Five questions for Sen. McCain

[EffieBlack]

Since morals, character, associations, etc. are apparently of such critical importance in this presidential race, Stephanopoulos' interview tomorrow with McCain offers a great chance for him to demonstrate that these issues are a bipartisan matter and not just directed at the Democrats. Toward that end, I propose that he ask the following questions of his guest:

1. You recently said that "the issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should?" Yet you have spent decades in the United States Senate, voting on economic issues that impact families across the country. Shouldn't Americans have doubts about electing a president who at this point in his career and by his own admission is still not up to speed on one of the most important issues they and the country face today?

2. Should your ongoing confusion about the basic facts about the war in Iraq give voters reason to question your ability to serve as Commander-in-Chief of this war effort?

3. You have said you are very proud to have Pastor John Hagee's endorsement. Do you share his views that the United States must attack Iran to fulfill biblical prophesy? If not, why will you not renounce him and his support? Are you concerned that your refusal to denounce and distance yourself from Pastor Hagee and others with similar views, combined with comments and jokes such as "bomb, bomb Iran" send the wrong message to the American voters about your truthfulness about your views and intentions?

4. You are known to have a rather fierce temper but we have not seen many displays of it during the campaign. Have you finally come to terms with your anger-management issues or are you simply "turning down the temperature" because you know that the sight of an out-of-control white man will turn off minority voters?

5. You are an admitted adulterer. Although you are now married to one of the women with whom you cheated on your first wife, you have never offered a public explanation or apology for your behavior. Do you plan to "come clean" to the American public about your past indiscretions and the steps you have taken, if any, to repent? If not, wouldn't it be hypocritical for you to campaign on any issues of character in the fall?

That should do it for now.

[e-mail]

[rainy]

1. Can we forward these to George?

[EffieBlack]

3. I already did, but feel free to send them along as well

[uponit7771]

2. He'll call them inappropriate

[EffieBlack]

4. Of course he will. But asking whether someone's pastor loves America

or why someone doesn't wear a flag pin are suitable questions for a debate because "people are asking" and because this might be used against a candidate later.