The first of the presidential debates starts this week. Well, there are not debates, but actually glorified new conferences with the parties setting the rules that give the candidates plenty of opportunities to continue there taglines.
Odds are very good that the candidates will provide an answer without answering the question. After all, Mr. Romney has previously stated to a moderator, “You have the right to ask the questions you want to, and I have the right to answer them in a way I want to.”
What if I was running the event? If so, here are the six rules in the A Frank Angle interview format.
- The moderator (me) is in charge; thus asks the questions, exercises any rule at any time, and can re-ask questions until answered.
- If the candidate does not answer the question, immediately turn off their microphone and surround them with the cone of silence.
- If the candidate strays from the question, immediately turn off their microphone and surround them with the cone of silence.
- If the candidate stresses the faults of the other candidate’s position over emphasizing their position, immediately turn off their microphone and surround them with the cone of silence.
- If a candidate cuts off the other, turn off their microphone and surround them with the cone of silence.
- When in doubt, see Rule 1.
Better yet, here are some questions that probably will not be asked on the televised events.
To Mr. Romney
Let’s assume you win, but face a divided Congress. How will you navigate the non-compromising segment of your party?
Was President Obama born in the United States? Is President Obama a Muslim? Besides some horseshit answer like “They are entitled to believe what they want to believe”, explain yourself to the people who do believe it.
If the US Supreme Court is for all Americans, would you favor one in the mold of the other conservatives or one of independent mind?
(Follow up) There are taxes, penalties, and fees. You repeatedly state that you want to lower tax rates After the Supreme Court ruling regarding the Affordable Car Act, you happily accepted the mantra that penalties are taxes. With that same thought, aren’t fees also taxes?
There are many in your party who advocate the teaching of various explanations of Biblical creationism in a science classroom. Why have you not taken the stance that the US Supreme Court ruled against that over 40 years ago?
To President Obama
One aspect of your 2008 message of hope and change focused on bringing the two parties together as much as possible. On the other hand, a hard-driving Rahm Emmanuel’s (your chief of staff) is a direct contradiction to your message. How do you explain the difference between what you say and what you do?
Afghanistan continues to be a trouble spot. Although the American public supports the military, the majority does not favor this conflict. When are you going to make the decision to stop nation building and get the heck out?
Why did you not immediately embrace the recommendations from the bi-partisan Simpson-Bowles Commission?
The financial sector is the foundation for our economic system. Because Dodd-Frank continues to allow banking deregulation, why did you not support returning to the regulation established by Glass-Steagall?
Outside of the stimulus, the economy didn’t become the focus of your presidency until year three. Why?
To Both
Each of you frequently mentioned the importance of small businesses. What is your definition of small business?
(Follow-up) Why did you ignore the Federal Government’s own definition as per the Small Business Administration? Now, given statistics from the SBA and IRS, let’s examine your claims.
To Rep. Ryan
What is 1+1?
Good, you can add. Here’s a calculator, a pencil, scrap paper, and your budget. Because your numbers do not add up and need more explanation, go over to the side to work on this and we’ll get back to you.
To Vice-President Biden
How did you react to The Onion’s portrayals of you washing a sports car and offering guitar lessons?
Two Interesting Reads
- This recent George Will column has excellent questions for the candidates
- John Donvan Washington Post’s column about turning the event into a debate
A Frank Angle 
There would be a HUGE silent gap if you were in charge! 🙂 You can also ask Obama what happened to closing Gitmo? H’mmm I do believe another prisoner just got released to Canada this week on a deal. Canada kicking and screaming all the way….
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Kellie,
After a few enactment of the rules, maybe the candidates would learn a lesson. Besides, I have no time limit and no subject to television schedules. … and YES … I will entertain questions from my readers! …. and the Gitmo one is a good one!
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hee hee hee. Can’t wait until election. I am OVER it all.
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…. and I can’t wait until this is over …. and we can start on 2016 the day after! Gag!!!
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ok a little bit of vomit came up on that statement too! 🙂
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That’s alright Kellie … Because of your sensitive stomach at the moment, no spicy foods for your meals today.
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oh you are a funny guy Frank. 🙂
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Glad to help. 😉
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Frank, sweetie, I love you like a brother, but “frankly” the best part of the debates is the fact they AIN’T gonna be on my TV. While I take my politics seriously, I administer my doses in comfortable manners. Therefore, I will be dutifully watching and taking notes, while “Sons Of Guns” shows the Mythbusters how to PROPERLY blow up a propane tank. 😀
‘Cause if Romney gets elected, I’m gonna want some MAJOR firepower handy…. 😉
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John,
And the odds of me tuning in are slim because they probably won’t say squat — meanwhile, the partisans will proclaim how their guy won. Blah, blah, blah. Enjoy your shows!
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Oh another question for Biden. Killing Osama Bin Ladin is NOT a policy it is an event of which the Navy seals preformed. Explain the word “policy” vs. event. 🙂
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I love your idea about the cone of silence!! Quite innovative!!!
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Clan,
I could have a running clock in the corner to see how long each lasts with every question! Thanks for supporting the innovation!
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I really wish they would allow Gary Johnson (Libertarian) and Jill Stein (Green) in the debates, I think they would have both Mr Romney and President Obama backpedaling and saying “What I really mean is…..”
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Well, as I am a long way from these debates, I’ll stay out of this one. We have our own coming up very soon. Yah, we get to vote out our current Government xx
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Spiced,
Ouch … but it least (I think) the Aussie way is not a multi-year process! When is the election? What are the polls saying at this point? Let me know if you want me to moderate the debate with my rules. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
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The elected Government gets to keep it a secret but it has to go to the polls sometime next year. The polls for Julia have been improving a little lately because her father died so there’s been some sympathy amongst the swinging voters. I’m not sure if there will be any live debates but if there are, I’ll try to get you in on the action. This Government throws money around like there’s a never-ending stream so no doubt they’ll send a jet to personally pick up up xx
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Many thanks for sharing. After all, like most Americans, I don’t know much about Aussie politics. But, your comments have perked up my interest, so thanks providing me some perspective.
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I would gladly put you in charge. But, like many others, I will not necessarily watch–I do not usually like the reality shows; this one sounds like Politicians of DC. I do like that both sides are lowering the expectations for their guy by predicting that their own man will probably not win the first “debate.” Then if they don’t drool too much, attempt to answer something, they exceed expectations. What a sick game.
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Patti!!!!!
How ya doin’? Oh my … gotta love your “Politicians of DC” title for a reality show. Meanwhile, I doubt if I will watch the debates – but definitely not the first one. Yep – it’s all a sick game. Thanks for stopping by and I hope all is well with you!
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i’d love to ask mittsie the following:
Why is your wife (who has never worked outside the home and, therefore, never paid any taxes on money earned from working) entitled to world-class health care while a woman who is working for minimum wage and raising children has to depend on emergency rooms and charity?
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Nonnie,
Ah ha … I obviously want tickets for the audience. No problem as I can get you a VIP seats. After all, besides controlling the conversation, I also control the tickets. 🙂 Hmmmmm … now you have me thinking how to work in questions from the audience. Of course the same rules do apply for the responses. Thanks for commenting.
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If we get to as Ann questions, can we ask how a horse that she doesn’t ride qualifies as a medical exemption on their taxes?
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Elyse,
Nice try, but as moderator, no questions to the spouses.
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Calista would not have permitted that.
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Calista is out of sight, out of mind, and probably never in the spotlight again.
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Actually she was on “Morning Joe” this morning — I have no idea why as I happily turned it off before she appeared.
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Good idea to turn it off … and she probably promoted her way on for some goofy reason.
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Maybe she offered some Tiffany’s credit …
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If you were running the debates, I’d definitely watch, Frank. I love it when politicians are really put on the spot. 🙂 We could do with someone like you here in South Africa.
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Paradise,
I appreciate your endorsement of my rules. And yes, they could set a new global standard! 🙂 Thanks for coming by and have a wonderful day in Paradise.
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Love the cone of silence!
Love the questions. But can we get to some of the social issues? These are really important issues also.
May I reblog this one on my site?
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Val,
My questions were meant to be all inclusive, so hey … social-issue questions could be worked in. After all, I’m taking suggestions. Can you give me one to ask each candidate?
Yes … feel free to reblog …. and thanks for asking!
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Reblogged this on QBG_Tilted Tiara and commented:
From my thoughtful friend at aFrankAngle the most perfect approach to the coming Presidential debates. If only!
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To Both Candidates: We currently have over 2 million citizens incarcerated mostly under the Drug War policies of the 1980’s. These policies have been shown to have failed, what will your administration do to change our incarceration rates, re-introduce non-violent offenders back into the community and back to families?
To Both Candidates: Industrial Hemp is currently listed as a Controlled Substance and prohibited despite its many uses. Would your administration be willing to consider removing Industrial Hemp from prohibition and allowing farmers to begin growing for Industrial use?
To Mr. Romney: Your party continues to block re-funding of the Violence Against Women Act, can you explain this decision by the GOP?
To Mr. Obama: The DNC continues to support / allow the development of the private voucher program for schools rather than enhancing public school competency, can you describe your strategy to work with states if you are re-elected.
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Val,
Thanks for submitting the questions – and a special thanks for good questions to both. Hopefully, after repeated time in the cone of silence, they would be conditioned to answer them.
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Excellent questions. I’m definitely going to watch. There is still more to learn about the candidates’ positions and this forum is a better opportunity to learn about them than through their commercials.
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Snoring Dog,
Definitely more than from their commercials! Then again, in itself, not a great accomplishment. However, get ready to hear much of the canned responses. Nonetheless, one can still learn. Thanks for commenting.
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Well, as you are taking questions: To both: If 9/11 happened 3 times a year, every year wouldn’t American Authorities have to do somehting drastic to stop the carnage? Yet 12,000 Americans a year, every year are killed by gun crimes and accidents: Isn’t it time to to do something about this. Dosen’t this human dissaster outweigh the 2nd Amendment?
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Bill,
Welcome first-time commenter – and all the way from the UK as well! How did you find my little corner of the world? Thanks for the question … whew … powerful! Their answers will probably cause repeated time in the cone of silence. Thanks for visiting, and please return!
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i’d pay money to see jon stewart moderate a debate.
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Rich,
Mr. Stewart would be good. Then again, I trust the moderators. It’s the rules/format that is the problem because the parties run it! Thanks for commenting.
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i hate when they answer a question by criticizing the opponent. i’m glad you mentioned that one. i’d love to see a panel of judges who vote whether or not the question was answered, and then a scoring system like a prize fight, with a winner determined at the end by a numerical score.
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Rich,
Great idea … like the Dancing with the Stars judges … paddles and all. Love the idea … of course that assumes they get to finish the answer, thus not get banished to the Cone of Silence.
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bill hayes. are you the same bill hayes who is a frequent commenter on roger ebert’s blog/journal?
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No I am not. Damn, there are two of us out there.
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i think he spells his name “hays.” maybe it’s a pen name.
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Damn silly name for a pen, but no matter.
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I am all for the cone of silence. In fact, I think several of my readers want me in it.
But I’ll be watching …
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Elyse,
Several of your readers want you in the Cone of Silence? 😉 Meanwhile, enjoy watching and thanks for commenting.
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I’m afraid some folks REALLY like my political posts. Some, well, don’t. C’est la vie.
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I knew what you meant, but I just had to take a literal view. 😉 … However, we all enjoy your feisty side coupled with the intellect. 🙂
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Elyse, I’d love to be in your cone with you. (Hm … that sounds so – WRONG. Accept the sentiment, even if the words are ultra-creapazoid? 😉 )
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Absolutely creepazoid, John. Besides, I think with two chatty folks like us together the sound would leak out. I for one would be on my shoe phone …
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So what can we do to get you in front of the microphone, Frank! You’d be a great asset…wonderful observations. I will be watching, but I don’t have high hopes of learning much. 😦
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Debra,
Hooray … another vote for me as moderator and my rules! I heard a great analogy today. Think of it as a judge of a figure skating routine. You know everything that is coming, but you are waiting for the mistake. Thanks for stopping by.
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Brilliant post …. you got everything in. Read that Obama is in the lead – good because out them two I have to vote on him – because Bill isn’t in the race.
Don’t trust Romney at all …. a man that rich and don’t pay any taxes are going to be most powerful man in the world – give me a break. If America can’t see now what that will mean for the countries future … go to Spacsavers. God Bless America.
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Viveka,
FYI: Because the total vote is meaningless, national polls have little value. On the other hand, the state-level polls are the key ones to watch. Meanwhile, in US politics, 4+ weeks to go is plenty of time to reverse or widen a trend. Thanks for commenting!
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Good Luck … to you, America!
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If I could vote on a “man on the street” debate moderator Frank, you’re my man! Excellent use of the Cone of Silence and a very intelligent list of questions. I’m anticipating the usual — avoiding a direct answer to any question and reworking the question to spout about what they want to spout off about — with a few scripted soundbites tossed in.
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Lame,
Woo hoo … another supporter! 🙂 Meanwhile, reality is they will spout off their prepared statements … or do like Palin said (paraphrased): I don’t want to answer that one, but I want to say …. She should have been cut off the air! Oh well …. Thanks for commenting.
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LOL “Cone of Silence” is a great idea, although you might also consider a trap door in the floor from whence there would be no return (to the debate I mean – or do I, hmmm ???).
As for asking the questions again and again – it didn’t work out for the BBC’s Jeremy Paxton a few years ago when he interviewed British government Minister Michael Howard.
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Paxman once said in anewspaper intervbiew that when interviewing Politicians jhe finds himself looking at them as they talk and wondering “why is this bastard lying to me?”
He still hosts the BBC flagship Newsnight programme and he now has nice way of showing his disrespect by leaning back in his chair, follding his arms and looking up at the ceiling.
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LOL I’ve watched him quite a bit. He can be a fierce interviewer. And I think most of the politicians know he knows you know.
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Fasab,
Now there’s good evidence for my rules. I did consider the trap door … or the cane from across the stage. Still may add it, thus an alternative if they don’t change the ways from time in the cone of silence. Thanks for the video and comments.
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Of course, I meant “Paxman” – bloody computers always getting it wrong 😦
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I would pay serious money to hear Biden’s opinions of his Onion coverage.
I’m hoping the moderator will pin down the candidates and actually get them to answer something.
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Guapo,
Finally … someone who commented on the Onion reference! You da man!!! Meanwhile, the candidates will use their prepared scripts as much as possible. Thanks for commenting.
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Great post! I especially liked the questions for the candidates.
Thanks for including the column by John Donvan of the Wash. Post in which Donvan talks about turning the presidential debates into a format resembling the Oxford Union-style debate as showed in a broadcast and live-streamed series called “Intelligence Squared U.S.” I watched that debate on Intelligence Squared U.S. and certainly hope future presidential debates incorporate some of its ideas.
Also, am I correct that the “cone of silence” would be lowered by the moderator (you) without the candidate’s knowledge, leaving the live studio and TV audience to watch the candidate silently babbling away while you provide commentary on what you hear (through your earpiece) the candidate saying?
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Tim,
Thanks for confirming Intelligence Squared, which is something I will promote on a Friday.
Although I haven’t finalized the design, but yes, I will activate the cone’s engagement. However, while the candidate may continue to babble, I will not listen and provide commentary … let them babble, …. and I continue on with the next question to the other candidate. Glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for sharing the info and your thoughts.
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Don’t forget to add helium injection to the cone. That way, any noise that does leak out will be hilarious, generating good feedback! 😀
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John,
Good idea … but nothing will leak out … plus the mic will be off. Then again, there is no need for me to help them look like fools. Thanks for commenting.
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Ohhh, if only you could be the moderator, Frank. It would either force them to answer questions, or it would be hilariously entertaining. Win-win either way.
I’m not confident that Ryan would be able to handle that math question, but it sure would be entertaining to listen to Biden talk about the Onion coverage.
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Weebs,
Awesome – another supporter of my format! Glad you enjoyed the Biden question as I purposely put that one at the end with the hope of some chuckles. BTW – the links on that are legit. As for Ryan, let’s just say that we may not have heard the end of that question. 😉 Thanks for commenting.
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The cone of silence should be deployable at all times.
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Prufs,
Welcome first-time commenter. For the debates, I control the COS deployment by use of a simple switch. Thanks for commenting, and hope you return … after all, it’s not always political.
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a-HA! And we have the reason for your shift away from the GOPers. You’re a switch-hitter. 😉 😀
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Excellent questions Frank. Did you notice Jim Leher’s rules of the debate to the audience? I thought it was a great statement to the times we live in that it speaks to the general disrespect for the representative offices of the country.
Anyways, I won’t go on any longer, the debate is about to start.
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Mashed,
Thanks … I didn’t hear Leher’s statement, but it sounds like a good one. Surprisingly, I won’t be watching … well, the rules for my format say why. Thanks for visiting.
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Now that was a train wreck to watch Obama last night on debate. Regardless if democrat or Rebublican watching him no agrument Obama so ill-prepared and non Presidential was sad actually. When you have Bill Maher on his butt you know NOT good performance. YIKES
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Kellie,
First of all, I didn’t watch. Nonetheless, to your point, if a partisan (as Bill Maher) is on your case, that could be a sign of a problem. However, my contrarian side also says that blind acceptance an cheer from the faithful is the coin’s other side. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Ya I think Maher is wishing he had his 1 Million back this morning. painful to watch…
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Dang, Frank. I want YOU as moderator. I have a feeling, though, the cone of silence will be used too often.
As far as the bipartisan question for Obama, Rahm is the Liberal attack dog, so you have a great point there. To his credit, he has appointed Republicans to his staff.
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Spinny,
The whole intent of the rules is to stop the insignificant ramble and get better answers. One would hope that after repeated trips to the COS, at least one candidate would change their tune. Glad you liked the Rahm question, but, appointing Republicans to positions has nothing to do with the question. 😉 …. just want to show how the rules would work. 😉 Meanwhile … thanks for your support for my format! … and for commenting.
BTW – I may have another one in on this topic.
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You would make a fantastic moderator, Frank. We might not hear much from the candidates (the cone of silence would likely get a good workout), but I bet whatever we would hear would have some substance for a change.
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Robin,
Correct … once in the cone, I go on to the next question with the other candidate. However, if they are in a cone, I release them, but they may return. 😉 Thanks for your support. 🙂
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The debate wasn’t too bad, but your questions would have been great.
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Bruce,
Thanks for not only your take, but for enjoying my questions. PS: I am considering another post like this. Thanks for visiting … and hope all is well!
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Why were you not the moderator instead of Leher? I want a do-over for the debates and I nominate Frank A. as the debate moderator! Perfect guidelines, rules, and questions.
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E-Tom,
Well … Me as a moderator and my rules come as a packaged deal. 😉 But let’s face it, the problems the rules address are common with politicians in most Q&A settings. Glad you enjoyed this and thanks for commenting.
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