…what would it be? Via The Nation:
At the second annual YearlyKos Convention in Chicago the first week of August, web activists plan to explore new ways to communicate voter concerns to Democratic presidential candidates. The convention’s Presidential Leadership Forum –the first candidate gathering for the netroots –seeks to provide an alternative to mainstream media’s “gotcha” questions and horse-race coverage. Instead, the plan calls for a thoughtful, inclusive discussion that draws its topics and questions from citizens and activists, voters and nonvoters. Forum moderators will be Matt Bai of the New York Times Magazine and Joan McCarter of Daily Kos; blogger and NYU professor Jeffrey Feldman will ask questions submitted by the public. Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson and Chris Dodd have all confirmed that they will participate in the two-hour discussion, which will be followed by separate, unstructured meetings with activists attending the convention. The process is designed to spark a thoughtful national discussion that results in a more reflective, substantive and participatory candidate forum.
You can begin the conversation now by suggesting questions, issues, ideas and criticism via this short web form. Bloggers writing original entries are asked to use the tag YKForum07. People interested in launching viral campaigns may float their issues to the top of the forum agenda by posting on blogs or encouraging friends on social networking sites to submit similar questions or topics.
We are serving on an all-volunteer advisory committee of bloggers, grassroots activists and a few former presidential candidates. Members of the committee are now reaching out to voters and activists to discuss ideas and issues that the forum should consider.
As a member of that advisory committee, I am reaching out to all of you: if you could ask the presidential candidates a question, what would it be?
It is tough framing a succinct, meaningful question that doesn’t leave wiggle room for spin or a pat soundbite answer, but invites a thoughtful, considered response. I encourage you to add your questions to the mix — not just in the comments, but on the questions page for the YKos forum as well. This is an extraordinary opportunity to interact with national leaders and shape the discussion on policy and perception, so I encourage you to really think about what it is that you wants answers to for the coming political campaign — for the good of us all for both the short and long term.
Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with…because I know you have a lot of questions worth asking.
PS: I am tentatively scheduled to do Sam Seder’s Show on Sunday at 5 pm ET/2 PM PT with Atrios and Digby. Yes, that did feel like a tremor in the force…or was it just punaise?
(Photo via Vanessa Roanhorse.)
Related posts:
- Got a Question for Rush Limbaugh?
- Online Health Care Townhalls Sunday at FDL: Ohio Democratic Senate Candidates
- Senators Answer Video Questions on Health Insurance Reform
- The $46,000 Question: What are the Terms for Christie’s Loan to NJ’s First AUSA?
- Who Picks The Candidates– The Corporately Financed Bosses or Grassroots Primaries?
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Zed!
From Senator Clinton to the GOP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwfGhoJiXNk
If I could ask GW one question?
How soon can you pack?
Oh, sorry.
GW not a candidate, except for a mental evaluation.
I’m going to have to think some on the questions. So many issues so few words. But, I think I would begin with something like:
Given the revelations of the unprecedented politication of the DOJ, what would you do to restore the public’s faith in it and ensure that justice is applied equitably to all people regardless of political affiliation.
How about:
Since you are campaigning for an office subject to impeachment, could you explain what, in your opinion the founders meant by “high crimes and misdemeanors”?
(Oh, and btw: IMPEACH)
AS President, would you lift the Cuba embargo and normalize political and economic relations?
President Bush issued an executive order allowing presidential records to remain secret for long periods of time. Will you take action to return access to previous levels?
Senator Clinton,
Why have you not denounced James Carville for his supporting a pardon of Lewis Libby?
Do you believe in the legitimacy of the unitary executive theory espoused by the Bush administration? Why or why not?
allan_in_upstate @ 9
I like that one.
Q1 Why do Dems allow the media and GOP to get away with spreading disinformation and outright lies?
Q2 If elected what assurances do we, the American people, have that we won’t be substituting one party of corrupt politicians beholden to special interest groups for another?
nogo war @ 7
I may agree with you that we should do this. I probably do. But I don’t think we should ask candidates if they are willing to commit political suicide in Florida to get some kind of commitment that can be broken in an instant.
Polling indicates that more and more American’s feel insecure about their access to health insurance and their ability to withstand a major medical problem, both physically and financially. What is your plan to deal with this problem.
“What do you think of SiCKO?”
Looking at you Hill…
janda @ 8
Broaden it.
“Which of President Bush’s executive orders and signing statements will you revoke?”
I want a detailed list from each candidate, damn it.
How do you plan on using the unchecked power of the presidency that George Bush has claimed?
Why don’t we have national health care? With all the money we’ve wasted for the war, we could have paid for it twice over.
How can citizen activists help you take back America from its precarious and dangerous situation?
if you could ask the presidential candidates a question, what would it be?
“Do you endorse or reject the Unitary Executive Theory?”
.
Ohio Saves the Day!
http://freewayblogger.blogspot…..s-day.html
usa – 1187
fb – 1143
I have not yet begun to fight.
Will you continue to show cleavage as president?
allan_in_upstate @ 9
Technically, he didn’t. The letter to the judge was a request for leniency.
janda @ 14
It’s an important question, but don’t we know the answer? Obama and Edwards have detailed positions on this. Richards, too, and his is particularly disappointing. Hillary has the history, and a good reason for saying that announcing a program and then seeking support hasn’t worked for her. And only Kucinich agrees with my position that we should have a universal, single payer, not-for-profit insurance program. Kucinich’s ambivalence towards abortion may affect its scope, but, as they say, the devil is in the details.
Are you going to restore appropriate-for-a-functioning-democracy, aligned-with-the-Constitution checks and balances ?
My question:
Will you join us in removing this illegal and criminal administration? If not, get out of the way.
Will you repeal the military commissions act and push for the repeal of the PATRIOT act? Or will you leave all the subtile curbs (asset forfiture) on freedom of speech and political action in place?
There have been credible reports by American military officers that prisoners in our control have been subjected to torture. If you are the next President, will you investigate these reports and share the results of the investigation with the American people, or should these reports be ignored?
noen @ 27
A more honest way of framing my question. *g*
How do you intend to address the massive debt incurred by the previous administration?
“Who do you people think you are fooling? Can’t you see that We The People are looking for some real leadership? Why do you persist in acting like such clowns and cowards? Some of you are better than this act you are putting on. Are you really ready to ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States’ Why don’t you start right this second?”
Do you believe in the theory of Immaculate Collapse vis a vis WTC 7?
As President, will you support criminal proceedings against the current administration for violating the Geneva Conventions?
Which matters more to you:
a) Your political ambitions.
b) Going to the mat for your country.
Hi Christy
I would very much like to know which candidates will return sovereign rights of the states’ National Guard units back to the states. If I’m not mistaken, BushCo ‘changed’ the law and high-jacked the units for his own use.
BigMitch @ 13
But not having to travel to Paris for a nice Habana Cohiba would be nice.
There once was a man named Vitter
Who vowed he wasn’t a quitter.
But with stories of women,
And all of his sinnin’
His carreer is down in the …….
John F. Kerry.
GOP. We’re going to crush you in ‘08. And you are going to be faced with 16 years of Democrats in the White House and a large Demo majority in the Congress. We are going to expose you. And we are going to deal with the Supreme Court, and the federal courts.
barbara @ 29
Our options are bleak. They are either impeachment or armed resistance. These are the only alternatives left to us after the other day.
We stand on the brink.
Jon @ 25
I would rephrase this as “What will you do to restore constitutional checks and balances?”
“Answering in complete seriousness with no attempt at humor or side-stepping, what is the one question you hope you are not asked on the campaign trail?”
Do you have any sense of urgency to restore our sciences and technology positions and restore some sanity in our interior department?
Unless I am nuts, every Republican nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court has taken a secret pledge to overturn Roe v. Wade, although the vast majority of Americans support a woman’s right to control her own body.
Will you promise to only support candidates for the Supreme Court who have openly committed to protect a woman’s right to have an abortion?
How (specifically) can we minimize the damage during BushCo’s remaining 17 months in office?
Oklahoma kiddo @ 38
You need to read this diary kiddo
coup
it’s… bracing, I think that is the word.
Cozumel @ 22
My bad. I guess James and Cruella won’t be inviting me over for weenies any time soon.
And I had so much wanted to meet Babs.
“What is the most right, yet least popular thing you will do?”
allan_in_upstate at 46 — You aren’t missing much, let me tell you…
The question is: what as president would you propose to take the pressure off the Middle East?
How would you go about ending the shortage of RNs in this country?
Hillary, I’m impressed with the strength of your political skills but I have two concerns about choosing you as our leader;
1. How do you justify a flag-burning amendment to the Consitution when government exists – is empowered by us – to defend our rights not usurp them?
2. Would your military policy be more restrained then G W Bush? Bill Clinton? Jimmy Carter?
2B. Do you support a permanent military presense in Iraq? For what purpose and at what cost?
Two questions:
“Will your foreign policy be based on a diplomatic or militaristic approach? Please describe.”
“What resources, both in personnel and finances, will you dedicate to address our worsening environmental problems, particularly in regards to global climate change?”
Do you believe that the privatization of the Pentagon and the CIA to corporations like Blackwater is a good thing?
Do you believe in separation of powers/checks and balances? Explain.
What will you do to keep the wall up between church and state?
BigMitch @ 24
A lot of people don’t pay serious attention until some of the later debates. These questions still need to get asked.
Actually, I am not in the mood to beg candidates for their indulgence. I am of the opinion that it is quite the other way around.
Candidates should be asking ME questions and the foremost question that should be on their mind is:
“How may I best serve you?”
Get them started with the proper attitude from the start I say.
What is your understanding of a presidential vow to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States?
noen @ 45
I read that. Thankyou. ;0)
Back to being a Serious Person:
Do you think that income and wealth inequalities are problems?
If so, what would you do to deal with them?
Do you believe the President has committed impeachable offenses?
Do you believe Supreme Court justices who lied to Congress during confirmation hearings are subject to impeachment?
What will your Cabinet look like?
BTW, Christy, I see that you have all the time in the world for that “Kos” fella but you can’t visit us in Pittsburgh.
Feh.
:-p
.
O/T
I think the Right Wing (personified by Chris Matthews) wanted Hillary to be the candidate, because they judged her to be the easiest to beat. Lesson: Be careful of what you pray for.
Now, the attack on her, especially the one we discussed below, shows that (1) they realize they got what they wanted, and (2) they are scared.
63% of Americans believe Hillary will win IF she gets the nomination.
barbara @ 58
Yes.
IMO, it is not the President’s task to maintain the balance of power , at least not more than 1/3 of it, the remainder is up to Congress and the Courts.
Similarly, questions about impeachment are not , IMO , germaine.
THe poser to enforce does not rest in the Executive, and the Executive’s opinions are therefore not really germane.
Would you even consider pardoning any member of the current administration if they are charged and convicted of any crimes related to their time in office?
BigMitch @ 64
And Tim Griffin was sure to help.
This is one that stumped Mark Warner at last year’s YKos:
spork at 63 — Give me some time to recover from the almost month-long visit of my in-laws, who went home yesterday, would you? *g*
Off topic, but I’m trying to get this to Christy. Have you begun to think about what affirmative steps could be taken at FDL to prevent what happened to Kos regarding Jet Blue? I believe this will be a new tactic of the right and think we should be prepared in advance. This might mean having public disclaimers regarding comments that are so extreme as to be reckless, monitoring comments on ring-wing blogs and keeping a record of the most extreme, etc…
I’ll go with Barbara’s question on all those other topics.
Another one would be
When is the last time you read the Consititution?
“Where do you get your haircut and how much does it cost? Oh, and what are those two things on your chest?”
;-)
mack @ 66
It may not be the president’s task, but it is definitely incumbent (no pun intended) upon the president to honor and not defy it.
emptywheel @ 69
That isn’t very hard to answer at all and should be patently obvious to anyone.
heh
barbara see my follow up
I might want to know what the proper role of the DLC should be in the Democratic party.
How will you address widening income inequality?
Will you make it a priority to examine all of the executive orders issued by the Bush administration, removing any that are legally or Constitutionally unsound?
This question is pretty easy, but I have a hunch that the answer will be “no.”
How much longer must the good citizens of this great country wait for FDL statehood?
noen @ 75
almost anyone… what’s the answer?
‘Are you willing to roll back the actions of the Bush/Cheney administration to 21 Jan 2001?’
‘Are you willing to protect and defend the Constitution as it stands?’
‘Are you willing to listen to the people of the United States, in preference to corporations and business groups?’
(translation: how much does it take to buy your attention?)
‘Do you believe in a minimum standard of living which includes a living wage, affordable housing and transportation, and affordable healthcare?’
‘What are you going to do about the growing (and extreme) income inequity in the US? When 90 percent of the income goes to 10 percent of the poulation, are you worried about the future health and stability of the country?’
What are your priorities in providing acceptable security for borders, ports and cities?
Christy Hardin Smith @ 70
Well, that’s a *convenient* excuse!
;-)
.
bluejeansntshirt @ 80
state expression: Zed!
P J Evans @ 82
Instead of “are you willing” what about substituting “how will you”
I like these questions.
kirk murphy @ 85
state food: peanut
The entire frame is wrong. We do not ask the questions, they do. We elect our representatives to public office and their one and only thought should be how they can serve the people.
We are not the supplicants, they are.
We hold the power not them.
They should come to us on bended knee and beg for our favor. This is what America is all about.
How will you approach terrorism?
Neil @ 81
Oil.
noen @ 88
Think of this more as a job interview. It’s service, but not servitude.
Ford or Chevy?
This coming Saturday, President Bush will… temporarily hand presidential powers over to Vice President Dick Cheney, the White House said.
noen @ 75
Yep. There’s no way the US would attack a country that already has nukes and has tested them more than once.
Will you push for the return of Etch-a-Sketch production to the continental United States?
Please answer using both dials.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 93
Excellent! Impeach the acting president!!
boxer @ 71
I assume you are talking about the trashing Jet Blue took on the Bill O’bullshit show. At the time, I decided to break with my previous position of not attacking advertisers on reich-wing talk shows because it has free speech implications. In this case, O’reilly called for a boycott of Jet Blue, and so I sent to Applebees an email saying I would never eat in their restuarant again, as long as they advertise on O’reilly. I encouraged other pups to do the same.
what steps will you take to get the money out of politics and give us state-funded elections?
some places to begin:
–corporate control of media
–corporate control of politicians
–military industrial control of budget
Nequals1 @ 91
No, I’ve lost my sense of humor lately. I’m thinking servitude and a very short leash. With plenty of whips for those who stray.
What everybody else said, particularly:
How many powers of the executive branch accumulated in the past 7 years would you intend to keep as President? Any? All?
Do you believe that foreign governments have the right to try to influence American foreign policy? Do these beliefs also apply to the state of Israel?
And finally…boxers or briefs? Or other? (thongs? commando? Depends?)
How will you reassure the world community that the US will not wage additional wars of aggression?
How about this ??
“Do you really think there will be a peaceful transition of governments in Jan. of 2009 ? “
Mojo @ 102
There will be no transition, Bush has no intention of stepping down. After the other day I am fully convinced of this.
There will be another 9-11 and then Bush will declare martial law. The coup will be complete.
emptywheel @ 69
I would expand this to cover Saudi Arabia:
15 of the 19 9/11 terrorists
Half the suicide bombers in Iraq
Backdoor funding of the Sunni insurgency
Rabidly anti-Western educational system
Funding of radical mosques and madrassas throughout the world, including Pakistan
One of only three countries to recognize the Taliban regime when it was in power (the other two were Pakistan and the UAE)
Applebee’s guest relations:
http://applebees.com/GuestLanding.aspx
Are you a member of the Bygones Brigade, or will you seek and empower serious investigations of the current Administration’s lawbreaking, both domestically and internationally?
Ford or Chevy?
Neither Gerry nor Chase were funny.
.
How will you restore our republic’s faith in the Preamble to the Constitution?
BigMitch @ 97
You’re aware that Jet Blue caved and pulled their sponsorship? I’m advocated two things:
1. Formulate an appropriate disclaimer that is attached to all articles/topics posted. This prevents what I think the right will begin to do, now that O’Reily had success, which is, they will visit progressive sites and post extreme and reckless comments, which will in turn be broadcast on places like O’Reily to discredit us.
2. Monitor the extreme comments made on rightwing sites, compile lists, and do our own discrediting/sponsorship pressure.
noen @ 103
Yea.. that’s my point..
With all that has come out lately.. NO plans for leaving Iraq.. etc…etc.. Warnings of a new attack..etc..etc..
It’s not lookin’ good folks..
I pray that I am wrong. !!!!
heh. here are a few. float your fave:
1) Why were the inconsistencies regarding 9/11 never fully vetted? (Bush relatives in charge of security, Bush connections with Saudis, Cheney in charge of NORAD, evidence of thermite use and controlled demo)
2) Why was 9/11 only marginally likened to Pearl Harbor as an instance when the American public was deliberately manipulated into war?
3) Why haven’t Democrats utilized evidence regarding machinations of 9/11 to galvanize Impeachment of all involved parties and prevent further potential damage? Are Democrats personally afraid for themselves and their families?
4) Libby-Plame-DOJ proceedings notwithstanding, why haven’t Democrats utilized the destruction of our health care, public schools, environment and infrastructure systems as slam dunk evidence of BushCo’s Impeachable maladministration?
5) Why haven’t Democrats championed the cause of American citizens who have been targets of domestic terrorism as a result of exercising the right to political dissent?
6) Who is watching the watchers to assure that perverts are not capitalizing on this administration’s obsessive compulsion, paranoia, and pathological need to intrude on the right to self-determination? What accountability would you enact to prevent literal ‘perversions’ of justice? What provisions of BushCo would you repeal?
7) Do you have the integrity to push for campaign finance reform?
The pictures of Bush a while ago holding hands with the little man in a white sheet with head gear- was the little man from Saudi Arabia?
Would you advocate the rollback of the tax cuts of the last 6 years, if the extra income were slated to fund:
Universal health care?
Repairing American infrastructure?
Improving American education?
Funding global “green” initiatives?
On a related topic, do you have any suggestions on how to pay for the accumulated war funding of the past 6 years?
TeddySanFran @ 106
Oh, assuming the Dems take over in 2009 I’m sure it will be all “Let’s not look at the past.”
There are no consequences in American politics.
.
Mojo @ 110
As do I. I had these fears years ago and I shelved them because I could not convince myself they were true. There was not enough evidence. I think the evidence is overwhelming now.
Bush undergoes colonoscopy tomorrow.
HOW WILL THE PROCTOLOGIST KNOW WHERE TO STICK THE SCOPE?
It is critical to keep the pressure on the Democrats.
To what Cabinet position will you appoint Christy Hardin Smith?
mark @ 98
I’m with Mark on this one, and Bearpaw @16
Milan River @ 112
That little man owns your ass. He owns your schools, your businesses and most important, he owns the oil that keeps our economy from crashing.
Hugh @ 104
you’re reading my mind, Hugh!
why can’t we have a rational foreign policy?
“What will you do to reign in the power of the industries most resistant to climate change legislation?”
“Today, Americans find themselves under more and more invasive surveillance than ever before,from data-mining by both public and private sectors, automated telephone and computer traffic monitoring, the misuse of NSL’s, as well as the President’s signing-statement claim to possess the authority to open and read citizen’s mail, all without warrants. What will you do to curtail the pervasive surveillance Americans are under, and prevent it from occurring in the future?”
“Do you believe a signing statement gives the President the authority to disregard the law?”
“Do you believe the current President has upheld his oath of office?”
“How will you go about changing the attitude in this country that puts Party ahead of Country?”
“Will you promise to relentlessly pursue criminal investigations against officials in the current Administration, wherever they may lead?”
“If you had the authority to unilaterally remove George W. Bush from office today, right now, would you do it?”
Milan River @ 112
this picture?
barbara @ 87
State call: Caw! Caw!
Nordman @ 116
I would ask the Doctor that as long as he is in there maybe he could remove the reptilian symbiont too? That would be most helpful, thanks Doc.
How will you restore the Bill of Rights?
AP – If the U.S. troop buildup in Iraq is reversed before the summer of 2008, the military will risk giving up the security gains it has achieved at a cost of hundreds of American lives over the past six months, the commander of U.S. forces south of Baghdad said Friday.
“Security gains”?
FDL’s largest export: Snark!
On behalf of our Children; What specific steps are you going to take to make our Country, and World in general, a more friendly, safer, prosperous, and cleaner place to live?
bluejeansntshirt @ 128
Our largest export is political analysis. Somewhat like the procedure Bush is having only with out the rubber gloves.
Nordman @ 116
Difficult to say….ask “the Thompsons” *g*
Torsonic Polarity Syndrome (TPS)
I don’t believe my party has fully come to grips with the Rove intention of leaving Iraq to us. Get on the ball Dems.
‘What will you do to protect individuals and their personal information? Will you protect their privacy?’
(was going to say ‘from government and corporate datamining’, but decided that that was redundant and repetitive.)
‘Do you believe in enforcing the Bill of Rights, including the first and fourth amendments in particular?’
boxer @ 109
Maybe this should be discussed late-nite or other, but it’s not something we should ignore. If Kos and Co. would have been prepared, this would not have turned out the way it did and they could have done some serious creditability damage to O’Reily.
‘Will you change our foreign policy so that we behave less like Klinogns?’
“Do you consider the use of so-called “Free Speech Zones” in keeping with the spirit of the 1st Amendment? Will you repudiate the use of same?”
I am still waiting for one Democratic presidential candidate to come out and call George Bush a “liar”. And I mean use the word ‘liar’. That candidate will get my vote.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 132
I think Bush’s attitude is more like “After me, the deluge”
Sort of like “We had a party, we trashed the place, someone else gets to clean up.”
boxer @ 134
Since when does O’Reilly have credibility?
“If elected, will you claim the power to designate a citizen an “enemy combatant” and deny them rights under the Constitution?”
A forced answer is required here, however ample explanation/clarification is permitted:
As president of the USA, would you be more like Theodore Roosevelt or George W Bush?
Two minutes please.
P J Evans @ 133
Might as well add fifth (due process) and sixth (confront accusers) –
and eighth (cruel and unusual punishment)
(Habeus isn’t just for foreigners)
Your stand on the permanent removal of the letter “w” from the alphabet?
“Regarding Iraq why do you use the word War when it is properly called The Illegal Invasion and Illegal Occupation of … “
“In the event a US official is indicted for war crimes, would you turn them over to The Hague?”
The Democrats really need to comprehend this. If they let the GOP win again in a little more than twelve months from now, they’re through. And I will be through with them. This is ‘make or break’ for my party. Pressure on.
“Do you understand that the effort to address impending climate change and imminent resource wars is going to require you to piss off some very powerful people, and if you’re not willing to do that, then you’re just wasting everyone’s time?”
What are America’s interests, including especially America’s vital interests, in Iraq?
What steps would you take to decrease our infant mortality rate?
OT:
What do we have here? A case of: “throwing the Dog a bone”.
Bush signs Anti-Torture Executive Order
Oklahoma kiddo @ 132
Only way to stop the war is impeachment. As long as Bush is in office, the occupation will continue. This we all know. The only way to stop the war is to stop him.
Here’s my question: How will you UNDO the illegal and dangerous amalgmazation of power in the Executive Branck this, and previous, administrations have acquired?
OT, but funny
King Cheney proclaimed
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITI…..index.html
shrub to go under, Darth to rule (for a few minutes)… Perhaps Iran should put its army on alert
“What useful purpose do insurance companies serve in the delivery of healthcare, and why shouldn’t we have a single-payer healthcare system like everyone else?”
Will you support legislation controlling presidential conduct i.e.
a)attempt to define and set limits on executive privilege
b)formalize the timing and format of presidential press conferences including the way reporters are credentialed and called upon
c)limit or define limits for signing statements
d)set limits on the presidential right to commute sentences. I believe the constitution deals only with pardons.
e)review and limit the use of executive orders
f)make it illegal or specify it as grounds for impeachment if a president orders anyone to violate a congressional directive or subpoena
Hillary: Do you see your daughter Chelsea working in your administration?
ccmask @ 156
Right – State or Pentagon?
“How will you stop government officials or departments from subcontracting out activities they are forbidden from engaging in themselves?”
BigMitch @ 97
Letting advertisers know the content of the programs they sponsor does not inhibit free speech. When following the KFSO hate speech business, I discovered that many advertisers had no idea what was being said on the wacked out Michelle Morgan show and, when made aware, made the decision to pull their ads because they were appalled at what they’d heard.
It’s actually doing them a favor. As the opinion of righties sinks into the toilet, I doubt they want to be associated with them as much as in the past.
Thanks for putting Applebee’s straight, btw.
Do you support extending whistle-blower protection to federal employees?
Quick question: the Beeb is reporting that that &^%*$&# has banned torture Bush bans terror suspect torture, but I’ve yet to see it reported elsewhere. I’m now worried about what else is about to blow up – e.g. what is being covered up / planned. tin-foil underwear anyone?
“Will you govern like a drunken teenager behind the wheel of a stolen car?”
Senator Clinton. Do not let us down. You go… Senator!
Do you believe Medicare is successful? If yes, why isn’t it available to all Americans?
When may I expect to have my country back?
“Should things absolutely necessary for human survival be under the control of for-profit companies?”
boxer @ 109
This site is fine the way it is, and so is DailyKos. O’Reilly can suck eggs. We don’t need to change for him.
IrishJim @ 150
There is also this from Raw Story, which published the executive order: Bush bans ‘cruel and unusual’ treatment of terror detainees
And by the way, what, and/or who did it take to drive Hillary into the arms of some of her most fervent detractors this morning? Hmmm?
What steps can we take to bring civility back to political discourse in this country?
Not exactly on topic, but this is the currently active thread, so here goes.
Marty Lederman has posted a copy of the 1984 OLC opinion on contempt of congress and executive privilege (written by Ted Olson) at the Georgetown Law faculty blog.
http://gulcfac.typepad.com/geo…..pinion.pdf
I stay with Gore.
Will yours be a bipartisan Administration? What role do you see for any GOP members in your Cabinet? Do you foresee relying on Joe Lieberman for anything whatsoever?
Ex-legislator in sex scandal
KANNAPOLIS – Coy Privette, a retired Baptist pastor, conservative lawmaker and outspoken advocate for Christian groups, was charged Thursday with paying a 32-year-old Salisbury prostitute for sex acts.
Privette, a prominent Republican with a 30-year career, is one of the state’s most vocal opponents of alcohol sales and legal gambling. He also serves on the State Baptist Convention of North Carolina and as president of the Christian Action League of North Carolina.
“Coy Privette”?
with a name like that, no wonder his sex life was a secret.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 70
Wow!!
You pushing for sainthood??
TSF mentions Lieberman, #173 @12:50pm . This is a valid question. I want an answer to that too.
Neil @ 51
Hillary supports an Iran War.
Good Lord, order some mind bleach and save yourself.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 70
Mods…please delete this duplicate.
What is the proper role for ex-presidents?
TeddySanFran @ 173
Emptying bedpans at Walter Reed.
Handcuffed to David Broder.
Who would Jesus torture ?
I don’t know who plays golf with who. Nor do I care. But mark this Harry Reid: I want Lieberman out of the loop. And I suspect I am not alone on this perspective. Do you understand?
1) What specific steps are you going to take to undo the Unitary Executive?
2) Give us a timeline for accomplishing those steps to which you agree to be held.
There is ample evidence that the present Administration has politicized the Department of Justice so far as to weaken public confidence in the ability of the DOJ to administer justice without political bias now and in the future.
As President, what steps will you take to fix the DOJ and restore its reputation?
Are you going to sit by and let Bush rapture the world back to the stone age or are you going to get shrill and do something to stop him? A madman has his finger on the button and what are you doing to stand him down before he nukes the mideast?
Compare and contrast the Administrations of presidents 42 and 43.
VictorLaszlo @ 167
I agree. And we have really vigilant mods.
Once elected president, would you pursue criminal charges against any of the present White House admistration if no charges had been made prior to your election?
Would you favor legislation which would place more limitations on executive priveledge?
Seven years after your presidency has ended, would you release all tapes,correspondence ,minutes,and official documents collected during your presidency or would you choose to be in contempt of this law, and keep forever classified these documents as Pres. Bush has so chosen?
RonD @ 162
And if so who’s riding shotgun?
QUESTION: As the newly elected president, will you attempt to uncover and undo wrongdoings of the Bush administration, or will you simply let bygones be bygones?
I have two questions, the second of which is actually a 3 parter (and I have submitted the second question via the web form):
1. For Hillary: Is it true that you have boobs?
2. It is clear that the Bush Administration is the most pathologically secretive Administration in history, which is anathema to democracy and accountability. Would you be willing to pledge to the American people that you will run the most open Administration in modern history? Would you consider a blanket “moving window” of declassification, meaning that any documents that are 20 years old or older get an automatic declassification and anything less than 20 will only be classified if it is TRULY involved in intelligence methods or assets and/or military movements, etc?
Hmmm…a “moving window of declassification”.
I like it.
RT Firefly @ 119
My question, too.
“Are you in favor of publicly financed elections? If not, are you in favor of making corporate donations to the political process (campaigns and lobbyists) illegal?”
Are you going to hound these criminals to the ends of the earth and impeach them post facto, then move on to criminal indictments, to prevent them from ever taking over our government again, or are you just gonna let bygones be bygones after the election?
Who will you nominate as your Secretaries of State and Defense?
This will provide insight beyond Who Does Your Hair. Root out the weasels and schlemiels and give us some REAL insight into who’s the power behind the smoke and mirrors.
I would like to ask the candidates the following:
How do we preserve our Constitutional system of checks and balances and restore Congress’s status as a co-equal branch of government if Congress fails to bring a bill of impeachment against a President who asserts he has the right to command the Justice Department not to enforce the laws of the land when he says so?
(Not to mention torture people, spy on US citizens, politicize federal agencies, add signing statements to congressionally-passed laws, and lie to the American people about beginning a preemptive war.)
Why is there no footage of the 9/11 attack on the pentagon despite the building being draped in cameras? Does this concern you? Would you be willing to investigate that specific point? Maybe Hillary?
(Please do not consider 911 truth seekers as nut cases. I just want to know why there is no footage)
To all of us in the lake,
You can be certain that all the presidential camps will read through these questions in order to prepare and also to take the temperature of the political street. Even if the questions are not picked up, the bugs will still be in their ears. Keep the questions coming!
One of my best friends is driving Sen Obama today.
I asked him to inquire about todays executive order prohibiting the US Att from DC from convening a grand jury for any Congressional contempt citation. I hope he asks him.
RonD @ 154
and #164 – #166
without health, we got squat!
spurious @ 188
Oh, I guess I imagined a post I read last week where someone was advocating violence as a means to accomplish our goals. A few posts later this person was rebuked by another FDLer, however there was no official condemnation, therefore, a third party reading might assume that this type of activity is at least tacitly condoned. Next, what I’m suggesting is playing offense rather than defense. O”Reily, unfortunately, has an audience, and I think any opportunity to make him look less credible rather than more credible, should be taken advantage of.
Good point Hug the Moon
Candidate question:
Is the use of tactical nuclear weapons “on the table” in dealing with hostile acts by Iran or in attempting to destroy its nuclear enrichment program?
Please list all your major sponsors and contributors…
“I hear a lot about how fundraising is like a shadow primary, and that the amount of money someone can raise is an indicator of how well they will perform as a candidate. Do you believe that the amount of money someone raises is an indicator of how well they can govern as President, and if so, why?”
Do you believe that elected officials have a responsibility to tell the people the truth? Or are lies just part and parcel of the governing process because “the people” can’t handle the truth and it must be kept away from them for their own good?
I know this is too late to be read.
“After becoming president, will you continue the NSA wiretapping of US citizens without court approved warrants? Yes or No.”
scav @ 161
This. C.I.A. Allowed to Resume Interrogations.
grr. *stomps away crinkling metallically*
If you become the next President of the United States, as president, will you immediately order than no more taxpayer money will go to any religious organization in our constitutional republic, thus upholding the separation of church and state?
Here’s mine:
DrenchedOtter @ 206
I’d like to follow on this theme:
Senator Clinton,
Can you explain to all of us how to make large profits in commodities trading without knowing anything about how?
You’ve said you were involved during your husband’s presidency, so I have to wonder if you were supportive of his receiving campaign monies from abroad. Did you know it was illegal?
Did you okay the campaign fund-raiser V.P. Al Gore participated in at the Buddhist monastery?
When you screwed-up the health care reform you began to receive large campaign contributions from health care industry companies. How can we trust you will ever create a health care reform to give Americans the care they deserve and need?
Now, your campaign is receiving large contributions. Who is giving so much and what are they buying?
Aside from all the usual issues and policies I wonder what issue or personality is most capable of driving you into a frenzy and into ranting like a loon (as we are all wont to do at times), or do you always maintain your icy exterior ALL of the time?
I saw C-SPAN place a picture of Sen. “John Edwards (D)” next to a picture of your husband, former president “Bill Clinton (D)” and I have to wonder just which Clinton is running for president. Who is the Clinton team fielding against Senators Obama and Edwards and the rest of the field?
Would Bill be living in the White House and advising you daily, as you did while he was president? Who would supervise the interns?
boxer @ 202
That’s loser talk. To hell with Bill O’Reilly. He is full of shit. His smear has no validity.
The truth is that any site with open comments is going to get its share of wackos. That is the basis for O’Reilly’s smear.
The attitude expressed above seems to say “it’s bad if O’Reilly says it is bad.” That is false.
It is normal and fine that sites with open comments get occasional wackos. It’s no big deal, even if Bill say it is. It is nothing that needs to be defended, even if Bill has convinced you otherwise.
Bill O’Reilly is full of shit.
since 1980, the leadership of this country has regressivly moved from caring about the person and american ideals to the corporation and mutlinationals
the two common linkages of the presidential teams since then are either bush/clinton and skull/bones
1980-88, bush as vp, s/b member
1988-92, bush as p, s/b member
1992-2000, clinton as p, s/b member
2000-08, bush as p, s/b member
even in 2004, the two candidates were both s/b members, even the wife of the losing candidate was previously married to a s/b member before she married another one
given 2008, why would anyone in their right mind vote for hillary, as it would continue the bush/clinton duopoly, and as the wife of a s/b member, same shit, differnt iteration
can we please stop doing this to ourselves ??
anyone but clinton, anyone but a republican
Several Presidents have attempted to resolve the Palestinian/ Israeli conflict.
-Are you willing to tackle this issue?
-What would you do differently?
-Do you think Israel should abide by UN Resolution 242 and other UN resolutions that they are in violation of?
-And do you think that India, Israel and Pakistan should sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty? And are you willing to encourage them to do so?
To the Presidential candidates.
We have heard many candidates say that we should be focused on the way forward in Iraq.
How can our nation or the world move forward if we do not try our best to understand how our nation was led into a war of choice?
Do you think that those who created and dessiminated false WMD intelligence should be held accountable?
If not what kind of message does this send to our children, the world and the families that have lost relatives (both Americans and Iraqi’s) in this unnecessary war?
Are you in favor of a single-payer/taxpayer-funded universal health care system? That is, basically, Medicare for all? If not, why not? Do you find it morally and ethically repugnant that the U.S. is the only western nation without universal health care? Would you, if elected, pledge to remove the profit motive from our health care system? How much money has your campaign received from the health insurance/pharmaceutical industries?
Do you as a candidate for president of the United States agree or disagree with the following statement: Anyone who would intentionally mislead the public on issues of national concern, no matter their status in society, betrays that public and undermined the principles this country was founded upon?