fidel Castro ceded power to his brother?
[Only Dodd has seriously discussed normalization of trade and diplomatic relations with Cuba, the position favored by nearly two-thirds of Americans. Kucinich agrees with Dodd but Obama, Richardson and Edwards support unrestricted travel only for Cuban Americans.
Clinton's position is virtually identical to Bush's rather than her husband's policies on travel for Cuban Americans and non-tourist exchanges.]
What do you believe is the proper role of the press in the conduct of our public affairs and will you (do you) commit yourself to a regular, open exchange with reporters?
As president, how will you help Americans deal with consumer debt and school debt?
Boise, Idaho
To all candidates. How much influence would the teachings of Jesus have on your decisions as President.
Since the federal government currently provides only a small percentage of funding for public education, what will you do to help state and local districts meet strict federal standards and mandates such as extra tutoring that are overwhelming their budgets?
Senator Clinton, your husband permitted family reunion travel to Cuba once a year and for emergencies. He also allowed non tourist travel by students, professionals, and for other people-to- people and Track 2 type exchanges.
Just before the last election, President Bush drastically reduced travel by limiting Cuban Americans to one visit every three years and eliminating most non-tourist travel.
Which policy do you favor, that of President Clinton or of President Bush?
I would like the candidates to comment on the role of corporate involvement in the legislative and executive branches of our government and the cozy relationship between lobbyists and Congress. Should the current system continue our would you push for changes?
You know in 1998 President Clinton established the Save America???s Treasures program which has now awarded $350 million for the preservation of our nation???s most significant and endangered cultural heritage. President Bush in 2003 established the Preserve America initiative, which recognizes communities and awarded monies intended to foster pride, educate Americans, raise concern and stimulate broad scale involvement in local historic preservation efforts. You will be in a key position to create and influence these wonderful federal preservation program. Now my questions for you:
If you were elected President, what are your proposed initiatives to support the preservation of our nation???s historic places while promoting and funding grants to promote sustainable communities and green buildings?
Secondly, at the recent annual meeting of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in St. Paul, President Richard Moe commented the greenest building is one that is standing.
As important as the new conservation movement and the LEED standards to encourage sound conservation building practices is to our future, I am very concerned about the lack of influence in preservation of our historic resources has in this valuable environmental movement. It is not just individual buildings, but also entire neighborhoods such as mine that I have this concern. It has been said historic preservation is a vital tool in saving the heart and soul of our communities.
If you were elected President, what are your proposed initiatives to support the preservation of our nation???s historic places while promoting and funding grants to promote sustainable communities and green buildings?
This question is directed in particular to Senator Clinton, but is also relevant to several of the others, including Senators Obama and Edwards.
One of the problems I see with modern politics is the role of the PR machine, and I'm concerned about the people in the drivers' seat. You've been politically "groomed" for a presidential run for at least the past eight years, if not more. During those eight years, we've had what sometimes seems to be a puppet president, whose "handlers" appear to have a great deal of influence over policy, far more than I'm comfortable with. How can we be sure that the same won't happen in your presidency? How do you reassure me that, should you become president, you'll put the interests of the American people first, not the interests of those few people who helped you get there? (Certainly, it's important to have good people around you, but there's a difference between having trusted advisors and puppeteers, and I'd like to know how you expect us to tell the difference.)
What, as President, would you do to help "We The People" to reinvent this flailing democracy?
As an engineer, I believe that America has not taken advantage of the vast benefits in technological advancement, scientific understanding, and resource exploitation that can be harnessed through space exploration.
The Mars Direct Program, proposed over a decade ago, would send a manned mission to Mars which would, along with scientific research, "live off the land" and gather materials from Mars for the return trip, at an estimated cost of 55 billion (1990) dollars, paid over a period of ten years.
Would you support the rapid development of such a project and do you agree that America should invest more in the development of space exploration in the interest of acquisition of resources, territory, and new technologies?
Are you willing to commit to learning about the plight of the Palestinian people, both Christian and Muslim, living under Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza? Are you willing to have peace mean an end to the illegal settlements, the right of return for refugees, and a return to the green line established in 1967 as the boundary between Israel and Palestine?
What are your thoughts of the current protest movements against the Iraq war today? Are they effective - what would you do differently to protest the war?
China's politicians are mostly Science and Engineering graduates, while most of our politicians are noticeably not. Would you support having more scientists and engineers run as politicians? How many scientists and engineers would you have in your administration and what positions would they hold?
In an early Republican debate, the candidates were asked if they believed in evolution. There was a show of hands. I'd like to ask the same, but in a more specific manner: Please raise your hand if you think the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old. Put your hands down. Now please raise your hand if you believe humans evolved from lower primates. Thank you.
Who is your favorite philosopher?
We are told that every vote is equal yet clearly the votes in Iowa and New Hampshire are deemed more valuable.
Should this be changed?
Is waterboarding torture?
For how long is it legal to detain American citizens without access to counsel?
What is your position on funding Israel?
Do you believe the Israeli's are in the right?
Dylan
Recently there have been a large number of atheist books published, such as Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion and Sam Harris' The End of Faith. Which of these books have you read? Which did you like? And would you vote for an atheist for president?
We hear very little on the subject, but I am increasingly alarmed at what is happening to our food supply in this country. As corporate farms become the norm, less and less control is placed on what we put into our bodies. The FDA and USDA seem to rubber stamp everthing the corporations want. Genetically engineered foods and irradiated foods are being forced on the public with little recourse. At the very least, the producers of these foods need to be forced to label them as such. What is your plan to protect the public's right to a SAFE food supply, or to at least know what they are getting when they buy it?
In earning the Democratic nomination, which of the other candidates would you consider as a potential VP candidate given their qualities, electability and issue positions?
Disabled US citizens have the right to exist in this country yet we cant if the laws that were passed by Congress and signed into law by various Presidents arent enforced. These laws are called the 1964 Civil Rights Act ;the 1992 American's with Disability Act; etc.
These laws havent been enforced since Bush was elected in 2000. It doesnt matter if you file a Title complaint under either act since you are going to get a form latter back from DOJ stating we get so many of these complaints we dont have the time or the resources to investigate them. If you go ask for help getting them enforced to your local Congressperson or Senator; they cant even help.
Our question to the candidates is this:
Are you going to see the DOJ actually enforces all civil and disability laws that allow disabled people to get things done in thier daily lives? without having them to file complaints; lawsuits; argue ; plead and threaten these entities doing this dsicrimination? These entities by the way are states; cities ; towns; police and sheriff offices; etc etc.
If you cant enforce the law; then why have the law? These laws were supposed to level the playing field; get the least employable into the work force; get people who may not be in the main stream into the mainstream; etc. These laws have become a total joke along with the DOJ.
What is your position on privatizing services once exclusively administered by government, e.g., security services like Blackwater and corporate-run prisons?
If I asked who is for the rule of law, all of you would raise your hands. If you are all for the rule of law, which of you will pursue charges of war crimes against key members of the Bush administration?
I am over 40, and I have never in my life had an opportunity to vote in a contested primary election. On every occasion, the democratic nominee has been determined before my state had a chance to vote. Do you think it's appropriate that voters in Iowa and New Hampshire have more say in the choice of presidential candidates than voters in many other states?
As the mother of 6 children all of whom have been diagnosed with dyslexia, in our house reading is not taken for granted but is instead a hard won battle that needs constant re-enforcement. Books and literature are integral to our lives and with a lot of work on our part, we've made sure that all of our children (even the most severe dyslexic)can independently read.
My question is this, what is the last book each of the candidates have read?
I want to know what your going to do about Veterans Earned Benefits and Veterans Issues. I am a veteran and have not received any benefits whatsoever. I had to pay my own way through college, I havent had any type of job training benefits, I have had one single benefit from my service in the military and feel it was 8 years of my life wasted for nothing. I want to know what you are going to do to help Veterans of all wars and not just the current war. Because we fought to and we served to and deserve the same benefits. I'm tired of jumping through hoop after hoop and being told No. I have applied for over 200 federal jobs and have been over qualified for most but havent been able to get a job even though there are currently over 71,000 federal jobs available. What are you going to do to strengthen the rights of veterans to be hired FIRST over all other applicants and keep President Lincoln's promise to America's Veterans?
Will you continue to prosecute the failed war on drugs?
All of the young adults and young professionals I know share a great sense of apathy and lack of efficacy in the political process. Instead all we see are bills and subsidies bought by corporate lobbies. Additionally, we see a very high incumbancy rate, which is certainly not due to competence. How can you restore integrity in the political process and get young people involved again.
As a Black American I'm aware that one of the rarely mentioned differences between the major political parties is the racial makeup of their respective constituencies, i.e. the Republican base is largely white; the Democratic base is significantly more diverse.
If elected, what specific things will you do to address the issues of race, racism and the racial divisiveness that has been, and continues to be deeply embedded in the fabric of American society?
Yes or No. Do you believe that George W. Bush has committed impeachable offenses?
Conspiracy theories are highly developed in our culture: on radio talk shows, on the Internet, on alternative TV documentaries. As president, you will gain control of a large political police force, the FBI. What will you do with them?
Question for all the candidates: Do we or do we not need a federal reserve system or a central bank in this country? Why?
What do you think of the role presidential signing statements have played in the Bush administration's assertion of power over bill's passed by congress? And do you plan on continuing this practice, or would you return to more of a balance between the 3 branches of government?
Do you believe that presidential debates should be returned to the American people by way of the League of Women Voters?
At the last democratic national convention there were 'designated free speech zones' away from the main convention desgined to restrict protestors around the convention. Do you support such enchrochment upon the right of public protest?
As I was about to post my question, I noticed that Jane Mailand had already done so. So rather than posting a similar question, please consider this as an encouragement to pose her first question to the candidates. Thank you
I am curious about the prime motivation of our candidates and about what truely moves them to take on what will almost certainly be a hard and perhaps thankless task in the next decade.To get a clearer sense of this core motivation i would like to know the foloowing: For what issue (please be specific) would you be willing to risk your'life,fortune and sacred honor.' What crisis, cause, issue facing our society would you be willing to sacrifice you ambition, political capital and career in order to solve.
I reside in Michigan, and the Michigan primary will evidently be on January 15th. My question is for those candidates whose names do not appear on the ballot for the Michigan Primary. Who exactly do you imagine you are punishing with such behavior? Michigan is an important state, and the residents need your attention. Why should an independent leaning Michigan resident vote for a presidential candidate who may not have appeared on the primary ballot?
Why should a firefighter recieve a greater pensions if he dies in the World Trade Center rather than in some more pedestrian fire the day before?
If you are elected President, what are the three primary national issues you will focus your Administration on?
In the spirit of the Holiday Season... Since a majority of the public and I'm sure you, the candidates, are sick of negative attacks by and on each of you, please tell us if you HAD to choose one of your opponents as a running mate today, who would that person be and why? Just a name not a diatribe on it's an important decision, form a committee blah blah and blah. Thank you.
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. said "the curse of poverty has no justification in our age". However, today approximately 37 million people live in poverty in our country, as defined by our government (using a calculation that is outdated and not appropriate for our current time and realities). Of those 37 million, 75% live in families where poverty has been experienced for 2 or more generations. Knowing this is the reality that many of our people face, what kind of policy recommendations would you propose to help provide the resources people need to get out of and stay out of poverty?
I am just starting out as a small-scale organic farmer. Between farm subsidies that mostly go to huge corporations, produce from overseas that could be grown here, and chronyism in the USDA, I think that our food system is seriously ill. I want to know what, if anything, the canidates would do to bring about change to American Agriculture.
With which current Supreme Court Justice to you agree most frequently?
Transportation is the lifeblood of the American (and global) economy, but I have yet to hear it even mentioned in a presidential primary debate. The vision in the 1930's of highways linking the country became law in 1956 and gave us the Interstate Highway System, which transformed our economy, our lifestyle, the shape of our cities and suburbs. And it was all financed by people buying gasoline, and truckers buying diesel fuel.
Fifty years later there is bridge lying in the Mississippi River, a USDOT annual report to Congress (Conditions and Performance of the Nation's Highways and Transit) that documents that we are spending billions less than required just to maintain today's conditions and congestions levels; and metropolitan congestion that impedes the flow of commerce. Yet the Highway Trust Fund is forecasted to be at least $4 billion short of being able to fund the FY 2009 highway program as authorized.
The current Administration has adamantly refused even a nickel increase in the federal motor fuel tax, while offering as their only solution tolls and monetization of highway assets. Unlike 1956, Congress seems to have no transportation vision other than earmarks for their districts.
When you are in the White House, how will you address the nation's enormous transportation needs?
We are the most litigious society the world has ever seen. Whenever there is an accident there always comes the question of 'who can I sue', 'from who can I get money for my suffering'. Where has any sense of personable responsibility gone? Lawsuits are crippiling the medical industries with rampant premiums for malpractice insurance and crippling the technology industry with hundreds of frivelous patent lawsuits. How can we rectify this situation?
Over the past 6 1/2 years, the Administration has arrogated more and more power to itself. What affirmative steps will you take to restore the balance between the branches of government, as opposed to answering "I won't do such-and-such"?
In a related question, would you propose or support a constitutional amendment limiting recess appointments to recesses of longer than two weeks (or something else deemed appropriate in this age of jet travel and teleconferencing)? If not, why?
The war on drugs is a failure. Even as we increase funding, the amount of drugs entering our country is on the rise. Direct consequences include increased violent crimes and an overpopulated prison system. Some states are now spending more money on corrections than education. Studies suggest our money would be better spent on drug treatment and preventative education. Do you agree? Why or why not?
-Ron Fritz, Detroit MI
As candidates for president, all of you have been critical of the current administration's interpretation of executive power. As president what would you do to actively restrain the consolidation of power under the Executive branch? Would you be willing to relinquish those powers now claimed by the Bush administration?
I would like to know why political candidates find it so necessary to attack one another, rather than focus on relivant issues that affect this country? Are your own positions so weak and shallow that they cannot stand the test of debate?
The Internet is becoming a major factor in everybody's lives. People communicate online, manage their bank accounts on the web, and buy and sell all types of things. Plenty of individuals and corporations now depend on the Internet to keep their daily lives and businesses running.
AT&T, Verizon, et al. have proposed plans for a 'tiered' internet. The companies that control the last-mile wire (from the telephone office to people's homes - the most expensive part of the Internet infrastructure) want to charge web service providers for the bandwidth that the ISP's customers use to request web pages and downloads. If a website cannot pay, then their web service will be slow or completely unusable to the ISP's customers, who are already paying for bandwidth.
I realize that the free market should be able to address these concerns. However, I do not think that is possible with today's technology. Laying new last-mile wires is prohibitively time-consuming and expensive. Even if a company wanted to begin doing that, good business sense dictates that people in the mid-west and remote areas of populated states would be left out. A wireless last mile is still not technically feasible, and becoming a CLEC (so that you can resell the last-mile wires and have them hooked up to your own network equipment at the telephone office) is also prohibitively expensive - in many cases, it is cheaper to buy an existing CLEC company than become a new one!
My question to you gentlemen - will you push for 'network neutrality' principals? That is to say, will you protect our Internet infrastructure from 'tiered' network models, where companies wishing to provide a service via the Internet will not be forced to pay a cartel of large American ISPs?
Will you protected me from having Comcast 'traffic shape' my Vonage phone service to the point of it being unusable?
Nick Evans
New Haven, CT
In 1994 I left the Democratic Party (after 22 years) when Bill Clinton did not fulfill campaign promises to protect gun-owners rights and to lower middle-class taxes. What will you do to bring voters like me back to the Democratic Party?
I hate the Electoral College. It is an archaic, antidemocratic system which never worked as the Founders intended. It has thwarted the will of the American people on several occasions, most recently in the 2000 election. Moreover, it bugs the bejesus out of me that a voter in a small state, population-wise, such as Alaska or Delaware, has a proportionally larger say in electing a president than I, a citizen of Florida. Will any of the candidates pledge him- or herself to either attempt to abolish the Electoral College, or reform it so that it never again twists American democracy.
I'm concerned about me, my family, my city, my state and my country. I can see the need for foreign relations when it comes to trade and global harmony, but what are you going to do to refocus on the state of America rather than being "big brother" to everyone else?
If you were NOT elected president in 2008, what would be the reason why?
This is a question about campaign funding.
It is incredibly expensive to run a national campaign today. The government funding given to candidates does not even come close to covering campaign expenses. So I completely understand why every serious contender for a national office needs to rely on private and corporate funding to run their campaign.
However, this necessarily means that candidates aren't just representing their constituency, but also their private/corporate funders.
It seems to me, that the only way to have true representation in this country is to rely solely on public funds for campaign expenditures.
Would any of you be willing to advocate change to current law that would absolutely prohibit any private/corporate funding of campaign and institute a new tax to pay for campaigns? Do you think the American people would be willing to pay this additional tax if it meant that our representatives would be able to truly represent the American people and not a mix of their constituents and corporate funders?
thank you
What concrete steps will you take to insure that our elections are transparent and every vote is counted?
Question to all the Democratic candidates:
If you were elected President, what actions would you take to undo the damage that the Bush Administration has done to our country?
Specifically for Rep Dennis Kucinich, but the other candidates should comment;
There seems to be a conspiracy of silence during the last two Democratic debates regarding your House motion #333 to Impeach the Vice President, Dick Cheney, Although you (Kucinich)were able to make a brief statement regarding your bill, there was no follow-up, and what appears to be a brush-off by the moderators. Considering the controversial nature of this procedure, and the apparent majority support for impeachment among the American public, Please explain to the listeners the meaning of, and the Constitutional need for proceeding with the impeachment of first Cheney, and then President Bush.
Assuming that the impeachment of the President and/or Vice President does not move forward during the remainder of their terms in office, would you seek investigation and possible prosecution of criminal activity of the current administration?
Would you be willing to support the creation of post-presidency review boards for all future presidents, to look back an assess the effectiveness and validity of the actions taken by a president leaving office? Even if it would include your own administration?
Although you cannot blame former President Bill Clinton for the 1994 Rwanda genocide, he did call US and world inaction during the April genocide one of his greatest regrets as president.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell labeled the current situation in Darfur a genocide.
A mere decade after Rwanda, the United States, the government of Sudan, and the rest of world, has allowed history to repeat itself in Darfur.
When you think about this what is your gut reaction and how would you respond to that reaction as president?
Do you think there will be a day when you might say that failure to intervene in a genocide somewhere in the world was one of your greatest regrets as president?
Congressional Democrats seem to have a "death-wish," acting in ways which alienate the public. In particular, they refuse to use the power-of-the-purse to end our misguided and unpopular involvement in Iraq for fear of appearing to not support the troops.
If, after winning sufficient primaries, you become the presumptive Presidential candidate, what would you do before the National Convention and election to put some spine in the Congress and stop the justified portrait of Dems as wimps?
If the people own the broadcast spectrum and, through the FCC, license the use of it to television and radio stations across america... why do those stations charge the candidates so much to air their campaign advertising. Why don't we make free campaign ads a part of their licensing agreement and cut the need for millions of dollars in advertising out of the political process?
Why hasn't anyone addressed education, especially Early Childhood Education...3 years to 8 years. Without a firm foundation, students are constantly playing catch-up football.Just ask some middle school teachers who have students that still can't read.Without a good education package everything fails. We need an educated electorate.
Do you think you would stand a chance against Ron Paul in a fair election, and if so, why?
Most of the candidates spend a great deal of time pandering to the left wing base of the party yet talk about bringing this country together and working with both Republicans and Independents. As President, on what issues would you be willing to break with the base of your party in order to bring this country together? Exactly how would you work to ensure you are not continuing to polarize the country as the Clinton and Bush administrations have done?
Ray Carr
Mercerville, NJ
Naomi Wolf has listed ten steps that nations make in becoming a fascist state. These steps are: keep the citizens afraid by terrifying threats, fake documents as proof of the threats, target key individuals to scapegoat, legalize torture and secret prisons, surveillance of ordinary citizens, restrict the press, consider criticism as espionage, dissent at treason, and subvert the law. It doesn???t take much thought to see how each of these steps apply to our present situationin this country. If elected, what would you do to stop this slide into a fascist government?
If you were President at this moment, what actions would you take regarding the civil unrest and burgeoning humanitarian crisis in Somalia?
Why would anyone want to be president in this day and age with all the problems facing our country and the world?
I would like to ask each of the candidates what they have done specifically to date and what they specifically will do if elected to end the crimes against humanity in Darfour.
To all candidates: How will you lead, across disparate points of view, to choose solutions that will make the US leadership in the world grow in the 21st century?
Will you as a candidate use the internet and New Media when in office to allow for government transparency? If yes, how will you use it?
This question is for John Edwards, but I would like to hear the opinions of all the candidates.
Senator Edwards, I have heard you say that Americans were ready for their president to ask them to make sacrifices. We seem to have become a nation that believes that we need big cars, houses, and more ???stuff??? to make us happy. Credit and housing crises loom and Madison Avenue always tells us we need more or better things to keep up. Our consumption-based economy thrives on this attitude. How do you propose that Americans engage in such a dramatic paradigm shift? What specifically would you do to take us there?
What is your stand on torture . Will you support torture if you are trying to get information from likes of Khalid Sheikh Momammed. Will you support extreme methods of interrogation akin to torture of prisones at Guantanamo Bay even though there are chances that the person being interrogated is totally innocent of any crime?
I would like to see the
following question asked. It concerns the way Presidential press conferences
are conducted, with the President calling on the reporters to ask questions.
This creates an atmosphere where the reporters may not ask all the necessary
questions for fear of putting the President on the spot, and consequently
being passed by in future press conferences. I think that the press
conferences would be more informative if the reporters were chosen by
lottery -- each having an equal chance of being called. They could then ask
more probing questions, and not be fearful of being passed by in the future.
Of course, the President always has the right to refuse to answer a
question.
So the question to ask the candidates is, "Would you agree to choose the
reporters (to ask questions) during Presidential press conferences by lottery (or some other
unbiased system) rather than by Presidential prerogative?"
The way I see this playing out is that if one candidate says yes, he or she
would have a short term advantage over the others, but the others, of both
parties, would eventually agree, leveling the playing field once again. But
it would be one small victory for democracy.
Do you favors maintaining the status quo with regards to Cuban-American relations on issues such as immigration and the embargo? Why or why not?
Other than the decision to go to war in Iraq, what do you consider to be the current administration's biggest mistake/blunder? While recognizing that hindsight is often 20/15, what would you have done differently?
I request a simple yes or no answer to this question: Would you continue the "presidential signing statements" response to legislation passed by Congress?
Which one of you will let us vote for the president by telephone in 2012 ? We can access our bank accounts by telephone, why can't we vote by telephone ? Voter participation would greatly increase.
One of the most difficult and crucial jobs the President is called to do is balancing the sometimes opposing forces of what they feel is best for our nation versus the sentiments of the American people. While no one can expect this to be done flawlessly, history judges the greatness of a President by how often they made the right or wrong choices despite the mood of the country at the time. In your history as a leader, give us an example of a decision you made based on what you felt provided the greatest good despite significant public opposition, both one where it turned out to be the right thing to do and one where you now know it was the wrong decision.
Our current president has stated that is is necessary to give up our rights in order to be safe from "terrorists." He has taken away habeus corpus, wiretapped without warrants, locked people up with no trial, and even tortured. Do you feel that it is necessary to continue this path of diminished freedoms and torture for safety, or do you think we can be just as safe (or safer) by following the Geneva Convention and our own Constitution?
The current incumbant has made a series of signing statements on congressional legislation in effect nullifying that legeslation. What will you do with the past "statements"? Will you continue this practice if elected?
What would you do to end prohibition of marijuana? every year violent offenders such as rapists and murderers are set free from prison because our jails are overcrowded with non-violent marijuana users. We could reduce federal spending on law enforcement and reduce gang crime and money for gangs by legalizing marijuana which is less dangerous than alcohol.
What would you do to end the war in the middle east? every year we kill thousands of innocent people in a war of occupation. there are other countries where genocide is taking place, but because we have no interest in their natural resources we are not intervening.
In 2004, President Bush called for NASA to help finish the International Space Station by 2010 and return to the Moon by 2020. As President, would you continue to pursue these objectives and what do you envision as future goals for NASA?
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040114-1.html
On August 1st, President Bush rejected a subpoena for then-Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove by claiming executive privilege. To what extent do you believe executive privilege can be used to protect staff and documents?
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0141867220070801
Without using any verbs, and in less than 25 words, tell us your vision for America. (This is intended to get away from stump speech soundbites to the heart of vision (that Dems seem to lack).
I am curious what Senator Clinton, specifically, and the other candidates thinks about the reality that if Senator Clinton is successful in her bid for the Presidency, then our country will have had as its President a member of the same two families for over 20 years (1989 - 2012). What does that say about the spirit of American democracy and the process of electorial politics? Are we becoming another aristocracy of the political elite?
I've been concerned with fair time and exposure for everyone running for president (including 3rd parties). As president would you support standards for election processes that would give all candidates fair exposure in the race for president? Also, what are your ideas on campaign finance reform?
What would you do to bring the educational standards and salaries and overall funding up to the level of best in the world? Would you be willing to spend as much on education as the war in Iraw?
Do you support congressional term limits? Please explain why or why not, particularly in the face of the lobbying of long term senators and representatives, and the continual control over committees by the same people.
This question is specifically for Senator Clinton; however, the other candidates are encouraged to give their perspective. What do you think would be the founding fathers of the republic???s reaction to the possibility that members of only two families may hold the nation???s highest office for 24 years straight?
In the 1960s JFK, alarmed at the erosion of the U. S.'s reputation worldwide, started the Peace Corps to improve our connections to other cultures. What would you do to restore our good name in the world after the failed wars in Afghanistan and Iraq?
Do any of the candidates have a rational, non-religious reason for oppossing marriage equity? Do any of the candidates feel it's about time to leave "faith" to the churches and allow reason back into politics? Do any of the candidates realize commercial hemp should be re-legalized for all it's uses?
How could the U.S. Constitution be improved?
Question to all the candidates who are/were in Congress during Bush administration
Tell me NOT what you would do; tell me what you did:
1. When Patriot Act passed while you were there to watch for me
2. When Constitutional freedoms were compromised by the Bush Administration in the name of security during past 6 years?
3. Before and after America went to unjustified Iraq war
4. In event of soaring National debit and worsening economy during current administration
5. When corruptions of this administration came open about war lies, about illegal spying, inhumane treatment of prisoners, attorneys firing scandal, CIA leak
VOTING CHANGES. With clearly documented voter fraud from privately owned and monitored paperless computer machines what would you do to restore the integrity of our voting system and restore paper trail?
Policies are important, but I also want to know that my future President is a human being. I believe all of us have a creative side. How do you like to express your creativity?
To all candidates: What are you willing to do to learn more about the Christian and Muslim Palestinian people who are being oppressed in the occupied West Bank and Gaza? Are you willing to encourage an end to the settlements, to support the right of return for Palestinian refugees, a return to the 1967 green line as the boundary between Israel and Palestine, and to encourage Israel in dismantling the separation wall? Are you at least willing to listen to Palestinian voices, and to learn more about all sides of the Israel/Palestine struggle.
As we are the only major country to not use metric system, would you restore the metric commission and make adopting the metric system a goal of your administration?
Do you believe that corporations are in should share or at times supercede citizens rights due to their broad reaching influence?
Will you do anything to cap the ever increasing work hours of the average American worker?
There is a perception, perhaps a reality, that many executive departments and agencies are captive organs of the industries they regulate. The Treasury and OCC appear beholden to the banks, credit card companies and mortgage industry. Energy seems to take orders from the large oil companies and traders. Defense moves in lock step with large defense contractors. The FDA acts as a protectorate of large pharmaceutical companies and food distributors. The list goes on for Interior, the SEC, the DOJ, Commerce, and Education. As President, what would you do to eliminate the perception that the executive agencies are run by and take direction from the very industries they are supposed to police, and what would you do to stop and reverse the insidious preemption of state and local laws by federal regulations written by lobbyists to favor corporate and industry interests over those of ordinary citizens, consumers, workers, soldiers and retirees?
The gap between the academic achievement of rich children and poor children, white children and black children, persists despite the aggressive reforms of No Child Left Behind. How do you explain this gap, and what will you do as President to ensure that all children receive an excellent education?
Will you repeal the Military Commissions Act of 2006?
As the next President of the United States of America, would you join President Jimmy Carter and the Archbishop Desmond Tutu in recognizing Israel's policies towards the Palestinian people as a system of apartheid?
Which qualities are more important for a president to possess: being tough and decisive or being smart and effective?
Will you actively search for and help revoke or delete laws and bureaucratic regulation that was created in violation of the Constitution by past administrations?
Is it justifiable to use a strategy of deception in order to gain public support for specific policies and initiatives?
Why is no one addressing cost of Public Education and the ever increasing cost of Special Education?
This administration & the American public delclared war on terrorism & sent troops to the Middle East under the guise to end the tyranny of Sadam and to bring democracy to its people. I must state that I disagree with invading a soverign nation such as Iraq that conclusively had no involvement in the 9/11 attacks and no WMD, however, if the US is under the guise of defending freedom and restoring humanitairan rights...then following this logic, why hasn't this adminsitration threaten Cuba with a miliarty response, which is only 90 miles away and whose people suffer the same injustices and lack of political freedoms? Furthermore, Chavez of Venezuela is displaying the same tyrannical characteristics as Fidel and Sadam, yet the US has done nothing while this "dictator in the making" is censoring the media and the public and corrupting the electorial process. Chavez continues to increase his presidential powers by increasing the presidential term to 7 yrs and on Dec 2 the country will vote whether the president can run for unlimited terms.) Venezuelans feel that "free and fair" elections do not exist in their country nor the freedom of speech. He has openly befriended our "enemies" and has labled the US as Imperialists even though Venezuela supplies us with about 17% of our oil.
My question is: Venezuelans are fleeing to the US seeking political assylum from a tyrant that is in our very own hemisphere, if elected what is your foreign policy towards Cuba, Venezuela and Latin America, what actions will your adminstration take? What will your administration do to bring Chavez's actions to the center stage so the world can see that the US nor should any country tolerate an adminsitration that denies its people "free and fair" elections? If this country does nothing than just like in the 60's when the influx of Cubans fled to the US, we will see the same trend happen with the increae of Venezuelans to the US and because of Chavez's and Fidel's close relationship/partnership, the people of Cuba will continue to suffer.
Thank you,
a US citizen born in Ohio, daughter of a Venezuelan father and a Cuban mother
When was the last time you changed your mind about an important issue, and can you explain your reason for doing so in a way that would sound reasonable to most voters?
How do you see the environment, the economy, foreign policy and national security linked and how would your administration integrate these national resources?
To all candidates: During the Bush/Cheney administration, we have seen an expansion of presidential powers and broad application of executive privelege. If elected president, what would you do to ensure that the executive branch operates transparently as possible, remains open to necessary oversights, and remains in balance with the other branches of government?
While Congress has devoted a lot of effort into "fixing" the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), which only affects people with 6 figure incomes, no attention has been paid to the taxation of Social Security benefits, which starts at $25,000. Like the AMT, the incomes levels affected have never been adjusted for inflation since they were first set over 20 years ago. Will you commit to sponsoring legislation to adjust this for inflation, using the same figures that have been used to index the personal exemption? If not, why?
Given the massive failure of the decades-old "War on Drugs" and the associated violations of civil rights, as well as public health issues, would you consider the decriminalization of drugs as a possible solution to the problem, and further, would you consider applying the same logic to prostitution?
As an Iowa voter now living abroad, I haven't been able to attend any events to ask my question. I have arranged to be in Iowa on cacucus night, however. This is my only chance to ask my question.
1) Given the rampant abuses and violations of the Constitution by the Justice Dept. and the Dept. of Homeland Security under the current administration, and of the Democratic-controlled Congress to provide any real semblance of oversight and balancing check on the administration, would you seriously consider someone in a position of authority from the ACLU or another similar watchdog organization as Attorney General and/or Director of Homeland Security? Why or why not?
FORMER SENATIOR EDWARDS SAYS THE SYSTEM OF LOBBYISTS PROVIDING ELECTION CONTRIBUTIONS IS OR CAN BE CORRUPT.ALL OTHER CANDIDATES HAVE AGREED AND SAID WE NEED PUBLIC FINANCING. SO....
WHAT EXACEDLY WOULD EACH CANDIDATE DO TO MAKE PUBLIC FINANCING HAPPEN???
Associated Press reported that the last 2 presidential elections voting Americans voted in by popular vote VP Gore and his running mate,and Senators Kerry and Edwards. The electoral cologge over ran our popular vote and elected George Bush.
Do you belive that the electoral Collelge will do the same in the next election? and if so would you support eliminating it, as we now have the technogology not to need this kind of back up voting procedures?
With growing concerns over food safety and imports from China, what are you proposing to ensure America's food security and stability of our small farms and ranches? Would you support the Farm Bill as it was written? If not, what would you change?
To all candidates: Most developed countries provide for some amount of paid maternity leave. The United States and Australia are the only industrialized countries that don't provide paid leave for new mothers nationally. What, if anything, would you do to address the issue of paid maternity leave?
Q: Could each of you please list your top 3 national/world issues most important to you in ascending order (3rd to 1st)
I am a 50 year old gay male and I have been in a commited relationship with my partner for what will be 18 years this February. With the exception of Dennis Kuchinich, every candidate for the Demoncratic nomiation for president has expresed opposition to same sex marriage, some have suggested a "separate but equal" concept of civil unions, but not marriage. I have to say the very last thing I ever expected from ANY Democrat is the recommendation of a "separate but equal" system. I'd like each candidate to give me one good reason why I should not be allowed to legally marry my domestic partner of 18 years.
What are your principle religous beliefs and moral precepts and how will they influence your behavior as president when you are challenged to do the 'wrong thing' for the right reason? Or the 'right thing' for the wrong reason? For example if you are a Christian, how will Mt 5:44 "...love your enemies..." influence your decisions regarding Guantanamo Bay or Afghanistan or Iran or the death penalty.
If elected President, do you plan on expanding any aspects of the Patriot Act including domestic and international surveillance by the National Security Agency? If so, why?
Sen. Obama and Sen. Edwards: You have both admitted to using marijuana in your past. Do you think it would have been beneficial to your life's progress had you been incarcerated for using marijuana? If not, what would you do as president to decriminalize marijuana so others aren't subjected to incarceration for these same personal mistakes?
As a student of public diplomacy, I read with great interest Secretary Gates' recent charge for increased use and funding of "soft power" approaches to international relations. Would your administration push Congress for increased funding in this area and how would you use those extra funds to create a new foreign policy approach?
I am an undecided Democratic voter who teaches high school English and Leadership in Bellevue Washington. Lately I have become dismayed by the contradiction that we supposedly have the best and brightest democratic politicians of our time running for the office of The President yet I have not heard anything visionary from any of the democratic candidates. Instead, I have heard a lot of answers based on polling and focus groups, heavy on safe rhetoric yet short on a truthful admittance of the depth and complexity of the most pressing problems facing us today. After 7 years of generic, misguided, and simplistic leadership, I crave some truth and vision from the next President.
To all the candidates, this is my question: What is the one part of your platform you consider to be truly innovative and visionary and how, if elected, will you make sure that my city, my school, and my family are all positively affected by that vision? How will I see your vision distilled down to me in my daily life and why should I buy it? Please be as specific as possible.
Can you explain why Janet Jackson exposing a nipple was such an outrage in the US when TV shows torture, murder, violence, insinuation of rape constantly?
Sex is natural and part of life, while the rest all go against what a civilized society should be.
Over the past 7 years I have been dismayed but how extricated our national citizenry is from the processes that go on in Washington DC. As a teacher living in the State of Washington, and although I vote in every election, it feels as though my voice as a citizen of the US is disintegrating. One of the tenets of a strong democracy is an active and informed public that regularly participates in the social and democratic processes beyond the practice of voting. I am worried that when my three year old daughter is an adult, the miracle that is democracy in this country will be eroded to the point that people will confuse democratic citizenship with voting and paying taxes, not informed social activism.
To all the candidates, what will you do to spark a citizenship and social activism resurgence in the average American? How do you define citizenship as something more than just voting, paying taxes, and participation in the free market system? Please name 3 specific things you will do as President to redefine what citizenship looks like in this country?
With the fall of communism and the end of the cold war, American has essentially neglected the Caribbean. Some of these economies are facing hard times increase poverty and high inflation. Should you become President what would be your plan to help in the improvement of these economies which might help in avoiding development of strong man like Hugo Chavez?
AUTISM now affects 1 in every 150 children born in the United States, and is considered, by many, to be a PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIC. Although some have pledged recently to pump additional millions into continuing research on the cause, would you pledge to channel much-needed funds for early, intense, and science-based interventions that CAN help "recover" many of these "lost" children?
Are you a good bridge or chess player? (This is not frivolous. The ability to think ahead and prepare for possible consequences is an important quality of leadership. An episode of "West Wing" illustrated this and the Iraq War demonstrated what happens when there is a lack of forethought.)
In a previous debate Senator Clinton was asked "Which do you prefer, diamonds or pearls?"
As President what would you do to ensure that our nations 4th estate actually focuses on real news instead of celebrity trivia?
The internet is a very important part of modern life. But there have been a number of recent policy issues which haven't been satisfactorily addressed by any of the candidates, namely:
1. What are your views on internet file sharing and the law suits brought on users by groups like the RIAA?
2. What are your views on "Network Neutrality," the preventing of Internet Service Providers from blocking competitor's websites or charging extra money for certain content?
Who is responsible for the deregulation and other factors that led to millions of people losing their homes in the sub-prime banking debacle? How will these people be brought to justice, and what are the other ways we can prevent this from ever happening again?
For all candidates:
Assuming you were able to win the Democratic nomination, which Republican candidate would you personally be most worried to run against and why? And what would you do relative to that opponent to win over more of the independent swing voters?
(I am not asking this because I want to know which candidate Democrats think they would most likely lose to, but to know that they, in the general election, have a reasonably effective plan or idea of how to win the election against their would be toughest competition.)
At my school we are hosting a Mock Primary election. I am a part of the 12th grade class that is running the election. We are informing our school about several of the candidates and acting in their place within the school, along with the national campaign. What are your feelings on schools across the US hosting Mock Primary Elections?
The status of a corporation as a "person" with rights is being actively questioned in our society, and rightly so. What have you done to date, and what would you do as a President, to put promote policy and/or legislation that will break the linkage between corporate contributions and "political speech?" Can we create a model of public campaign financing without the loopholes and disadvantages to level the playing field and that won't wave a red flag in front of the Supreme Court?
With the current violence, corruption, and poverty consuming our world, is it still fair to say that humans are essentially good?
Why do you continue to allow gun-rights issues to influence elections? Someone, at some point, has to clarify that the constitutional authors never envisioned automatic and assault weapons.
What do you see as the United States' role in the world? How has this role changed over the years and what responsibilities might we have in the future? If you are uncomfortable with the assumption that may be perceived to underlie the prior questions, what is your perspective on whether the United States has a responsibility to the world?
Some view the current campaign process as out of control. States are competing for scheduling and the season is moving earlier and earlier as they make changes.
The impact of big money allowing some candidates to campaign in multiple venues and early impact dictating final results is also critical as worthy and unworthy candidates cannot be given proper vetting by the American people.
Would you support federal legislation to allow New Hampshire to have first-in-the-nation status and also set the date of their primary within the month of January of the election year? (date selected by N.H.).
Would you also support mandating that no more than 4 states may have primaries on the same day and all primaries must be two weeks apart?
Do you support Campaign Management for the good of the Election Process?
To All Candidates:
Given that the court has decided that the doctrine of "Separate but Equal" is unconstitutional how can you justify the doctrine/policy of "civil unions re gay, lesbian and transgendered couples.
In your opinion, has the medias coverage of the candidates been 'fair and balanced'?
What is the candidates position on manned space flight? Will you do anything to shorten the 5 yr gap when the US will not be able to orbit our own astronauts? Should we go to the moon, Mars and beyond as Pres. Bush proposes?
If elected president would you (any of the Democratic candidates) stop the sales of arms and munitions to anyone outside the US? How many people are slaughtered with arms/munitions made in the US and sold to or given to other countries or warlords? Is the bottom line greed? Who are we? Have you ever seen "Lord of War"?
To all candidates: What measures would you pursue to re-establish the rule of law and adherence to the Constitution by the executive branch of the federal government?
UN Resolution 1769, UNAMID, is in danger of failing without more efforts by the US and other countries to ensure its full implementation. What steps should be taken to ensure its success, given the worsening humanitarian emergency in Darfur and surrounding regions. Thank you.
Senator Obama - You have proposed delaying NASA's Constellation program to build a space craft to replace the space shuttle for five years to partly pay for an education program. Since this would make the United States dependent on other countries, especially the Russians, to send people into space, how is this not a potential disaster for the nationa's civil space program?
For all the candidates - What will you do to encourage the commercial development of space, particularly a private launch industry?
Do you support the vision for space exploration and NASA's planed implementation of it?
You candidates spend most of your time telling voters what you think ???ordinary Americans??? need, want or deserve. Staying connected with the basic tasks of ordinary life seems to be a challenge for a President. We have seen that President George W. W. Bush didn???t know what a supermarket scanner was and President Bill Clinton needed an aide to help him get cash out of an ATM, Give us an idea of how well you understand ???real??? life by telling us how much you paid for a gallon of gas the last time YOU pumped it into your car, when was that, and incidentally, tell us what you drive. Second, please be specific in telling us how you intend to stay connected with regular folks ??? and not through contact with your aides, by reading the newspaper or staged events with a carefully screened audience. How do you think you can keep touch with us and avoid becoming a hostage to the trappings of the White House if you are elected?
To all candidates: As competition for limited resources increases and as natural disasters induced by climate change become more rampant, they will provide greater opportunities for corporatists to seek further privatization of the common good. How would you, as president, confine the appetite of corporatists for such privatization?
To Hillary Clinton:
If you were to win the presidency, America's top office would be controlled by just two families for 24 (or 28 if you won reelection) consecutive years. Why should you and Bill be returned to the White House over the other Democratic nominees?
We hear a lot about our government???s support for Democracy around the world and yet we have participated in the overthrow of many democratically elected governments: Iran in 1953, Guatemala in 1954, Chile in 1973, and more recently, the kidnapping of Aristide, dropping him off in Central Africa. If elected, will you support democracy with more than hypocritical words and indicate this change in foreign policy by apologizing on behalf of the American people for the democracies which we have overthrown?
The interference between the executive branch of government and the judicial branch seems to indicate a level of corruption deeper than that seen in the Nixon administration with Watergate. What would an administration have to do today in order to warrant impeachment? Do you feel that the House Judiciary Committee should begin investigations into allegations of wrongdoing by the current administration?
The question that I have is this. Why are we subjected, as citizen's to all of the convoluted rhetoric associated with the run for the Presidency? What I want is a candidtate that is honest, straighforward, and who actually will represent the thoughts and needs of the people of the United States. Why is it so difficult to be honest with the public?
What is your policy towards Lebanon? Specifically, would you try to foster a better relationship with the Lebanesse government and other potential allies in the region similar to the relationship the U.S. retains with Israel? Do you believe Isreal is given preferential treatment in the region?
I'd like to ask an important question I haven't heard posed yet this campaign season. Would you be willing to have the United States join an international treaty banning all weapons -- offensive and defensive -- from outer space?
If for some reason you were no longer running for president, which of the other candidates would you vote for and why?
Brian Haggerty
Denver, CO
I believe voters could make a more informed decision if they had a better idea of who each candidate would appoint as their VP and cabinet. Are any of you willing to expand on who they would surround themselves with if elected president?
Corn! The USDA subsidizes farmers at least .28 cents a bushel and sometimes more. These payments account for nearly half the income of the average Iowa corn farmer and represent $19 billion in taxpayer money each year. This system keeps production high and prices low in effect driving prices even lower since it encourages farmers to flood the markets with cheap corn. As prices decline, farmers produce more to earn more money. A vicious cycle. The amount of corn massively exceeds the demand so it has become the principal task of the industrial food system to create a market. Meaning cars to burn it, foreign markets to consume it, and animals to eat it. It takes a third of a gallon of fossil fuels to produce one bushel of corn (due to synthetic fertilizers), when will we introduce a farm bill that offers loans to farmers without tying them to a subsidy that cripples there ability to produce anything but tainted corn? By the way, cows do not naturally eat corn, we force it on them and use antitbiotics and hormones to enable them to digest the corn. Grose.
Why is marijuana illegal when alcohol kills so many more people and is legal?
Trade agreements have effectively destroyed the working middle class of our country. Manufacturing is all but gone, textiles, furniture and associated parts and assemblies for what's left of the automotive industry. What are you as president going to do other than continue to kiss up to big business, investment bankers and healthcare lobbyest to correct trade agreement errors made by past administrations of both parties?
In my 8th grade class, we are studying the Constitution, more specifically, the system of checks and balances. Given the abuse of power we have seen with the Bush Administration, what will you do to ensure that there are no such abuses of power in the future?
With over 40 million people living with HIV and AIDS around the world, AIDS will be a crucial issue for the future president. For each of the candidates: Will you provide at least $50 billion in the next 5 years for the fight against HIV/AIDS?
To all candidates:
What is your single legislative, executive, or diplomatic achievement in public life of which you are most proud, and how did you accomplish it?
--Paul Berge (rhymes with Clergy)
Sturtevant, Wisconsin
All successful Presidents tend to surround themselves with advisors who can talk honestly to them and offer contradictory, sometimes critical advice. Do you currently have someone on your staff that fits this description and, if so, who are they?
If you are elected President, you will have literally thousands of jobs to fill. When filling key positions in the White House and the Executive branch, which quality do you think is more important in a prospective hire: loyalty or competence?
Perhaps the most important skill a good President must have is the ability to make good, sound decisions, often in a crisis situation. Please describe your decision-making process and cite an example when you had to make a decision in a crisis.
In "Second Chance", Zbigniew Brzezinski suggests that the U.S. has not provided effective post-Cold War global leadership. Even though we are the obvious global power, "the strength of a great power is diminished if it ceases to serve an idea." What do you see as the great idea/moral idea around which the U.S. needs to provide leadership in order to mobilize the globe in a positive direction?
Please tell us why you want to be the next president of the country that elected George W. Bush twice.
In a sentence or two, please describe the values that govern your life, then please describe how those values inform your position on one of the following issues: the war in Iraq, health care in America, immigration, environmental issues. I would love to hear the question answered, rather than a description of the candidate's upbringing as a person of faith or a restatement of the candidate's position on one of the issues.
President Bush's presidency has been characterized by an inability to tolerate a variety of viewpoints, take ownership of mistakes, and an absence of staff who were willing to talk truth to power. My question is in two parts:
1) What mistake do you take ownership of?
2)If elected, how will you ensure that a variety of viewpoints will be presented and heard, and who, besides your spouses, will speak truth to your power?
Will American citizens be detained indefinitely without charge under your administration as in the case of Jose Padilla?
Is this the reason for the $385 million dollar contract Haliburton's, Kellog, Brown and Root was awarded to build prisons in the US in the event of a National Emergency? Prisons that are sitting empty now.
Are these prisons for American citizens who dissent??
Yes or no please.
In a 2005 speech to a crowd in Trafalgar Square, London, Nelson Mandela said, ?????? overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.???
More than a billion people in this world currently live on less than a dollar a day. As president of the richest nation on earth, what will you do to help those people lift themselves out of extreme poverty?
For all the candidates: Over fifty years ago, Senator John F. Kennedy profiled eight senators from earlier times who faced severe criticism for principled votes or public stances they took that were widely unpopular, either within their party or with their constituents, if not both. What have you done that could likewise be described as worthy of inclusion in a chapter of an updated "Profiles in Courage"?
At the United Nations Summit on September 8th, 2000 the UN Millennium Declaration, a document that outlines the needs of the world???s extreme poor and what should be done to address them, was unanimously adopted by 189 nations; both developing and developed. The United States was one of them.
Seven years on, it appears that the world is not on target to meet these goals.
As president of the United States, what would you do to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals?
The United Nations estimates that it would take just 0.7% of the Gross National Product of each developed nation to halve the number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide, which currently stands at approximately one billion. Despite committing to this target multiple times, in 2005 the United States contributed just 0.22% of its GNP as Official Development Assistance.
Do you believe that the United States has an obligation to live up to its promise and increase its Official Development Assistance to the target 0.7%?
Last Saturday was World AIDS day, a day for highlighting the global epidemic that affects both rich and poor, young and old, in virtually every nation on Earth. Although AIDS is also a domestic issue, the effect of AIDS on the international community is shocking. 75% of all people infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa and more than 13 million children in developing countries have been orphaned by AIDS.
As President of the United States, what would you do to help end this global emergency?
Does each candidate intend to use signing statements as they have been used in the Bush adminstration, or to use them differently? If they intend to use them differently, how would they limit, expand, or change their use?
As the President of the United States, how will you overcome party lines in order to unite everyone's ideas in government in order to move our contry forward as one strong unit?
It seems that the presidential selection process has turned into a lottery - with the candidate who is able to raise the most money (often from big business) becoming the nominee. What would you do to change the presidential selection process to eliminate this type of influence?
Despite exploding prison populations, the drug problem continues largely unabated in this country. Do you see the current drug war as a success, and would you consider prohibition reform as an alternative to the current policy regime?
The current administration has used executive signing statements, and executive privilege as two tools to expand the power of the president. What will the candidate do to restore checks and balances?
In the past, successful Presidents have also remade their party. Franklin Roosevelt made the Democrats the party of working people. Kennedy and Johnson made it the party of civil rights. If nominated, you will be the face of the Democratic Party. What is the future of this party, and how will you remake its agenda? How will your vision of the party best position it to not only win an election, but also become a new majority? Years after your presidency is over, what will people say about the way you reinvented the Democrats for the 21st century?
This question is for Senator Clinton. I have no doubt you are intelligent and competent and have a great fund of knowledge in many areas. However, I am concerned as to how you would unite this divided country and move it forward instead of wasting another 4 years in a stalemate with the Republicans who may be afraid of supporting your policy lest they are labeled as "Clinton fans" by their constituents?
Jump ahead to the 4th year of your first term as President. It's January and you are about to make your State of the Union address to Congress and the American People. What are we going to hear?
Over the past decade, Congress has removed bankruptcy protections for student loans. Will you, as president, restore them?
The Bush administration had many harmful policies including, but not limited to, the Iraq war, tax cuts for the wealthy, education, the environment, torture, constitutional rights, and health care. Considering that allowing these policies to stand, even for a short time, might be an admission that they are tolerable, which of Bush???s tragedies would you move to correct on day-one of your administration?
This question is for candidates who support civil unions or domestic partnerships for gay couples but NOT full marriage.
The Supreme Court case Brown V. Board of Education unequivocally stated that separate is inherently unequal. In this context please justify your position of giving gay and lesbian Americans something other than marriage.
As a young politically active woman, I used to take pride in the democratic process. I am having a hard time these days, as I feel that my voice is no longer being respected or heard. We vote in members of Congress to directly represent the views and needs of their communities. We pro-actively voted a new party into power in the legislative branch last November, with the intent to change policy in Washington. With every attempt, the President has vetoed their legislation (Troop Withdrawal, SCHIP, Gulf Coast Funding). I feel that the President has taken away my voice. What will you do to ensure that the voices of Americans like myself are heard, even if the views may conflict with your personal beliefs?
After seven years under the Bush Administration, I and many other Democrats are feeling demoralized about the state of the country. We feel that there is so much to undo: the justice department scandals, the rebuilding of Katrina affected areas, rolling back our civil liberties in FISA courts and with the patriot act, weakening the EPA, destroying America's global image, not to mention the Iraq war just to name a few. What specifically do you want to prioritize when undoing the damage of this President?
My question is for Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton, in 1986 you served on the Wal-Mart board of directors after some years of representing that corporation through your Arkansas law firm. Given what is known about Wal-Mart's discrimination of women and minorities in the workplace, as well as their intense, and sometimes illegal, anti-labor practices, how do you reconcile yourself as the candidate best suited to represent women, minorities, and all working people who have been denied power in the work place?
Why are the Democrats-whom we elected to make change and challenge the Neo Con White house - so timid and "business as usual". When can we expect our concerns to be represented and fought for?
There was a time when the United States was seen as an honest broker in the Middle East. But now there are virtually no national candidates with the courage to question any of Israeli???s policies, to differ from the Lieberman line: Israel can do no wrong.
My question is ???will you, when elected, continue the status quo of allowing Tel Aviv to run our Mideast policy?
If elected, would you support changing Federal law to bar the use of binding pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses in credit card agreements and other consumer contracts?
Bush and Cheney lied and manipulated intelligence to get Congressional approval for this illegal war in Iraq. What do you intend to do to punish them and all the others involved in this?
Do you support net neutrality? If not, then why not?
Question to Senator Clinton: If elected, would you consider naming Bill Clinton to serve as Secretary of State. I cannot imagine a better candidate for the position in today's world. Just think of the possibilities for peace in this world that could come about from his work. I think if you came out with this promise you would be elected the next President of the United States.
President Bush mandated the "No Child Left Behind" act, a debatable method to educate our children, the futue of our country. What should be mandated instead is a proven way of increasing reading skills and interests: the use of school libraries and librarians. Sadly this is an endangered group and one that is disappearing from schools, particularl those in poorer urban areas.
What would you as President do to ensure the mandating of school librarians and libraries and thus enhance the literacy of our students?
We have seen a disturbing expansion in the power of the presidency. The use of executive priviledge to keep the House and Senate at bay and the people uninformed strikes at the heart of the Constitution. Specifically, which Bush initiatives would you reverse to restore a balance of power in your administration?
Senator Clinton: How do you justify calling your experience as First Lady political experience? If you do believe it is, what were your major accomplishments while you were in that position?
For all candidates - Student Loans represent the only financial instrument that a lender cannot re-finance assuming they can find a FFELP qualified lender that is willing to refinance. The student loan industry was able to put these provisions into law via legislators sympathetic with the industry's greed. What are you doing to rectify this situation?
My question is for Barack Obama:
I am a moderate Republican who plans on vigorously supporting Barack in the primaries and general election should he be nominated because of his message of unity (and also because he is, by far, the most likable candidate on either side of the aisle). My question to him is how, specifically, do you unite and repair a country that is so politically polarized and what is your opinion of the politics of fear-mongering?
Thanks,
Ryan
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Some 60 years ago, President Eisenhower warned about the power of the "military-industrial" complex. Is the warning not just as valid today, with more and more jobs dependent on war-preparation, every State grasping for military installations within it's borders, and every political candidate dependent on contributions from Corporations wanting to do business with the government?
Would you approve a bill providing funding for human embryonic stem cell research?
The present administration refuses to recognize the important changes taking place in Cuba today. Would you act, early in your administration, to begin talks with the Cuban government to open full relations and treat them as we do other countries? The Cold War is far behind us, yet certain Cuban-Americans still are living in the 1960's on this topic. Please get us into the 21st Century.
Congress has a performance rating about 1/2 that of the President. Would all the candidates that are in Congress please hold up their hand. Would the other candidates care to make a statement on the odds that one of these people would do better as President than they are currently doing in Congress ?
When I borrowed money for college 15 years ago all I had to do was sign a paper to receive "free money". No credit check was required and very little counseling/advisement was offered. As a barely mature 18 year old with little financial education I didn't realize what I was getting myself into. Now I have three times my original principle due because of inadequate employment and outsourcing in my field (IT). Forbearance are freely given just by calling and asking over the phone - this results in higher interest and increased debt. By the time I pay my loan off my interest will be almost four times what my original principle was. I am in my mid thirties and owning a home is looking more and more like a pipe dream. I am making regular payments and paying double when I can. What will you do to help current borrowers of federally funded student loans who have seen their balances increase to near unmanageable levels?
I am a Democrat who does not happen to live in Iowa, New Hampshire, or South Carolina. This year I feel excluded from the selection process. Would you favor any specific changes in 2012 such as regional primaries?
How do you plan to address the student loan crisis in America? What steps are you going to take to aid federally funded students to help deal them with lenders that have added so much interest and fees on defaulted loans that a person may never pay the loans off, especially when the loans defaulted before people could find work or had a medical crisis and was unable to work immediately after graduating? Please read my story on studendloanjustice.org under victims and then choose NM.
Question for Senator Obama: Do you believe Senator Clinton's current stated positions are genuine feelings and the way she would perform or do you think they are calculations, based on polls and advisors, to get elected ?
Many students are sinking deeper and deeper into debt due to rising college costs. As a result, many young adults are becoming slaves to their loans and their finanical growth is completely stunted. For some of us, we can not even obtain credit to purchase an automobile, let alone a home. As president, will you restore bankruptcy protection to private student loans and allow us to regain our lives?
Question for all candidates:
What is your position on the use of cluster bombs and land mines by the US military?
Are you aware of the national crisis of crushing student loan debt and the scandal of usurious collection practices carried out by SallieMae?
As president, will you restore bankruptcy protection to student loans?
If older student loans have a higher rate of interest compared to newer ones, should the borrower be allowed to reconsolidate at the lower rate?
Do you favor a timed moratorium on student loan repayments? Do you favor student loan forgiveness in cases of catastrophic illness?
American manufacturers do not have a level playing field in the market with countries like China, who specifically devalues their currency to appear more competitive. China and other countries also enjoy cheap labor with no basic employment protections as we have in America.
In the 1930's, Smoot-Hawley imposed 50% tariffs and further destablized an already depressed market. By all reasonable standards, 50% was extreme.
As president, would you enact selective, *reasonable* tariffs to help American business compete on the global market?
After nearly 8 years of the Bush administration it seems clear that loyalty to the administration's ideology was the sole criteria for appointment to a major administrative post. As president, would you be willing to forgo this kind of patronage in favor of competence when issuing administrative appointments, so that the American people will never hear works like, "Brownie, you're doin' a heck of a job" again?
Since the Las Vegas debate that was supposed to be the "western" debate did not include questions on western issues, I would like to ask about the quintessential western issue, water rights. What role, if any, do you see for the federal government in regulating water use and resolving disputes over water rights?
TO MS. CLJNTON, IN LIGHT OF THE CURRENT CRISIS IN THE HOUSING INDUSTRY, AS PRESIDENT WOULD YOU PROPOSE A PLAN TO REFORM THE FEDERAL BANKRUTCY LAW IF NESSARY TO HEIP HOMEOWNERS.
So, you want to be President? The first thing you'll have to do is swear (or affirm) that you will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of your Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Mitt Romney, for example, doesn't know which branch of government has the power to declare war, according to the Constitution. He said he'd have to check with his lawyers.
So, these three questions to all candidates:
1) What is the last time you thoughtfully read the US Constitution?
2) Do you carry a copy on your person? If so, please show it to your interviewer, who will verify it for us.
3) If not, why not?
The Republican Party has clearly defined its political philosophy in cutting taxes, government is the problem and using laws to manage individual behavior. The Democratic Party doesn't seem to be able to articulate a set of guiding principals. What are the guiding principals of the Democratic Party that is its core and that all share local, state and national level.
The current administration is one of the most secretive in recent memory. How will your administration promote transparency in government?
What will you do to regain our standing
in the world? In particular, will you
work to have the US become a party to the
international criminal court? And will you work to promote easier access of foreign
students to US Universities so we may
show them we are not all arrogant and
authoritarian at heart?
To Senator Obama,
Congratulations! You won me over. I have went from supporting Hillary to you. Doing Tele-Fundraising for your campaign got me to finally 'see the light.'
The Federal Government wastes our hard-earned money every year on utilities, $200 coffee pots, and excessive, overpaid bureaucracy. My question is: Do you have a plan to control frivolous spending, update Federal buildings to make them more energy efficient, and reduce bureaucracy to streamline and better manage governmental agencies?
OBAMA FOR AMERICA!!
Thank you.
My questions are of a general nature. When did the separation of Church and State become so blurred? All that we hear about the is the Religious Right. What about the Constitution. It is begining to feel like a third world country where Congress has the right to decide about a woman's right to her own body. There are people starving, people without healthcare,No Child Left Behind is a joke,Seniors going to Canada for medicine, the country is in dire straights regarding the debt and the only issue that seems to be relevant for heated debate is Gay Marriage and abortion. The morality issue seems blurred at best.
I would have thought that the outing of a CIA agent was TREASON! It put lives and the security of our nation at risk. It is being treated like a parking ticket, without the proper outrage and investigation required. What is going on here? What a disgrace!How would you propose this be handled?
What do you intend to do to help former students with their student loan debt? While many go on to pay these debts off, some find that their salary is insufficient to make their monthly payments. Will you consider allowing student loans to be discharged in bankruptcy proceedings for qualified debtors?
Do you think high college tuitions are driven by the out of control student loan industry?
I went to college 10 straight years from 1976 to 1986, finally earning a BA, BS and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degrees My loans suffered through the period of excessively high interest rates and my initial $100,000 borrowed for Podiatry school at $25,000 per year, turned to over $260,000 at graduation. After paying on this loan for almost 15 years, it now stands at nearly $600,000! The Dept of Ed defaulted my loan, caused me be be kicked out of Medicare and Medicaid, so now I am jobless and unhirable. Do you think this country can afford to have highly trained, ethical and motivated people like me barred fom working and being active in innercity communities like Oakland, CA where I am from? What would you do to address this drain of resources from our society.
I am concerned that the United States has become the biggest arms dealer in the world and, consequently, our biggest business is the business of war. If you are elected, would you begin to dismantle the military-industrial complex?
Please tell us what you have done throughout your political careers to protect whistleblowers in both the public and private sectors, and what you plan to do as president.
Joe Biden, John Edwards, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson ??? have removed their names from the Michigan primary because its early date violates national party rules. Why did Hillary Clinton and the other candidates choose to turn their backs on the rules of their own party?
The current administration has set dangerous precedents by greatly increasing the power of the Executive. This is a trend that deeply concerns me. How will you as President reverse this trend and restore checks and balances in the federal government.
Dear Democratic candidates-The US Policy towards Cuba of embargo and travel restrictions has not
worked for over 40 years. It is an assault on family values, and infringes on the rights and liberties of all US citizens. With new leadership in Washington, what will you do differently?
When will the Congress and Presidency of these United States learn that "We The People" are sick of Washington types working in government then leaving government to lobby government?
What will each of you do to end the selling of our country to lobbyists of all types?
According to the US Department of Education, there were approximately ???1.1 Million Homeschooled Students in the United States in 2003???. The number of families choosing home educate is increasing at about 7% per year. What role, if any, do you think the government has in regulating home education?
I am very concerned about the federal deficit. How important is this issue to you? Aside from ending the war in Iraq, what is your plan to reduce the federal decifit? Thank you.
Why is it the public stance of the United States is one of self determination for sovereign nations yet we consistently interfer with other nations choice of governance when it what is chosen is not what we would like to see? Will any of you ever consider basing our foreign policy on real human rights and not on the American industrial military complex issues on interest?
Are you for, or against forming a Department of Peace? What are your reasonings for your answer, and if you are for, what are you doing to make it happen.
America prides itself on its efforts to defeat the evils of discrimination. If you were president, what would you do to end the evil of discrimination facing those Americans that are not allowed civil marriages?
All democractic nations have dissenting factions, including the USA. Cuba is no exception. Cuba is a socialist democracy, which is currently in the process of electing their government. For almost 50 years, the USA, through many successive administrations, has attempted to return Cuba to a dependent or colonial state with a 2-party system, mimicking the US system. This intent to decide for Cubans what their government and economy should look like has support from a very small minority of dissidents in Cuba, and an influential group of old guard Cubans - from the regime of US-supported dictator, Fulgenio Batista - in Florida, who want this return to US-approved system.
Who among you is willing to stand up for true democracy in Cuba, their right to self-determination and self-governance, and open our relations with these beautiful people, our close neighbors, with respect for our differences?
If you are elected President, will you support the effort for Federal legislation requiring voting data being processed using non-proprietary software, voter marked & voter verified durable paper ballots that are the offical ballot of record & statisitcally significant manual post-election audits & a secure chain of custody for both ballots & equipment & adequate funding to do this? We cannot suffer another Ohio 2004 or Florida 2000 & need to implement numerous improvements to HAVA & other election system reforms.
In the 2004 Presidential Election Campaign season, President Bush was effectively able to position himself as a ???Compassionate Conservative??? against Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry as a ???Flip-Flopper???. Given the effectiveness of this strategy, what short, succinct sayings do the candidates have to sum-up their stances and make themselves memorable in the minds of Americans?
Over the last seven years the present administration curtail many of the civil liberties granted to US citizens, there also has been an attempt to gather more and more power in the presidency at the expense of the other two branches of government. How would you reestablish the fundamental rights protected in the Constitution and restore the balance between the three branches?
More than two years after Katrina, New Orleans and its people are still in dire need of help. If you were elected President, what specific steps would you take to rebuild New Orleans and what would be your timetable for doing so?
A lot of talk in the media is about elect-ability, and many voters on both sides talk more about being afraid of throwing their votes away than voting for a candidate they like. Do you think the current system???s results adequately represent America???s choices, or do you think we would be better served by a change to ranked voting?
What will you do to reverse the trend of privatizing governmental functions? Rather than smaller government and competitive advantages, instead taxpayers are paying more with transactions costs and graft to lobbyists. Plus these private companies often fall into a legal limbo - outside the realm of governmental accountability, quality controls and labor rules. Private security contractors is just one aspect of the overall trend and problem.
How will you fix this and restore faith in government???s ability to do good and do it well?
See - http://government.cce.cornell.edu/doc/viewpage_r.asp?ID=Privatization
As the top elected official, should a president's decisions primarily reflect the majority opinions of the country or should they be based on what he or she feels is best regardless of public sentiment?
We are being told that our schools are getting further and further behind, but if that is true it is not because of the educators it is because our elected officials do not support education with the necessary funds. Teachers and librarians can not implement technology into the curriculum (which is necessary for our students to prosper in the 21st century) if we have no technology. At the school where I am the Library Media Specialist less than 2/3 of the classrooms have even 1 computer and printer. The library has only four that are 7 years old and barely functioning and unable to download many necessary programs. What I want to know is how you plan to obtain the necessary funding for education. In order to sustain a democracy you must have a well educated populous, instead of worrying about bringing democracy to Iraq, we need to worry about maintaining it here.
For John Edwards - Your wife is an inspiration to women with cancer who want to lead the purposeful lives they had before their diagnosis, and yet some women across America have criticized you for running despite your wife's illness. What do you say to those women who are hurting our future (and chances for a great First Couple) by imposing their ignorant view that people with cancer are supposed to throw in the towel, stay at home and sit out the rest of their lives? Many people believe that together you AND Elizabeth can drive change for a better future for our country.
President George W Bush has taken the old approach to Latin America and the Caribbean, attempting to subvert or topple governments whose political and economic policies and practices are not the same as those in the USA. We have seen a rapid changing of the guard from those governments that sought US approval and support to governments that are turning to the working class, the majority of their people with policies that attempt to meet their needs for education, medical services, transportation and nutrition, as well as gaining sovereign control over their nations vital resources for the needs of the people.
Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, and most recently, Nicaragua, have turned to forms of governance and economic policies that are democratic and socialist. The USA has tried to prevent or to subvert these governments, as in the case of the attempt to overthrow Hugo Chavez in 2002.
Clearly, the Bush administration has both failed to influence these nations and has alienated them.
What would you do differently?
All Presidential candidates spend a great deal of time telling us about their strengths and experience and often pointing out their opponents' deficiencies. But they never identify their own short-comings. What is your greatest weakness if you were elected President?
In our professional careers we all must acknowledge that we have strengths and we have weaknesses. As president you would have the opportunity to select a cabinet to compliment your strengths and balance out your weaknesses. What qualities and experience would you look for in selecting cabinet posts? Please give specific characteristics that you would seek out, for specific positions.
To all candidates: I find it highly immoral and hypocritical for the United States government to be supporting and friendly with governments that discriminate against women, governments such as that of Saudi Arabia. I want to have a President who takes action when she or he is faced with discrimination against women anywhere in the world. If you were president, would you have a response or take any action when faced with the following story about a rape victim in Saudi Arabia who was punished by a court of law with physical punishment and jail for being in the company of a man who was not a relative? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071116/ap_on_re_mi_ea/saudi_justice;_ylt=Ag2yrQdOBXauzzTq6cm.wd.s0NUE
Thank you.
Over the last 7 years,we have seen how easily the checks and balances placed on the president by the constitution have been eroded. What would you do to restore the balance of power so that no president, whether Republican or Democrat, will ever be able to unilaterally subvert the constitution again?
How can you as president bring both your party and the other party together to solve the problems you will face every day during your presidency? It seems we are so polarized by party we forget about us, the united states of america. Austin, Texas.
In light of recent changes (the last 50 years) in Latin America and the Caribbean, where do you stand on the rights of other nations to determine their own form of government and economy? For example, how will you relate to the governments that have been installed by the peoples of Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina and Cuba?
Instead of expounding reasons why we should trust you, should you not have the bravery to demand that we, as responsible participants of a democracy, do not trust you? If I were to choose between a candidate that asks for my trust, or a candidate who asks I watch their actions with constant vigilance, I would be much more likely to choose the latter.
1. Do you recognize the
nation of Palestine?
2. Would you de-fund Israel's
West Bank "Settlements"?
Over the course of our nation's history, we have been fortunate that, at its most critical moments, a great leader has emerged to face our most difficult challenges. Washington at the tenuous formation of our union, Lincoln on the brink of its dissolution, Theodore Roosevelt facing unrestrained monopolists, and FDR facing our greatest economic and military crises. Some might say that we stand today at one of those crisis points. Given the dearth of greatness among our Presidents over the past forty years, why would Americans today think that you might be our next great leader?
In the November 26, 2007 issue of Newsweek, former senior adviser for President Bush, Karl Rove, wrote an article entitled ???Known Quantity: Clinton's history works against her. How to Beat Hillary (Next) November???
In this article he makes one simple argument but repeats it many times to make it seem credible. His argument is: Everyone knows Hillary and because of this she will win the Democratic Party Nomination. But remember, Hillary is Not Her Husband, About the Past, Hard, Brittle, and Icy.
He also repeats an argument, an argument he made on Meet the Press with Tim Russert, charging that Hillary Clinton, as a front runner, has ???the Highest Negatives (Poll numbers) in History???.
He then advises Republican Candidates to create a narrative (story) that explains their life and commitments and do better among minorities, and be seen as trying.
Given this line of argumentation, what affect will Karl Rove???s article have on your presidential campaigns and in turn on voters? Should the Democratic Party look to nominate a candidate of color to show their link to the American people and pre-empt Karl Rove???s nefarious grab for minority votes?
Over the past six years the administration has taken to itself many novel powers and procedures, to such a degree that some have expressed concern for the balance of powers among the three branches of our government. If you are elected president which specific powers would you pledge to give up?
What is your plan for the military as Commander in Chief? Keep in mind that Bill Clinton got the policy of don't ask and don't tell.
Senator Biden: From a Constitutional perspective, what do you see as the purpose of Presidential signing statements -- if there is any legitimate purpose? And -- how would you use such statements, if at all, in signing Congressional legislation into law?
What will be your objectives in selecting new justices for the Supreme Court as vacancies on the Court occur?
Separation of church & state; Can a president lead our country with a strong foundation of morality and not be influenced by their personal religion or dogma? How will you gain the support of the individuals that believe that the church views should run the white house?
What is your first strategic priority as President? And how will this effect other major policy areas? For example, if climate change is the top priority how does it impact foreign, trade, energy, and heath policies, etc?
The United States is no longer considered to be the good guy across many parts of the world. The stupid foreign policy decisions made by the current administration have greatly harmed our country's reputation. What will you do to restore our reputation as the good guy?
Senator Edwards, how do you respond to Mitt Romney's comments in the November 28th Republican debate in which he said he found your remarks about "two Americas" highly offensive?
Student loans - The media has revealed some of the userous practices of the student lending industry. What steps will you take to further right these wrongs for people defrauded by this industry. What would you do to increase educational funding for future generations?
What is your stand on medical marijuana?
How much tax money would you authorize to spend to protect our oil interests; including, but not limited to, the costs of security (like military costs in Iraq, safe transport [protecting shipping], securing refineries, etc.), costs of maintaining "friendly relations" with oil producing states like Venezuela, Mexico, Indonesia, Russia, etc., etc., etc.
As president, what steps will you take to ensure that policies are based on solid science, and that results of government-funded scientific studies are readily available to the public without being filtered by ideological middlemen?
To me, the electoral process seems to be broken. Republican candidates are criticizing each other for not being conservative enough. Democrats do the same thing on the liberal side. The end result is our 2 final candidates represent extremes instead of the moderate, middle of the road majority of Americans. I would like the candidates to pick a divisive topic (death penalty, gun control, abortion, etc.), and tell me how their policy would satisfy a moderate.
Specifically for Senator Clinton: Right or wrong, you cannot deny that there is a lot of baggage related to you and your husband, who was impeached. (I'm appalled that he was impeached, while our current president hasn't been.) The conservative pundits seem to take great joy in going after you. Pick any conservative legislator and tell us a success story involving your work with that individual. What did you do that satisfied you and your conservative counterpart.
I have a question regarding the "Corporate Personhood" debate and the Section 1 of the 14th Amendment:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_personhood_debate
I understand why corporations need, and (if you're a follower of Alexander Hamilton) even deserve the priviledge of equal protection under the law.
What I do not understand is how they have the _RIGHT_ of equal protection under the law.
I believe that Corporations and their boards of directors, should be susceptible to having their equal protection under the law SUSPENDED or REVOKED when they have ABUSED that priviledge (Think Enron, etc.).
Section 1 of the 14th Amendment grants all PERSONS equal protection under the law. As I understand the issue, except for a supreme court clerk adding a note to the comments of a long ago decision, this issue has not been tested before the Supreme Court.
It's been said that: 'Those who have the money to pay lawyers to bring this issue before the court do not want it tested; those who have the interest, do not have the money.'
>>QUESTION>>
- As a litmus test for future candidates for United States Attorney General and United States Solicitor General, will you require that these people be advocates for testing the Corporate Personhood question before the U.S. Supreme Court?
- Better yet, are YOU interested in having this issue tested?
LP
.
The war on drugs is even more direct affront to our civil liberties than the war on terror. Why haven't you spoke out against it?
Although some of you support limited travel to Cuba by Cuban-Americans, all of you support failed Republican policies that, for fifty years, have punished the people of Cuba but have not brought positive change. Will you sponsor legislation to lift an embargo that is causing untold suffering and has been condemned repeatedly by nearly all nations in the world, plus travel restrictions that divide Cuban-American families and violate our citizens??? constitutional right to travel?
Do any of the 2008 Democratic candidates for the presidency of the United States advocate for the return of standard consumer protections to educational debtors in bankruptcy? These protections would include discharge in bankruptcy, a statutory limit of years for this debt like any other and freedom from offset of social security in old age, hardship and disability.
Question and comments directed to all of the candidates:
For the last 20 years the occupants of the White House have been either Bushes or Clintons. Now, a country of over 300 million people is asked again to return one of the families for another 4-8 years. Are we still a democracy or are we on the verge of an oligarchy, a rule by the rich and the priviledged?
In his previous run for the presidency, Senator McCain received praise for conducting a campaign where everything was on the record. Are you willing to do the same thing, and give the journalists traveling with you free rein to report the whole truth of your campaign, from this point forward?
To the blog master, my previous submissions in this topic and the energy topic did not list my city and state. It is Raytown, Missouri. Thank you.
Are you the type of leader who will relentlessly cling to an embargo that has failed to produce the desired results for nearly 50 years? And have you ever been to Cuba?
As a former veteran, I am appalled at how soldiers returning from Iraq are being treated. How will the candidates ensure that the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country will be honored, respected, and taken care of when they return home?
Are you willing to declare a formal war, like the one currently being waged on "terrorisim", on:
1. Poverty and starvation in America
2. Failing educational systems in America, wherever they occur?
Please include in your answer your willingness to fund this war at whatever it costs to "do it right" just like the current elected leadership is funding the War on Terror. In other words, to the tune of $100's of billions of dollars above the normal budhget until won.
The U.N. Millenium Development Goals seek to end severe poverty and hunger in the developing world by 2015. As part of this, the U.S. (along with all the other developed nations) pledged to contribute .7% of GDP in development aid.
So far, the U.S. has only given .1% in aid, and most of it to poor countries that promise to privatize most of their economy.
Would you fulfill the U.S. pledge? Increase development aid and give it with no "corporate" strings attached?
How do you think the people can trust and sustain a president that refuses to recite the "Pledge of Alligence?" A follow up is, since a person's religion is a statement of their values, which has a major affect on their decision-making, do you think it should be a consideration for people when determining who to support?
Under what circumstances would you support or initiate the construction of a new military base outside the geographical boundary of continental U.S.A?
For those who support civil unions for same sex couples with full and equal rights that are offered through marriage but are against gay marriage. It seems that the only difference is that you don't have the political backbone to say you are in favor of gay marriage. So how can we trust you will have the political backbone needed in high stakes international negotiations.
What is America's role in space? Do you believe that there should be increased funding for manned space exploration. Is the goal of getting to Mars an important one, and are you committed to meeting it?
During the past couple elections there was considerable lip service paid to family values and the right to life. As president what will you do to lead an ADULT CONVERSATION focused away from constitutional interpretation and toward solutions that address the causes of teenage pregnancy, homelessness, and other assaults on the dignity of all human life?
This question is for all candidates:
There is a growing sentiment among my colleagues 35 and younger that our national infrastructure is faltering and, for lack of a better term, slowly collapsing.
With our lack of self-awareness about the grave state our "addictions" abroad have left us in at home, our inability to take care of our poor and our children, our continual downsizing of social programs in favor of subsidizing large corporations, and the stepping up of corporate control over information, more and more of my friends are now considering themselves indentured servants rather than citizens in a free society.
In the wake of Naomi Wolf's new book about the movement of America's government toward fascism, how do you all view the state of our nation, and are any of you really ready to talk publicly about it, in real terms, drop the rhetoric, and give your citizens the information we need to save ourselves from the folly of our own youth as a nation?
Thank You!
Late-night talk show hosts make jokes like, 'nothing can be done in Congress right now, because they are all out running for President.' I, on the other hand, think the number of people involved and passionate about this country's future from the candidates to ordinary citizens, is fantastic. The fervor is rejuvenating, and it is wonderful to see so many people exercising the freedoms that so often we take for granted. When it???s all over, though, what will you do to reunite this country? How will you convince everyone to come together with optimism and faith that you will lead us on the right path to the best future? Why should we trust you?
This question is for those candidates who identify themselves as Christian.
Mike Huckabee recently commented that Jesus was "too smart to ever run for public office." In fact, when the people wanted to make Jesus king, he refused. He also said that his followers should be "no part of the world." How can someone be Christian and run for public office?
I keep hearing people say that
"Iowa is everything",
that if they do not win Iowa that may be the end of their campaign. I object: I vote in California and we vote in the big primary day in Feb and I think that Iowa (or New Hampshire for that matter) should not decide who the nominee for the dems should be. Iowa and New Hampshire, no disrespect intended, should not provide the rest of us with a bandwagon to get on or behind. I think that a majority of the voters should decide who the nominee should be. John Edwards: will you remain in the race until past February? If not, then doesn't that say that you really do not want to be president? I think that all the candidates should stay in the race until all the primaries are over, do you all agree? Further, does Hillary want the primaries to be a fair and open process?
Dear Candidates:
My mother a single parent, worked two full time jobs to put me through private schools but when she had to take care of her terminally ill mother she stayed at home and we were left with many unpaid bills. School was no longer affordable. I was forced to take out too many student loans for college. I now have a medical degree but I owe close to 100 thousand dollars and I can't tell you how stressful that is when I think about it. As I just graduated and it will take me years to pay this off. There are many young adults essentially in debt due to them earning a higher education. What can you do to ensure that students will not end up burdened with thousands of dollars in student loans in the future? And what can you do for those who are already in debt? Thank you for your time.
A large majority of Americans are unhappy about the direction our country. We've heard a lot about the need for change. What do you think is the single most important change America needs, and how will you make that change happen?
Shortly after President Bush's inauguration, he signed an executive order requiring permission be granted by former presidents or their families prior to releasing papers that formerly were released after 12 years without that requirement. This was particularly troublesome as his father was President Reagan's Vice-President and Reagan's papers were due to be released.
Will you, if elected, rescind that executive order?
What are the three or so most significant things you would do during your first year as President that would NOT need any legislation to be passed by the Congress?
If you are elected to the office of President, how will you address the issue of the extensive swing of power to the executive branch, and the use of signing statment to avoid laws and directives from congress.
Given that the War on Drugs has been a decades old expensive failure, would you support legalizing all drugs and then regulating them individually with the strictness of the regulations based on their harm to public health?
The United States has been hypocritical when it comes to Democracy around the world. We tell the world we are in favor of it, then undermine it when it does not meet our interests. This has happened from Chile with the overthrow of Salvador Allende to Iran with the ouster of Mohammad Mossadiq the democratically elected leaders were replaced with the tyrants, Pinochet and the Shah respectively. Recently we have refused to recognize the Palestinians choice of Hamas. Do you think these actions have hurt our influence and authority when we try to "spread democracy"? Will you recognize the choices that other countries make or will you continue to impose the will of our country on others in the name of Democracy?
Can you tell me the last time Iowa voted for a Democratic presidential candidate? How often?
Then can you explain why you think it is fair to the rest of the Democrats in the country to give this much power over candidate selection to a state whose voting record and demographics do not reflect closely the demographis of the Democrats nationally?
I have two concerns. One is that a recent On The Media program reported that the Clintons are as secretive and heavy-handed in their dealings with the press as the Bush administration. I want Hilary to respond to that. But even more important to me is that candidates are not able to wiggle away from giving direct answers to direct questions. In the recent Republican debate when asked how Jesus would respond to capital punishment, the pro death penalty candidate (I forget which one it was)joked that Jesus would know enough not to run for public office. There was no follow-up question. Please, pin them down. I am weary of politicians' getting away with not answering questions. It makes a mockery of the press and our democracy.
Please tell us, in 30 seconds or less and not more than two sentences, why you want to be President.
Please don't say why you SHOULD be President, or what you'll DO as President, just tell us why you WANT to be President.
Question for candidates:
What are your specific plans for campaign finance reforms that will break the insidious hold that money has on our policymakers?
Many Americans like myself are concerned that we are experiencing what author Naomi Wolfe calls a "facist shift" in this country. In that context will you pledge to repeal the Military Commisions Act, restore habeas corpus, close Guantanamo's prison, and abide by FISA regulations?
We can agree that impeachment is an unnecessary distraction at this critical time. However, this administration needs to be accountable for its actions. If elected, would your administration pursue a fair and impartial investigation of the most egregious actions of the Bush Administration as they impact our constitution and national security interests?
We hear every day about fuel prices going up and down. We hear every day about the cost of a barrel of oil.
What we don't hear every day is the real reason why fuel prices move they way they do. Could one of the candidates please explain why it is that when the price of a barrel of oil rises, the price at the pump immediately goes up as well? Even though the fuel they have in the tanks underground were NOT charged at this price?
Also, the prices of fuel rise instantly, but decline more slowly than the decline of the barrel of oil price. Why?
Being in the Midwest, I've heard enough about new technology and ethanol and what not. I want answers for what is available right now. This does not seem like a just system, and the oil companies are raking in record PROFITS off of the backs of hard working citizens. Why are the candidates afraid to talk about this aspect of the energy crisis? The crisis of the pocketbook for the people!!
Thank you!
As a former single parent and American Indian that has graduated from a major university; how will government protect students and enable students to achieve their academic and personal goals if they are diploma rich but economically impoverished because of the costs of raising a family and student loans. There does not seem to be an incentive except for the financial institutions. How do you propose to remedy such dilemmas that are representative of maintaining the poverty cycle among the underrepresented. For some it seems to be another line of "broken treaties".
If, as in the past, a little over 50% of eligible voters turn out to vote, winning by a tiny majority will mean that only about 25% of voters (and a far smaller percentage of all Americans) will be responsible for your win. Do you think that it will be difficult to govern democratically under these circumstances?
After taking office, what will be your first priority? And how to propose to make that happen?
How important do you think it is for women to serve on the Supreme Court? Will you commit to appointing well-qualified women until the court is more balanced?
What are your personnal belief in regards to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution?
Are all of them still applicable to todays political/national climate?
Which of the Rights would you do away with, if you had teh opportunity and why?
Help! If a democrat does not win in 2008 I will have to move to Canada. What are your plans to address the issues that are important to most Americans (Iraq, Health Care, Social Security)? It is time to stop playing into the Republican's hands with all of the sniping and mudslinging. Let's get the job done!
Why do corporations get to "restructure," yet those of us that are having an unusually difficult time repaying our federally guaranteed student loans aren't allowed to file for bankruptcy protection? Families are being torn apart, wages are being garnished, people are losing their homes, people are having to move out of the country, working underground for cash, older borrowers are having their Social Security garnished but it seems no one cares.
Question: Would you propose further reforms in the student loan industry?
I owe over one hundred thousand in student loan debt. I make 58,000 a year with no hope of paying off the student loan debt. I have a Masters degree. Most of the loan is from interest that has accrued over the years. What real solution can the candidate give to helping those of us so far in debt with student loans that other options are looking better all the time.
To all Democratic Candidates...
These days every candidate is hammerring the opponents with tons of negative ads.
If you be the nominee for Democrats, how comfortable are you to choose a person whom you bombarded with negative ads be your running mate?
Don't you feel uncomfortable to work with a person who blasted you with a number of negative ads?
There is still a large racial division in the US. I would like to ask Senator Obama why he focuses on being African American (many have the concern on whether he is "black enough" - as he has addressed in many speeches)and not addressing his mother being caucasian. I know he is very proud of his father and mother and they did an excellent job shown by Senator Obama's accomplishments. I would like Senator Obama to address this and detail "How does the next president attempt to close this division and bring all races together as one country?"
Thank you
Presidential candidates talk a lot about their plans, but how would you go about getting those plans implemented if you're elected?
Michigan Radio recently did a story on the tough and innovative rookie principal Freddie McGee of Hull Middle School in Benton Harbor, MI and his attempts to help the school meet the minimum federal standards for academic progress (after six years of failing to meet those standards). And yet, just as the school has begun to show clear signs of progress, the rigid rules of No Child Left Behind threaten to derail Hull's achievements. As President, how will you enable educators like McGee to think and act creatively in collaboration with the community while also maintaining standards and accountability?
Every President has been a white male. I would like to ask Senator Clinton to address why it is time to look beyond personal prejudices and concerns to vote for someone based on their ability and potential to take our great country to another level and direction.
Thank you
The current Administration has produced a series of bills, executive orders, and regulations that negatively impact our civil liberties. Some examples include sections of the PATRIOT act, the Military Commissions Act, much of the attempted FISA revisions, and the attempt to apply CALEA to the internet. Many of these acts appear to be unconstitutional as written or implemented.
What are your plans to deal with this legislative and administrative legacy?
If you are elected president, what specific actions will you take to end the bitter, ???gotcha??? style of confrontation between Democrats and Republicans and establish respectful discourse that works for the common good?
I'd like to ask the candidates what they plan to do about the out of control private student loan industry? Who lied, cheated, and hid information from me for 4 years leaving me in a position now where I spend every week owndering how i'll afford adequate living? Is this in the definition of the american dream?
Will any action be taken to reinstate protection for those of us whose student loans have spiraled out of control. Mine has more than doubled since graduating. I cannot get my transcripts released and I am severely depressed as a result of this.
I find it disconcerting that someone can run up their credit cards in vegas and file bankruptcy, yet all I wanted was an education and I have no means of escape. It has destroyed many opportunities in my life.
This is to Hillary Clinton; What is your reply to the accusation that the Republicans want you to run because it insures a Republican in the Whitehouse because you are such a polarizing candidate. There are Democrats that would rather vote Republican then vote for you...how do you react to that.
Mr. Bush has abused his power as President, taking power that was never intended to be held by the executive branch. What will you do to restore the system of three equal government branches that was intended by the framers of the Constitution, and how will you prevent similar abuse from future Presidents?
Given the diversity and breadth of opinion within the Democratic and Republican parties, would the addition of third parties and/or the implentation of proportional representation be helpful for American democracy? Why or why not?
True to form, this race for the presidency has already become a race to the bottom - in both parties. Candidates will say anything, do almost anything and will spend like drunken sailors before it's over. Convince us that your quest for the office is born of a genuine desire to serve, and not from an ego-driven effort to gain power.
I'm 35, grew up a Republican, and have always voted Republican, BUT I'm sick of rancor in politics. I no longer find one party that reflects my beliefs, and am willing for the first time in my life to vote Democrat (there is one I'm very interested in voting for right now). I'm pro-environment, pro-alternative fuels, I don't believe in being over-taxed, pro-hard work and accountability, don't want a federal medical program, and want to ensure government doesn't leave debts for generations to come... BUT THE ONE ISSUE I CAN NEVER, AND I MEAN NEVER WAVER ON IS PRO-LIFE. Will there ever be a Democrat who can stand up for the rights of unborn children?
If you are the Democratic nominee, do you think that during the general election campaign there will be little, some, or a great deal of focus (by the media and your opponents), on events that happened during the last Democratic presidential administration (e.g., don???t ask don???t tell, welfare reform, health care reform, the Starr Report, etc.)? Also, do you think this will be good or bad for the country?
If by some horrible circumstance you were not elected, which policy of one of your Democratic rivals would you most like to see implemented, either foreign or domestic?
I would like to ask where is the protection for Americans entering college from private student loan sharks like Sallie Mae. Doubling interest rates and ridiculous fees have put millions to start their lives in serious debt. How is this fair? Student Loans barely existed 40 years ago. Today, however, they have grown into an $85 billion dollar industry. This legislation has made Sallie Mae executives, and others obscenely wealthy (Albert Lord has made about $452 million, attempted to purchase a major league baseball team). Sallie Mae has set aside a total of $3.6 billion in stock bonuses for their employees- equivalent to about $650,000 per employee--and this stock rose by about 1900% from 1995-2005. People in need go deep in debt but while these greedy CEOs become wealthier and wealthier. People are being taken advantage of. Where is the protection and regulation??
I am a field ornithologist and recently worked with migrating shorebirds in the Rainwater Basin of Nebraska. Biofuels, largely corn-based, are supported by each of the Democratic candidates.
How is subsidizing the conversion of food into fuel with marginal or no net energy gain and at great environmental cost, while driving up food and feed prices to consumers, especially the poor, and livestock farmers good policy?
US Oil companies operating in sub-Saharan Africa, most notably Nigeria, show a blatant disregard for human rights and the environment. There has been at least one spill a day for the past 25 years according to the Nigerian government. Oil companies have been known to provide logistical support for Nigerian government crackdowns on innocent civilians. The US is currently deploying troops to Nigeria to secure oil resources as resistance becomes increasingly violent. As president, would you reverse the trend of compliance with these corporations and enforce punitive or regulatory measures?
Please restore full rights to student loan borrowers including bankruptcy, including on government loans. Collection companies have burgeoned out loans as much as 600% and are garnishing Social Security and disability. It is a terrible situation. What will our new president do? I have to hide in a foreign country to live free.
For Sen. Biden:
to what extent are you beholden to the banking interests? They seem to have carte blanc in Delaware and South Dakota with policies that are detrimental to the public-such as no limit on rates they can impose on credit cards,predatory lenders --and they act as if they are "untouchable.How much do we lose in tax revenue on corporate taxes when they incorporate in Delaware? Also would you tax the hedge funds at the rate the rest of us are taxed(on their profits)?
Thank You
Do you believe the current primary/caucus system is fair and effective? Also to the candidates who dropped out of the Michigan Primary, what is your explanation to the innocent voters who had nothing to do with the primary date schedule?
The FCC has become a bludgeon for the huge corporate media companies. How would you as President return the air-ways to the people? Can you force divestiture of small community stations that are no longer under local control and return them to their community?
For any candidate: Has influence over federal policy of the evangelical right become excessive and if so what are you prepared to do to correct the situation?
When I was in grade school we were taught that America was a peace loving nation with high ideals of spreading freedom and prosperity to the world. In light of events past and recent,we know that the US does not always live up to these ideals-we have supported dictators, we look the other way at human injustices, we are heavy polluters and users of the earth's resources, and we have been known to invade sovereign nations. Do you think that it is the responsibility of the presindent to return us to those ideals we learned as children, and if your answer is "yes", how would you do so?
Question for all candidates:
Which of you will pledge to fully investigate the current administration with all the terrible power of the United States Justice Department?
Please restore bankruptcy protection for private student loans. I got bankruptcy in 2005. Make it retroactive. I am 54 years old with a debilitating disease and no job prospects. I also have a disabled husband. If I earn over $240 a month, the Social Security Department takes money out of his check. So unless I earn ALOT of money, we are right back where we started from. How am I supposed to pay rent, bills and the student loan that has doubled since I graduated?
Even GAMBLERS are allowed bankruptcy protection. I gambled and got an education, which is not helping me get a job, even though I am a well-published writer and winner of literary awards. I am not "young" enough to get even an editorial assistant job.
Most likely your kids did not or will not have to take out student loans, but most of us do. Even if student loan borrowers face serious adversity and file for bankruptcy, there are no consumer protections for student loans. Once defaulted, regardless of the reason, borrowers face ballooning debts and garnishment of wages, income tax, and even social security. Will you restore basic consumer protections for all borrowers, of both private and federal student loans?
I'm sure you are all aware that Americans are concerned with the loss of their civil liberties, as well as the upset in the balance of power between the three branches of government, but my question cuts to the heart of the issue: WHAT ABOUT TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT? I want to hear what you have to say about ending the toxic culture of secrecy that President Bush and his minions have used as the ultimate undermining of our nation. How much do you think we as the American people are entitled to know?
Who has the ultimate power over Puerto Rico?, The Congress or the people of Puerto Rico. What is your position about the political status of Puerto Rico. For many years the Puertorricans have heard about the "self determination" for the island, but the Congress haven't take any action regarding this issue.
For any candidate: What will you do to restore standard consumer protections (bankruptcy protection, statute of limitations, etc.) to student loans?
China and India are racing us to the top of the education game. They realize that brain power is what will drive the next great economy. If you are elected President what would you do in response of this challenge to our nation brain power?
The American political system and in particular the office of the Presidency, has become a source of shame and embarrassment for many Americans. The United States has lost its role as model and mentor internationally. What would the candidates do to restore honor to the office of the Presidency, and allow Americans to rebuild a sense of trust, faith and pride in our political system and its leaders?
Will you as president support a 10 year "Statute of limitations on student loan Debt and push a 7 year retroactive discharge for student loan debt through bankruptcy?
The Veterans Affairs has continually been found to be deliquent in correcting its inept and highly inefficent state of affairs, such as reporting, falsifying their records sent to Congress for the proper funding needed for fiscal year '08.
In light of the mis management and NON caring for us disabled veterans trying to gain th much needed compensation owed to us thru the appeal process, What would you do FIRST, in rectifying the problem for us Veterans to see the compensation paid to us/Owed to us, thus speeding up the Federal Maze of hypocrisy and paperwork?
Thank You
I am a single parent who responded to the challenge of her situation and put herself through college and law school,with student loans, all while working and raising my 2 children. Now I am out of school, I have to prepare for my children's futures and my own. Bu Sallie Mae has been allowed to cheat me and others like me out of that future by implementing usurious and frankly, SCANDALOUS loan rates, fees, collection and borrowing practices against a population of people who are, for the most part, trying to achieve the American Dream the most socially sanctioned way - education(notwithstanding winning a Powerball jackpot).
Sallie Mae has been allowed to do this by a government that mandated almost all protections against these practices be removed. Now, not even private student loans are dischargeable in bankruptcy, thanks to the 2005 bankruptcy law changes. How are each of you going to address this? Many people in my situation can't even think about ever buying a house, because their student loan payment is as big as that of a mortgage, and the loan companies tack on fees and interest with impunity, making initially reasonable loan amounts insurmountable.
How are you going to save my generation, and those to come, from having their futures hobbled by student loans? How are you going to rein in the student loan companies?
The U.S. has at least 747 military sites spread all over the world. Should there be an open debate, and perhaps a national referendum, on whether we should continue to maintain and expand this military enforced global empire? Are there any ethical or moral issues involved?
What is your opinion of the decision by then Illinois Governor, George Ryan, to declared a moratorium on executions, saying that his state has a "shameful record of convicting innocent people and putting them on death row."? (Christian Century Magazine Feb 23, 2000) Isn't this something the executive branch of the entire country should concern him/herself with?
I see little hope for this country as a democracy as long as special interests hold unbridled influence over our legislators. Over the years, there have been several half-hearted and ineffective attempts to reign in this
insidious influence, but the problem continues unabated.
If elected, will you promise to fight for the public funding of elections?
getting back to basics-what do you propose to strenghten the Am. family-socialy & economicly. The downfall leads to many social ills that translate to the economy so I feel we need to put $ & programs towards becoming strong, healthy families first! It is time to care about the plight of Americans!
What would you do with NASA? What do you think our goals should be toward space exploration?
I have a question for Hillary Clinton: If you are elected President, would you see your spouses role to be more similar to Eleanor Roosevelt,Nancy Regan, or Hillary Clinton ?
Most candidates claim to support the repeal of the foolish "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" regulation, which would be long over due. But they shroud their support for this repeal by talking about "conduct." Just what "conduct" are you hiding behind? The Uniform Code of Military Justice, Subchapter X, Section 925, Art. 125, makes sodomy punishable by military court martial. What good is repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" if this prohibition remains in the Uniform Code of Military Justice? If straight soldiers can have sex, why can't gay soldiers? Would you also support repeal of Art. 125?
Student loans and predatory lending and collection practices are becoming an epidemic which, with the coming of retirement for the baby-boomer generation can project an enormous number of retirees into proverty since these lenders can garnish Social Security. For other student loan borrowers, these poeple are already in poverty as a result of the lenders attempting to collect large amounts of moeny that have been added through many questionable means. Some borrowers have left the U.S. to avoid garnishment and some have committed suicide. Some simply live day to day with no possible hope for the future - no hope of pursuing whatever profession they borrowed the money to achieve. Since student loans are immune from the laws that protect citizens from predatory lending and collection, would you, as president, be willing to take on the student loan lenders, such as SallieMae - and others - to change the laws that protect the lenders instead of the citizens who generally unknowingly - at first - get involved with lenders in order to make their lives better, only to find that they are saddled with uncontrollable debt that can actually prevent them from ever - EVER IN THEIR LIFETIME - allowing them to attempt to achieve the dreams they HAD for the future. Student loan borrowers are not leeches who have no intention of repaying the loans. On the contrary the lenders are the leeaches who are not subject to ANY controls and whose managers, CEOs live the good life while bleeding "ordinay" citizens dry - with the power of the U.C. government for their ENTIRE lives.
QUESTION: In other words, would you support legislation that puts student loan lenders in the same category as other lenders with regard to laws under the FDCPA, statutes of limitations, accountability for the amounts they claim is owed, etc.? (This actually goes to a larger question - would you give in to large controlling private corporations or would you support legislation that benefits the citizens you are elected to represent?)
If elected President will your religious beliefs be a matter of personal and family observance, or will they influence your policy decisions for the nation?
Do You Think America is Ready For Change In The Presidency?
What is your position on the electoral college? Since it was initially established by wealthy men ("all men are created equal" - which meant MEN - not women or other minorities - who owned at least ten acres of land) because the population in general (most who could not read) could not be expected ot trusted to understand the governing process, and therefore placed a "buffer" between the electorate and the elected. Do you believe it is still necessary and why? Isn't it totally outdated and perhaps a major disincentive to citiznes who are eligible to vote but don't? Assuming there is a way to universally protect votes against rigged or outdated voting machines, (or even if there isn't) why SHOULDN'T the PEOPLE DIRECTLY elect the President? I personally am not voting for someone who will vote FOR ME - WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO? The "electorial college" concept has gone far beyond it's time. However difficult, meaning no matter how many people whose power you could eliminate, who you may offend, would you support legislation or a Constitutional Amendment that would stop offending the majority of American citizens who are perfectly capable of voting directly for the candidates?
Why haven't we gone illegal on smoking. We have said that there is no smoking in almost every public place. Even some bars have gone smoke free. Smoking is also one of the leading causes in deaths in America I think that we should go illegal on smoking how about you?
This is my Question, since you are asking the american people to elect you as a president, will you agree to resign if as president your approval rate is below certain percentage. will you agree for an exit startegy.
do u feel America is ready for a women president? Do u think Hilary Clinton is qualified to be the president? She wouldn't even be in the running if Bill hadn't been a previous president. Nobody would even know who she is she has never represented herself in anything and has never run anything such as a town or even something as small as a store? Please respond.
I think that kids should be able to vote. If they are over the age of 10, they should be given a test on recent politics, the presidents and other things. They should have a say on who their future president is,it affects our future too.
I think that America is ready for a woman president,Because Take a look at America's former presidents all of them are men,I think that we should try a woman.
From Carlos Andrade
As many feel the quest for money turns potentially good public servants into compromised politicians, do you favor full public financing for presidential and congressional elections?
Many Americans are concerned about the safety and or/nutrition of our food supply. At the same time, corporate interest are trying to prevent or weaken labeling requirements and erode USDA's organic standards, making it all the more difficult for consumers to make informed choices about what they eat. There is a bill passed by the Pennsylvania legislature that if signed, would prohibit farmers from labeling their milk as free of growth hormones and antibiotics. Where do you stand on food labeling for the presence genetically modified crops, country of origin, and tough organic standards.
Do honestly think America is ready for a woman President if not when do you think we will be ready? Do you think people will not vote for her because she is a woman?
Do you believe that the establishment clause of the first amendment to the constitution prohibits the teaching of intelligent design in schools? Why? What would Madison say?
What is your understanding of Tribal Sovereignty? What would your administration do to assist tribes in improving their economic and social conditions under the treaty trust and moral obligations of the United States?
A follow-up to Roger's question regarding selective service. Given that young men must register when they turn 18, would you advocate that the law be changed so that young women must also register? If there were to be a national emergency in which the draft needed to be reinstated, under the current law, women would not be obligated to serve. As Roger said in his question above, given that women are seeking equality in all areas, this highlights the disparity in a potentially critical instance.
This is for NPR . I think you would do us a great service by directing almost all of the questions to the "second tier" candidates as you have labeled them in news reporting. They have been too marginalized while you look at this nomination as only between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Out in the hinterlands WE haven't made up our minds to your way of thinking. Please let us hear more from everyone. No UFO and diamonds or pearls questions.
What will you do to improve and normalize relations with our neighbor Cuba?
For all the candidates: Have you ever been to Michigan? Have you ever been to Houghton, Lansing, Mackinac Island, Isle Royale, Flint, or Frankenmuth? If you don't know where these places are, and you aren't even on our ballot, how can you be our President? If you are only going to represent Iowa and New Hampshire, maybe we should pick somebody else to be our President. We are much closer to Canada than we are to Washington. Maybe we should see if we can become part of Ontario. We are already being treated like a foreign country, maybe if we are part of Canada, whichever of you Iowa chooses could come here as an ambassador, and you will see what you have lost.
The USDA recently reported that 35 million Americans are hungry. Food banks across the country are reporting severe food shortages. As president, what would you do to address this national disgrace?
Who is the philosopher who has inspired you the most in your political life (the answer has to be a real philosopher like Plato, Hobbes etc., no religious or political figures count).
How would you suggest that the influence of Wall Street, K Street and the Pentagon be reduced?
Since the early 1980's the U.S. Congress has approved the designation of 37 National Heritage Areas. However now this federal program, administered by the National Park Service, if facing resistence from budget hawks and property-rights advocates. As president would you support the continuation of this program as a "cost effective, locally driven alternative to government-managed historic sites"?
What would you do to end long-term unemployment among college graduates with no crime or drug-abuse or mental-health problems? It is hypocritical for this country to promote the value of higher education, then let some graduates be thrown away, in effect, from the productive sector to use their education.
What do you see as the role of science in formulating public policy?
I recently switched jobs and I had to submit a resume to land my latest job. Why do presidential candidates not post resumes on their websites? It would seem to answer the concern of ???not experienced enough???.
If you are not chosen to be the Democratic Party's nominee, which of the other Democratic candidates would you want to see chosen?
Please give your opinions of the No Child Left Behind Act: In light of its current application, do you think it should be repealed? If not, please explain why you believe its reliance on standardized testing makes for an optimal pedagogical method.
There is currently great conflict where/when civil liberties, national security and techology meet. As President, how would you manage and maintain balance in this conflict.
For those who do not believe same-saex marriage should be legalized, what are your reasons? For those who do, how would you convince the others of your position?
If you were to get the Democratic Nomination, who would you pick as your running mate and why?
Why do you want this job? You predecessor has left a stack of problems that is unprecedented. Our infrastructure is ailing, our relations with the world are damaged, our economy needs serious attention, manufacturing, global warming, education.... why do you want the job?
Question for all the candidates:
Do you feel America has a security interest in responding to the emergency of AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa and other parts of the world or are there other reasons why should we take action to end extreme poverty in the poorest countries?
Will you support renewal of funding for UNFPA?
Would you sign legislation that would extend whistleblower protection to federal employees who report the willful manipulation, suppression, or distortion of scientific research or analysis?
Presidents have become less and less accessible to the American people and the press over time. George W. Bush may have been our least accessible modern president. In 2004 John Kerry promised to hold a news conference at least once a month if elected. Will you make a similar pledge? What other specific actions will you take to make yourself accountable to the American people?
Question for the candidates:
The leading Democratic candidates do not unequivocally support gay "marriage." If we agree that marriage is a civil, not a religious institution, how can a candidate (of either party) defend the decision NOT to support gay marriage? Isn't this denying part of our citizenry equal rights and protections?
To All Democrates:
I would like to know how you plan to help the tens of thousands of former students, saddled with mountains of student loan debt? And would any of them be willing to restore bancruptcy protection for student loan debt (both public and private) as well?
Please allow this to be a truly democratic debate and allow each candidate equal rights and equal time to debate.
I submit this on behalf of a listener without internet access.
Thanks,
Lauren
Are you the type of leader who will relentlessly cling to an embargo on Cuba that has failed to produce the desired results for nearly 50 years?
Since everyone is always talking about campaign reform, I'd be interested in knowing why John Edwards is the only one taking public funding. Thanks so much. PJ
Efforts at campaign reform have generally failed. The airwaves are the property of the American people yet candidates are forced to raise massive amounts of money to buy air time. All TV and radio station licenses used to require that some air time be dedicated to public uses, but those requirements have gradually been lifted. Instead of public financing of elections, would you support establishing a system that requires all television and radio stations to dedicate air time to candidates if they pledge to limit their spending?
The question addressed to all the candidates is: Have you read the New York Times bestseller, THE END OF AMERICA, by Naomi Wolf?
Naomi Wolf researched the ten basic principles and actions leading to a totalitarian government of the right or the left (Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, and Pinochet). She comes to the frightening conclusion that the US government, especially since 9/11, has started using the same principles and actions to destroy democracy.
Followup question: What will you do to prevent such a takeover in areas such as mercernary armies, torture, illegal wiretapping, intimidation of the judiciary, etc.?
Candidate Senator Dodd plans to restore the Constitution to promote prosperity and announced a bill to reinstate bankruptcy protection for student borrowers with private loans. What will you do to protect all borrowers from predators, making repayment manageable, preventing default and foreclosures?
Hugo Chavez has pointed out that there is more than one concept of a Global Economy. China, Russia, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, most of the rest of Africa, Iran, Canada, almost all of Latin America and the Caribbean -including Cuba, and the more socialist nations Europe are forming an economic bloc that is offering an alternative definition of a Global Economy. Venezuela sends oil refinery expertise to help Cuba develop, while Cuba sends physicians and teachers to Venezuela, and sent doctors to Pakistan after its earthquake disaster. A pattern of influence is developing that is more humanitarian and cooperative than it is competitive.
How will you, as President, relate diplomatically and economically to this growing trade bloc?
Our founding fathers were determined to form a government "of by and for the people." In those days giving money to a politician was considered bribery. These days the money has been re-defined as "free speech" and the people offering the bribes, I mean free speech money, are called lobbyist. What we seem to have ended up with is a government of by and for the corporations. If you are elected will you do anything to return to the original intentions of the framers of our Constitution and country. Will you give us a country of by and for the people?
In the past seven years, we have experienced intense erosion of public access to the president. Our current administration exists within a bubble with little access to opposing trains of thought. Some of you have well established political networks that I fear. Campaigns have become increasingly intense leaving little unchoreographed time for the press to cover the candid candidate. How will you rectify this? How will you prevent being shaped by the group that you designed?
Sent by Bushra Ismail: I think that kids should be able to vote. If they are over the age of 10, they should be given a test on recent politics, the presidents and other things.
A valid point that could be taken a step further: make every voter prove their understanding of how the government works, whatever age the voter.
Except for one point of contention. If we teach our children, by the age of ten, how to turn to and rely on their government for every answer, for every complaint....have we not completely destroyed the concept of liberalism in America?
The liberal of 1776 objected to a conservative government and created a Constitution based on self sufficiency. The goverment would be the arbitrator.
The liberal of 1776 has evolved into the ''real' conservative of today, an individual who turns to the government for every redress, every complaint.
While the conservative of today is the liberal that framed and signed the Constitution back in 1776.
Which goes to the heart of Constitutional interpretation, and the long running debate on state's rights versus federalism.
What say you, candidates?
Are the liberal anti-war marchers the true conservatives of today, and the conservatives are the liberals of yesteryear?
fred call
I have a question for all of the democratic candidates: if elected, would you support the present ability of a president to circumvent the checks and balances of the constitution or would you actively propose legislation to insure future presidents (including yourself) are held to stricter accountability?
I am a 32 year old voter. For more than half of my life there have only been two families in the white house.
Is a second Clinton presidency tantamount to an oligarchy?
Why or why not?
If you are the Democratic nominee will you resign your current office?
(correcting an error in this as posted earlier)
In light of recent changes (the last 50 years) in Latin America and the Caribbean, where do you stand on the rights of other nations to determine their own form of government and economy? For example, how will you relate to the governments that have been installed by the peoples of Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina and Cuba?
Would you, as president, continue the recent presidential practice of violating the separation of powers by issuing so-called "signing statements"?
Students in a tri-county public speaking contest in coastal South Carolina have been asked to identify the issue South Carolinians should be prompting their political candidates to focus on most in the 2008 elections. My public speaking classmates and I would like to know what each of you thinks is the issue the youth of America should be asking you to address first. What single issue do you believe will have the greatest impact on our lives?
What will you do to keep America on the cutting edge of space exploration? Will you support an international manned mission to Mars? Do you believe funding space exploration is a worthy investment?
What are you going to do to protect civil liberties in light of the Patriot Act?
What will you do to improve America's public education system?
please ask the candidates what their policy towards cuba will be. i hope that the democratic candidates would agree that the US's five decade long policy of embargos and isolation have been a miserable failure. at this point it is unclear that the US has any goal other than to keep up hostilities until fidel castro dies and hang onto the illegal detention center in guantanamo bay.
what are their ideas for diplomatic engagement pre and post castro?
About 43,000 Americans die in traffic crashes each year, the equivalent of three large planes crashing each week. We've done a lot about airline safety. What would your administration do to address traffic safety?
Public Financing of Campaigns:
Americans will never get the legislation we need in many areas like the environment, healthcare, education, military spending and more until our public officials are free to represent the public interest and are no longer dependent on private special interest money to fund their campaigns. Where do all the candidates stand on reforming the presidential public financing system and providing a similar system for Congressional elections?
During this campaign I have heard from the candidates on a plethora of issues. However, one that seems to be neglected is rural life. Living in the Arkansas Delta I experience the problems of rural life first hand. In the past year the largest employer in the county left for Mexico and our local hospital nearly went bankrupt. This left my county with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state and the local government with a huge debt. What will you do to improve life for rural Americans and provide for basic needs such as employment and hospitals?
-- Jordan Rogers Pocahontas, Arkansas
The Halliburton no-bid contract was justified by urgent need; five years later, what are you doing in your oversight role to insure compliance with the Federal Acquisition Requirements for competition?
Flip flopping - to all candidates except Richardson:
Your current position on a number of issues is at odds with votes that you have taken as a member of the Senate or the Congress. Why the change? Is it more important to be consistent or is it more important to change your views when new facts emerge? Why?
If you receive the Democratic nomination for president, which of your fellow candidates would you most likely select as your running mate?
The Halliburton no-bid contract was justified by urgent need. Five years later, what are you doing in your oversight role to insure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation requirements for competition?
What will be the fate of the "No Child Left Behind" program under your administration?
With the exception of Governor Richardson, all the Democratic candidates have been either Senators or Representatives. What would they do as President to make/help our congress actually work and accomplish something. Is there anyway to diminish the terrible power struggle between the parties, restore comity and compromise and actually put the American people first...something which has been sorely lacking to date!
More and more students are defaulting on their student loans, not because they are deadbeats but the amount of the loans themselves are crippling, their entire lives are controlled by that debt, which can take 20 or more years to pay off, with a horrendous amount paid in interest alone. What is your position on Student Loans and how would you help both past, current and future students get out of or circumvent this quagmire?
In the student loan industry scandal, thousands of students have been victimized by unscrupulous lenders and universities, and inattentive (at best)government regulators. It appears that the recent changes made merely slap the industry on the wrist, provide cosmetic procedural changes, and offer absolutely no meaningful help to the victims -- the borrowers. What will you do to relieve the unconscionable burden that has been placed on student borrowers and their families?
Our voting system is antiquated. due to long commutes and long work hours, I cannot take 1/2 a day off from work in order to vote. We have heard that Electronic voting is not possible due to potential for voter fraud. Also that requiring banks to open their ATM networks up to voting presents a possible discrimination against those who do not have ATM access. While 20 years ago these arguments might have made sense, they no longer stands up to scrutiny. Additionally, voter turnout remains pitiful.
As President will you support a conversion to electronic or ATM voting.
I don't understand why US citizens and even just residents are not allowed to travel to Cuba when we can travel to other so-called "communist" countries. Do you support sacrificing the rights of US residents so that the Cuban American extremists can recover what they lost almost 50 years ago?
Gentlemen- Are you sure you're being honest with the American public? If so, how can you cavalierly suggest that Senator Clinton doesn't have the experience to be a great president? Firstly, she's a 2nd term US Senator. Secondly, she was a first lady, for listen, 8 years not 8 months. Thirdly, she's one of the brightest attorneys in the US today. Fourthly, she has been in more foreign countries, more than all of you combined. She still has a security detail. Why? (not the same reason as Obama) What experience did Lady Wilson have to literally run the presidency when her husband president Wilson was downed by stroke?
Question for Sen. Edwards: I know you have a close family structure with the immediate and extended family. How will your close family experience affect your vision and decision making as President?
Would you promise now that if elected President you will never lie to the American people?
As president would you be willing to reduce the power of executive privileges which have been steadily increasing during the current administration? And to what degree?
To Hillary Clinton -
I am from Michigan and will be voting for the Democratic candidate on January 15th. That said, you are the only top-tier candidate who is left on the ballot as most other Democratic candidates have withdrawn due to party rules. Accordingly, do you think it is fair that Iowa and New Hampshire get to have such a loud voice in our election process? Why did you decide to remain on the ballot in Michigan?
A frequent criticism of candidates is that they flip-flop on issues. However, I think most citizens would hope that politicians would change their mind when they are wrong. Please name what you feel has been your most important change in political position in the past decade and why you changed.
Most dissidents in Cuba are begging us to lift our five decades-old embargo. Do we still need it?
The International Criminal Court is fully operational and undertaking important international criminal investigations and prosecutions. The ICC is another means of combating international terrorism. The U.S. should become a full member of the ICC. Comments?
Do the candidates support full public financing of election campaigns for those candidates who voluntarily agree to not take any special interest contributions?
To Sen. Clinton:
The Bush administration has been accused of creating an imperial presidency. Signing statements, excessive use of the "classified" stamp, domestic spying and a broad interpretation of executive privilege all seem to support this conclusion. Will you scale back the power of the executive branch? An answer that doesn't include the word "yes" will be taken as "no."
What will your administration's Cuba policy be; specifically, do you intend to end the travel restrictions to Cuba for all Americans?
If you become president, will you explicitly repudiate the extensions of executive power aserted by the Bush administration? What concrete steps--such as proposing legislation, issuing executive orders, etc.--would you take to reverse those extensions of power and ensure that they do not become entrenched in the structure of government?
Please review the Bankruptcy Laws for Student Loans that are killing the borrowers that have extreme emergencies arise in their lives that cause tremendous disasters. High rates continue to eat us alive regardless of circumstances
While acknowledging that the State of Israel is an important U.S. ally that has a right to defend itself, what, if anything, will you be willing to do, as president, to abate human rights violations afflicted upon the Palestinian people.
To ALL the Candidates:
After nearly fifty years of a failed Cuba policy, isn't it time to develop a policy of engagement with Cuba as we have with Vietnam, China and even North Korea? Isn't it in America's best interests to allow for the reunification of families and to permit us to travel to Cuba without restrictions?
Delvis Fernandez
San Luis Obispo, California
What place do you think the discussion of animal welfare has in this country's political discourse? Often dismissed as sentimental and insignificant, many fail to realize that beyond being a moral issue, it also has practical implications to our own well-being. For example, expensive and useless scientific research on animals; contaminated food supply due to inappropriate care of animals; hunting and fishing that disrupt entire ecosystems; the connection between animal cruelty and violent behavior; slaughter of animals raised in the U.S. for consumption in other countries; increased animal-human conflict due to spawling construction.
I am a perfec US citizen that has never broke the laws of the US but 1. The freedom to travel is very important but it is even more important to me when deciding to visit my family in Cuba. What is you position and what would you do regarding the current restrictions of Cuba-American families to visit their family in Cuba?
What what you do to help end my six-year old daughter's prolonged family separation from her father and family in Cuba due to President Bush's unjust Cuba family travel restrictions?
To all candidates. What is your plan to deal with our failed policy toward Cuba? More specifically, why don't Americans have the freedom to travel to Cuba and will you change this?
Conventional wisdom tells us that the US sanction against Cuba for the last 50 years is comparable to sticking a sword into a wound since the rest of the world, which continually condemns the US embargo, is free to travel, support, trade and interact with Cuba? Fidel Castro has out-ruled 9 US presidents and Cuba continues to survive without support from the US.
Why not become the president that lifts the embargo and opens communication with our southerly neighbors?
Why would you not support normalizing relations with Cuba when those against travel to Cuba are republicans while the majority of democrats support ending the embargo, or at least starting talking and allowing family to visit Cuba?
Senator Clinton,
Hello. You often refer to your experience in the White House. My question is: how can I know the substance of your contributions when it is not public information? How can the general public or I judge your experience and contributions? How do you justify running on that experience when we don't really know what it was? Would you pledge to release those records in a timely fashion so we can judge your experience?
This is a two part question.
Part 1 - Do you feel that running for president is a full time job?
Part 2 - (After all candidates have answered part 1). For those of you that answered yes, do you feel it is fair to an elected official's constituents for that elected official to campaign for President and thus neglect the duties of the position he/she was elected to?
If you are elected as president of the United States, you will inevitably be faced with complex problems, the nature of which no one can now anticipate. Would you please give us some insight as to the processes by which you come to make decisions about complex situations.
Do you support American farmers who wish to grow industrial HEMP for fiber,fuel, and it's many other uses, and for that matter,do you support the use of MEDICAL MARIJUANNA
Who will you ask to be in your cabinet?
In 60 years of independence Pakistan was ruled by military general for almost 30 years.
It is very clear Pakistan involved nuclear proliferation. The tribal areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are becoming safe heaven for al Qaeda and pro-Taliban elements. Which is a biggest threat to world peace? Present government calls Pakistan an ally of United States on war on terrorism, is this justified for you guys? what is your stand towards Pakistan.
The Soviet Union's socialist system originally limited foreign tourists to
protect Soviet propaganda, but when the Soviet state started to go bankrupt
the Soviet government allowed foreign tourists to come and spend money. The
presence of these tourists, who were often ordinary American people, gave the
lie to anti-capitalistic propaganda and the Soviet Union quickly collapsed.
The situation in Cuba is quite the same as the one in Soviet Russia but the
restriction on American travel to Cuba is from the US side! This makes little
or no sense and is not in US interests. Where do you stand on this issue?
In a little more than two years the shuttle fleet will retire, leaving the U.S. with a space transportation gap of five years, making us dependent on our space allies, and more specifically Russia, for transporting our astronauts into space. NASA only receives 0.7% of the U.S. federal budget, yet Senator Obama wants to cut back on that even more and post-pone the Constellation program to return to the Moon. Who among you believes Space is an effective diplomatic tool, and would any you commit to a well-structured human space exploration program?
Years ago, musicians Dizzy Gilespie and Quincy Jones made a concert tour of the Soviet Union and the Middle East to help break the ice during the cold war. Unfortunately, I don't see any such "goodwill" ambasadors of culture going to Muslim countries to try and repair the U.S. image there now. I would like to ask any one of the candidates this; what specific actions would you take to create a better social and cultural bridge to the Muslim world?
Thank you.
To all the canidates
Why are we still using the electorial vote? With the electorial age of iPods,PC's ect...I think every citizen's vote should count. Why should Iowa speak for the entire United States because their primary is first?
Even the final vote for either the Democrate for Republican canidate should go to the wire. Hawaii,Alaska ect...everyone should have a say.
I think the electorial vote should be done away with.
What would you do about it?
What do you plan to do reinstate or add to the rights of workers that have been scaled back by the Bush administartion and the Republican congress in the past 7 years?
What would you do to prevent media consolidation and restore net neutrality?
As a Cuban Americna that enter this country legally in 1959 to unite with my father that had to leave Cuba because of the Dictator Batista supported by the USA at that time, torture him can not travel freely after so many years to see my Aunts and Uncle any time I like to travel. Due to the fail policy dictate by the son and daugthers of a few Batista ex-mafias that reside in Miami including some of the Republican Congresman? Is because some of you feel that they may deliver again the State of Florida stolen from Mr. Gore that time?????
Despite the mottoes "Not on My Watch" and "Never Again" the United State and the world have sat back and watched the Government of Sudan and the janjaweed carry out a genocide in Darfur. What will you do to end the genocide in Darfur, and if atrocities of the kind that occurred in Rwanda, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Darfur begin during your administration, what will you do to end them before it rises to the level of genocide?
Since the present talks between Israelis and Palestinians will accomplish nothing due to President Bush's refusal to be involved, are any of the Democratic candidates willing to commit themselves to exert pressure on Israel that would make a peace treaty possible?
The people of America are fed up with the ???Ways of Washington??? and how it is not responsive to the average American. With that, many candidates as well as presidents have run on the platform ???I will change Washington???. Without going into an attack on your opponents, what specifically will you do to ???change something that has resisted change???? (And please answer the questions without sound bites, but with specifics!)
It has been 35 years since man has been to the moon. The space shuttle fleet is now 25 years old. What plans do you have for the future of manned space flight in your administration?
The USA and Cuba cooperate regarding hurricanes, illegal drug trafficking interdiction, and HIV/AIDS. Can you discuss other ways to open up more mutually beneficial relations with Cuba?
If you are elected president, will you actively work to close the gun show loophole AND to reinstate the ban on assault weapons, YES or NO?
US population growth is on pace to reach a billion this century. World population is expected to reach 8-10 billion by 2050. In light of this almost certain growth, both domestic and international, and resulting demand on global resources, what are your immediate plans to make the US sustainable both ecologically and economically?
Looking for leadership!
The debates have not revealed much about any of the candidates in terms of what they see as the important priorities facing this country in the next several years, and what their agenda is. So far, it has been little more than a useless contest to see who can come up with the best sound-bite zinger. So I would ask, ???What do you see as the five most important priorities facing this country in the next 10-20 years, and essentially what new direction would you take the government and the country to address these issues?
What is your position in regard to discontinuing or continuing the U.S. restrictions on travel by citizens to Cuba and the trade embargo against Cuba?
What (if anything) will any of you do about the student loan debacle faced by millions of American consumers?
I have recently returned from Darfur, where I worked for a humanitarian agency. While in Darfur I met with victims of the brutality, faced the rebels, and worked with other humanitarian aid workers who are being threatened, beaten and killed in unprecedented numbers. My question is, "What will you do to stop the atrocities in Darfur and force Sudan to be more accountable".
This question is for Joe Biden - Joe, I have consistently been told that the only problem voters have with you stems back to your last political campaign when you allegedly plaigerized a quote from a British politician. Having read your book, I accept your explanation of how and why this happened. Would you be willing to explain to the American people how and why this happened? I think it would help your campaign immensely to do so.
If you become President, how will you move to restore the balance of power between the three branches of government?
To any candidate who has the ... to answer this.
First a rhetorical question: what is TRUTH? Every time you put your spin on a statement you are lying. Why do ALL politicians LIE?
Given almost 50 years of embargo and attempted isolation of Cuba has had not been able to influence the governance in that country, what changes do you propose to our foriegn policy that will have a positive effect?
Many people are afraid that America has been transforming into a Theocracy. What will you do to protect the rights of the of the approximately 30 million Atheists and Agnostics living in this country from the "Religious Right"
Cluster bombs disperse smaller "bomblets" that can kill all living creatures within a specific area often as large as several football fields. In the last 10 years, the U.S. has used cluster bombs in civilian-populated areas of the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Will you support legislation in the House (H.R. 1755) and the Senate (S. 594) that would ban the use of cluster bombs in civilian polulated areas?
It has been circulated by many on the internet cycle, that one was to help control the spiraling inflation of our gov't expenses is for members of Congress to join the Social Security system....that their years of service would be counted towards Medicare and SS retirement. Would you consider this as one measure to help control spiraling costs, and give confidence to the American people that serving in Congress is truly "serving" and not self-promotion?
The last two presidential elections have made clear that a large amount of campaign money does not correlate with a candidate???s abilities or direction of governance. As a voter, I???m never quite sure who a candidate represents after they accept campaign contributions. How do you propose to make presidential elections about issues and ability to govern, instead of about raising money?
An optimistic presidential candidate, even this early in the race, must have some idea of who would be their vice presidential running mate and who might make up some of their cabinent. These people are important gauges of where you, as president, may lead the country (gauged by the character, personality, and politics of your appointees). So, please elaborate on who may be your potential vice presidential running mate and why, and if time permits who might make up your 'dream' cabinent and why. Thanks.
Will you announce some or all of the cabinet appointments you would make as president, either now or after being nominated? This could provide important additional information to voters.
I could easier go to China than to Cuba. The sanctions on Cuba have not worked for over 40 years. Would it not be better to allow people to mingle and shere their ideas?
What special expertise do you bring to getting your legislation passed without 60 votes in the Senate? How would you participate in the legislative process and why would you be successful in this polarized atmosphere?
Hillary would you consider Barack as your Vice President If you become President?
Barack would you consider Hillary as your Vice President if you become President?
All candidates, please react to this statement:
Like the Republican Party, the Democratic Party is owned and controlled by Big Business. The first loyalty of whoever wins the Democratic nomination will be to the super rich. Working people have no candidate running in the 2008 election who represents their interests.
Can you think of a crime that only a president (or vice-president) can commit that warrants impeachment, and has there ever been a president that deserved impeachment?
Question for Barack Obama:
Will you now invite former President Bill Clinton to serve in your administration, perhaps as Secretary of State, and how do you think President Clinton would respond to this call to duty or shall I say to this challenge?
Article one, section 2, paragraph 3 of The Constitution Of The United States, states, "The number of represenatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand." The current number of represenatives sitting in the house is 435. According to recent reports there are currently more than three hundred million people living in the United States, which translates into 1 represenative for every 689,655 residents, many of whom are citizens.
This leaves many Americans feeling grossly under-represented, and rightfully so. As part of your plan to re-energize those Americans who have become disenfranchized, would you consider increasing the number of represenatives?
As president, would you allow states the right to legalize medical marijuana and allow those with medical marijuana cards to purchase marijuana from a dispensary?
I would like to know from all candidates how they will restore the dignity and honor to our reputation as a country, around the world. How will they appeal to "the better angels of our nature" and present themselves as atrue "Stateman" (woman). This, more than any of the multitudes of tragedies the Bush administration has perpetrated, is what saddens me the most. I long for eloquence and intelligence and tolerance again.
To all candidates opposed to full gay marriage:
I was wondering why you think gay couples don't deserve the same respect as straight couples. Many believe in civil unions for gay couples, but why must they be segregated into a seperate but equal - a contradictory statement since, as the Supreme Court has stated in Brown v. the Board of Education, seperate institutions are "inherently unequal" - union at all? It is in violation of the 14th Amendment, not to mention an attack on the liberties of said couples. Oh sure, they will get all the same rights and benefits, but the colored water fountains provided the same water as the whites only
water fountains, yet I'm sure you'd all agree with me in saying that sort of segregation has no place in our society.
Marriage was traditionally a decision solely reliant on the judgment of the individuals who wanted to be wed. Up until the 16th century this is how things worked, until European countries started introducing laws to the contrary, primarily designed to allow parents to stop marriages they didn't approve of. In the United States, we began to restrict who could marry in order to promote an agenda of racism and segregation, to keep whites from marrying outside of their race. Now that control is being exerted to keep people who love each other and who just happen to be gay from enjoying the spiritual and emotional blessings that come from marriage. Is this really the sort of legacy you wish to carry forth on your shoulders and in your heart?
I know that you're all very busy right now, what with trying to become the next President of the United States of America and all, but I would like you to really ask yourselves if your current stance is the right one. Do you really believe in your heart that gays must be kept at arms length from straights in the same way this country repressed non-whites for so long, and so shamefully? Do you really want to replace the The Racial Integrity Act of 1924 with the Marital Integrity Act of 2009?
The FCC Chairman is in the process of rushing through a policy that would give large amounts of media control to a few large corporations, what would you do to take this power away from the FCC and how will you stop the erosion of democracy being caused by the U.S. government and news media who continue to use lies, misinformation and secrecy to confuse and manipulate the public.
I would like the each of the candidate's opinion of No Child Left Behind and their opinion of leaving the policy status quo or any changes they would propose.
What would you do as President if you are confronted with a genocide occurring some where in the world and how quickly would you act?
The U.S. has lost respect as a moral leader around the world because of policies of the current administration. What will you do to restore that respect?
NEW ORLEANS - OVER 2 YEARS SINCE KATRINA
Have any of you driven the streets of New Orleans lately? Where is the help?
What can you do to rebuild the homes and neighborhoods? It was the first time in my life that I said "Where is our government when you need them!!"
Agree or disagree with current White House policy, the Bush administration has arguably been one of the most divisive governments in modern American history. So much so that, now, our two political parties seem unable to collaborate and solve problems that affect the everyday lives of the American public. In our communities, too, Republicans and Democrats could not be further apart. What, as President, will you do end the polarization of the parties and bring real bipartisanship back to America's government?
This is a question for Senators Clinton and Obama: Which is more important to you, that you become president yourself, or that the Democrats retake the White House? Why don't you stop attacking each other and instead join forces and make an unbeatable 'dream team'?
In light of the new breakthroughs in stem cell research(pluripotency in non-embryonic skin cells), will any of you have the intellectual honesty to admit that your advocacy of embryo destruction was wrong?
Polls show that a clear majority of Americans and a rapidly growing segment of the Cuban-American population in Florida support an easing of travel restrictions to Cuba.
Is it time to change our policy towards Cuba?
What can be done to take the concept of full public campaign financing beyond the "lip service" phase to a "reality" phase, where Americans can have the choice of voting for candidates who will be accountable to only the voters, instead of to their wealthy, special interst contributors? How will the candidates put the "public" back into public policy, and get rid of the unhealthy influence that "big money" has in policy-making?
Many Americans enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, hang gliding, etc. As president what would you do to increase public access to areas for these activities and reduce the liability concerns of private land owners who so generously offer such access.
Currently, the Executive Branch seems rife with incompetence and lacks any measure of integrity. State, Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs: all of them have had problems ranging from outright corruption (the firing of U.S. attorneys for political reasons) to mismanagement (billions wasted in Iraq reconstruction projects) to downright failure (the V.A. hospital travesty). What are your plans to make the Executive Branch function again, and why should we believe that you are the right person to fix these problems?
Most Americans feel their voice is ignored and that our democracy has been hijacked by a corporate plutocracy. The rich own the mass media, control the information flow, and fund a Congress full of their lobbiests and politicians who are dependent on corporate dollars to get reelected. Do you agree that our democracy is broken, and, if so, what would you do to fix it?
Since I have many friends in Cuba I would like the freedom to travel, trade, and share ideas with our neighbors in Cuba just as we are now free to travel and trade with China and Vietnam. I also feel the vast majority of Americans also feel this way. How do the candidates feel about changing our policy towards Cuba?
I am a 16 year old gay student that lives in the bellevue washington area. the question that i would like to have anwsered is what are you veiw on same sex marriage and want would you do foer the thosands of gay couple that live in the USA today
Ever notice that when gas prices at the pump go up or down they do so by the same amount at all different brands? I attribute this to failure to execute anti-trust law in the face of a Congress blind to it and the many harmful consequences of deregulation. Do you agree that there are enormous problems here and do you have the courage to face the powerful forces that have brought this about?
Would you use signing statements? When? Why not?
the city of boston recently anounced that it would conduct house to house weapons searches in "high crime"neighborhoods.what do you think about that?what would you do about it if you were president?
Hello, if elected, will you have the United States sign on as a member and fully support the International Criminal Court?
Recently efforts to lift travel and family restrictions were thwarted in the U.S. Congress this past summer by the influence a Pro-Embargo Political Action Committee. Most members of Congress who voted to keep the restrictions in place had never traveled to Cuba themselves to assess the impact of our current policy with Cuba. These members of Congress also got campaign contributions from this Pro-Embargo Anti Family PAC. What do you think of such behavior by our elected officials? What will you do to eliminate these restrictions with Cuba and take a new and different policy with Cuba? Isn't the best hope to bring the message and promise of democracy are the American people, Cuban Americans and all?
To all the candidates:
When will the Congress and Presidency of these United States learn that "We The People" are sick of Washington-types working in government then leaving government to lobby government?
What will you do to end the selling of our country to lobbyists of all types?
This question is directed to Senator Clinton. You have said in prior debate that you would not sit and talk unconditionally with heads of state of nations that were considered a "potential threat" to our country. Self determination is a cherished concept in our country. It is antithetical to deny
other nations the same self-determination by insisting on conditions or compromises before engaging in honest conversation. Please explain yourself. Also, I insist that you give a response that is free of rhetoric and campaign double-speak. I crave a straight answer. Thank you for your time.
Do you agree with this assessment by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright: ???The war in Iraq has strengthened our enemies, strained our alliances, undermined our moral authority and damaged our credibility. It has been a mistake of historic proportions; it is, above all, an appalling human tragedy.??? Do you agree?
What kind of Secretary of State would you choose to help our nation regain credibility in the world? What do you think about the direction being taken by our State Department at the present time?
The U.S. gives only about 1% of our budget for foreign aid. Other nations give a greater percentage and observe us, seeing that our actual global assistance is much different from the image we try to portray. How would you re-establish our nation???s credibility? What organizations or individuals would you call upon to be a part of this rebuilding?
Would your administration work cooperatively with other nations as equals? Could you be humble in your approach to other nations? What are your core values as relating to the UN and other nations?
What is more important for the leadership of our nation when meeting with leaders of other nations, -- to give a clear message, or to listen and try to understand where other leaders are coming from?
To Senator Hilary Clinton:
Should you become the democratic nominee, what is your plan to overcome the persistently high negative ratings seen in national polls?
Do you support public financing of campaigns like the system that has been so successful in Arizona and Maine for many years?
For 6 years or so Democrats have been fiercely critizing the Bush administration...RIGHTFULLY SO. We have the most corrupt, incompetent, immoral and dangerous administration of all time. Leaving it in office for another year risks war with Iran and guarantees continutation of it's abysmal policies. Why then the deafening silence about impeachment..are you willing to consider it? If not, what would it take?
Nuclear
In recent years the U.S.A. has openly espoused the policy of pre-emptive first-strike war. What is your position on that? If you do support pre-emptive war, does that include the use of nuclear weapons?
Since the U.S.A. is opposed to other nations developing nuclear weapons, and since we already have 10,000 or more such weapons, what do you think about the newly proposed Reliable Replacement Warhead?
The U.S. has refused to ratify several international treaties designed to control or eliminate nuclear weapons and weapons in space. How do you stand on the signing and implementation of international treaties?
Do you believe that the U.S. is uniquely qualified to judge what nations should have nuclear weapons in their possession?
How do you stand on the administration???s request for $150 billion to build a new facility called Complex 2030 for the purpose of consolidating our nuclear weapons development?
In your proposed health care plan. would mental illness receive parity with other illnesses? Especially in such cases as Virginia Tech, what would you do about early identification and treatment of mental illness?
When we surrender one constituional right, the others are surely in peril. Why then is the U.S. virtually alone in prohibiting its citizens from traveling to Cuba. Notably this restriction does not apply to agribusiness representatives nor does it apply to travel to "axis of evil" nations. Would you as president immediately restore our constitutional right by removing all barriers to free travel to Cuba?
To Senator Biden,
Why are you not receiving the press coverage appropriate for the candidate everyone else thinks is "right?"
To the other candidates: Is Joe right?
Considering that this campaign has topped all others in dollars spent on campainging, realistically, when can we expect campaign finance reform, and how will it happen?
There overriding theme of the Democratic candidates is:'The country must move in another direction and that they can bring about the necessary changes.' My question is for those candidates who are currently members of Congress: What bills have you authored in the current congress to bring about change and what has happened to them?
What is your posiiton about unfunded mandates from the federal government, shoudln't they be optional if they are not going to be resourced?
Do you have any plans to "lean" the government so that it is efficient and without waste? Are there departments that have outlived their usefulness?
Some of you say that we can use the WTO to enforce fair trade with China. However, the WTO has ruled against us as we are in violation of our agreements with the EU and Caribbean counties in regards to the UIEGA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act). This ruling could cost America/American companies billions.
Question: How can we hold China accountable to WTO agreements if we do not hold up ours? Do you support measures to repeal the UIGEA (such as HR 2046) in order to comply with US trade agreements? If not, why are you if favor of such a limitation on personal liberty.
The United States took its independence from the British Empire by forming a government and claiming control over its own territory by acts of force, such as the Boston Tea Party. The Cuban people rose up against the US-backed Batista dictatorship and took control of its own resources by acts such as nationalizing them. The US never paid any reparations to England, and there was never a blockade of trade with the US by England. Are we ready, after 50 years, to "get over it", let Cuba be a sovereign nation, and open politcal and economic relations with Cuba?
How can you all claim that "I am the best candidate running for the Presidency of the United States"? How about a little modesty? Doesn't somebody (a person or an oranization) has to compute your qualities with other candidates and then declare who is the best candidate. Since there are as many opinions about you as there are people, won't it be more important to say, "you would let the people judge who the best candidates are based on their vision, strategy, and character" and then lay out your vision, strategy and character.
An article in The Economist say, "Plans are moving forward for Dubai Ports World, a partly state-owned company in the United Arab Emirates, to invest $250m in converting the decrepit port in Mariel, just west of Havana, into a modern container facility. A formal feasibility study has been commissioned."
Almost every capitlist nation in the world is doing business with Cuba, excapt the one closest to Cuba. A nation of highly educated people, rich in resources and set in one of the worlds most beautiful and best cared for natural settings. Is any Democratic candidate for President of the USA ready to stop holding Cuba hostage for its people rising up against the US-controlled Batista regime 50 years ago, and get on with business and friendship, let Cubans come to the US to play baseball against our best, to entertain us with their arts and music and let us all go to enjoy the people, the music, the rum, the cigars, the beaches and the culture of Cuba?
Most members of Congress are in safe districts since partisan legislatures draw districts to insure that the incumbent is in a position to never lose. This gives little incentive to voters to get out and vote since most races are foregone conclusions. Iowa is practically the only state in the Union that has highly competitive races for Congress since redistricting is done by computer rather than by the legislature. Would you support this type of redistricting for the entire country, and--if not--why not?
There are student loan debtors who are still paying off this debt 25 years after the fact. President Reagan did away with the student loan interest deduction in ~1986. This to me was a breech of contract as when planning my educational loan borrowing it was in fact influenced by the interest deduction. This is no different than when someone buys a home as an investment and the mortage interest is deductable. Interest rates and laws influencing my student loans taken in the early 1980's despite always being employed or trying to make a living have left me and thousands more in a situation where my SS, any pension, work wages garnished until the day I die. Only a full disability would grant me reprieve from collections. Why are we bankrupting our people before they ever get a chance to make a better life. Why are we ignoring a class of people caught up in Reagonomics where student loans have beomce a small but significant percentage of baby boomers who will have sought the dream of the benefits of higher education but will die, literally die in debt fearing the government will garnish SS benefits.
Which of the candidates would activley support legislation to allow local government to regulate gun control?
Clinton and Obama
Is there an end in sight for the people of Sri Lanka? What will be the United States policy of this particular peripheral war?
Sri Lanka is country with one of the longest unnoticed war in the post colonial era.
currently, Sri Lankans are being recruited to aid the US in a multitde of capacities as "Third World" contractor. My brother-in-law left his wife and two kids to work for a American company as a store keeper in Iraq.
Given that we are not an oil rich country and peripheral in the international political arena, the ethnolinguistic conflict (25 yrs) and insipient breakdown of civil society, the murder of innocent Children, women and men have gone "unnoticed" by the US gov. The abuses are conducted by both sides, The LTTE and the Sri Lankan Army.
Point to consider:
The LTTE has a large operational basis in the United States and recieve money from relief organizations (Tamil Based) and remunerations from the informal economy (money sent back to family members to support the cause for a seperate state)
Equally so, the Sinhala Speaking Buddhist nationalist have a stronghold in many parts of the world, who blindlt follow the nationalist propaganda and rhetoric of the government.
For instance:The denialof jobs to Tamil IDp's in Colombo based on ethnicity and the unlawful detention of tamil nationals under prolonged emergency law.
The LTTE have the most feared and successful female and male suicide bombers who have been responsible for national and internatiol attacks.
The also have access to air and naval weapons and have used these weapons against civilians
Both the SLA and LTTE have been cited on numerous human rights abuses including the abduction and recruitment of child soldiers, the rape of women and children, the blockage of Tsunami relief aid and other the denial of basic human needs to both Sinhala and Tamil civilians.
The United States has named the LTTE as a "terrorist Organization"
Thank You
What plans do you have to tackle the modern day problem of slavery here in the U.S. and abroad?
If elected president will you guarantee the U.S. government and its agencies will abide by the Geneva Convention and outlaw all forms of torture?
Our current president is possibly the least educated (to be P.C.) Pres to hold the position since the turn of last century,with the least amount of experience in leadership.What education and experience do each of you have to be the next President of the USA
In November, the International Crisis Group reported that the situation in Darfur has worsened.. Violence on the ground has increased and humanitarian access has decreased. 30,000 civilians were displaced this October in Darfur, bringing the total for 2007 to 280,000 displaced. A very high proportion of the aid delivered to these displaced victims comes from flights originating from Khartoum. President Bush and others believe that a No-Fly Zone would prevent the Sudanese government from attacking villages in Darfur.
Many candidates believe that establishing a No-Fly Zone is an answer to Khartoum???s indiscriminant bombing of innocent civilians in Darfur. As president would you support the implementation of a No-Fly Zone? And should the situation dramatically deteriorate in Darfur will you be prepared with credible plans to deploy a non-consensual force to protect civilians?
I've noticed that often time political candidates love to promote their own ideas even though they are obviously flawed.
don't you think that the president has an obligation to find and work to implement the best possible ideas, solutions to our problems rather than only promoting their own ideas? please elaborate!!!!!
#2 I am opposed to mandatory minimum sentences. they make no sense and make the system worse. will you work to correct this problem in our criminal justice system? will you work to have priorities rather than keeping the same flawed policy?
#3 many people that supported Bill Clinton think that he betrayed most of his supporters. will each candidate be true to their supporters or sell them out to be re-elected?
#4 I think that the candidates are wrong on "gun control". most Americans are concerned about violent crime and I and many other swing voters do not see how going after law abiding gun owners gets rid of all the awful gun violence in our country: perhaps the anti-gun advocates have a wrong perspective, comment?
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