http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.10937/pub_detail.asp
Recent candidate debates have been partisan, led by sound-bite rather than important policy issues. Irrespective of party, the following questions are essential for all candidates to address.
A debate should be a formal discussion in which arguments are put forward and each participant presents his reasons for or against a proposition or policy. It can be the basis for judging and evaluating candidates.
However, the recent televised debates among the candidates seeking the Republican nomination for the Presidential elections of 2012 fell short in arguments, substance and style.
A one minute response to a serious question is impossible, but in any case many questions were ridiculous. For example, candidates were asked what they would bring to the White House if elected. I would have pledged the max to the person who answered “my cocker spaniel.” Furthermore, instead of encouraging the candidates to present cogent arguments moderators fostered a circular firing squad by pitting candidates against each other.
Beside carping at the media, Newt Gingrich did bring a refreshing gravity to the fray. However, almost all his answers on tax policy, energy, social security, foreign aid and immigration were originally promoted by Texas Governor Rick Perry who, alas, was unable to articulate them in debates.
There are many questions that impact America’s national security that should be asked of all candidates for the Presidency––or Congress––regardless of political party. Here are a few: