Questions That Haunt Me...

In light of the next GOP debate tomorrow (hosted by NBC and Facebook) I'd like to ponder a few basic and obvious questions that candidates should be expected to answer. Hopefully, given the nature of this particular debate that relies upon Facebook user interaction, we can finally get some clarity.

1. It's easy to say you'll "fix the economy." It's easy to throw in some charged up rhetoric and get people excited about you. And honestly, it's easy to lay out your plan to do so, because, as a serious presidential candidate, you obviously have viable solutions up your sleeve. So, clearly and concisely, explain to the American people how you will improve our nation's economic situation.

2. Let's talk foreign policy. Explain why it does or does not matter that Iran seeks to proliferate. Explain why we are still obligated to blindly support Israel even as they commit human rights violations (or do they?). Explain why North Korea matters, either as a threat or as an opportunity to help the world or what have you. Explain why we can't legalize marijuana to reduce border violence with Mexico or lay off sanctions to build a relationship with Cuba. Explain why exactly Hugo Chavez is the enemy.

And no, I'm not kidding about any of that. Our foreign policy should be dynamic, pragmatic, and, most of all, conceived to serve America's best interests. It shouldn't be set in stone. Instead it reminds me of this Family Guy clip in which Peter and the chicken realize they don't even remember why they're enemies. And even though they start fighting again... at least it's because of a new conflict.

3. Why do social issues even matter? This goes out to Rick Santorum. Heck, even this cringe-worthy attempt at journalism from Fox News (which I don't necessarily blame on the network -- I like Fox for some aspects of their coverage) refers to "Santorum’s appeal to women and evangelicals." That's his base -- and I'd warrant women only really when they happen to also be strongly conservative. His supporters are in favor of a campaign strategy which he proclaims is based on maintaining traditional social conventions. But why should this be key to constituents? He claims everything that he so reviles (see: gays, abortion, contraception, welfare and possibly black people) is a states' rights issue anyway. To the more moderate candidates, same question. Do these discussions have any place in a presidential race?

4. We all seem allergic to substantive debate, but allow me to try this one: What energy policy do you support to keep our country running? Are you another Big Oil puppet? Are you a fan of any and all alternative fuels? Should it vary by region? Nuclear power: yea or nay?

5. Republicans don't seem to care too much about our public education, but the people do. What will you do with the Department of Education? Federal funding? State standards?

What I'd really love is having inter-party debates. Poll the audience on GOP participants and pick three or so, give a wild card to Republican former Louisiana governor Buddy Roemer, add Libertarian candidate and former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson, and get Obama in for good measure. If you want to make things really exciting... let some non-candidates debate. Have the voters directly challenge the next POTUS. Make the suits (or sweater vests, as the case may be) a little bit uncomfortable. They need the practice.

And, as always, I'd like to quickly make the case for Americans Elect. Maybe if some people can see that the media's chosen candidates don't represent their views, those people can seek out options they actually like.