Difficult Question Time – Presidential Edition

The real test of one’s resolve in answering a difficult question is being in a situation where one must answer the question. Regardless of what any one may say he will do in a given situation, it is what he has done and what he is doing that provides his actual answer.

I like to think that if Scarlett Johansson threw herself at me, I would politely refuse her, explaining that despite any feelings I may have for her, we must deny ourselves. I cannot say with absolute certainty that I would. And as of yet, she has not. Still waiting here…

The bar is considerably much lower for politicians. Since they are usually averse to offending anyone at any time – at least anyone that can keep them in office – even the simplest of questions become difficult to answer.


Me: “Senator McCain, you once cussed at Senator Cornyn for not supporting your ‘comprehensive immigrant reform’ but now you say you get it and will no longer pursue amnesty for illegals. Are you going to pursue a like agenda if elected?”

Senator McCain: “Believe me I get it now. I understand that Americans do not want immigration reform without first securing the border.”

Me: “I realize you understand that Senator but that doesn’t really answer the question…”

Senator McCain: “Border security is important to Americans and is important to our national security.”

Me: “That still doesn’t answer the question nor does it address the fact that many Americans want the country rid of illegal aliens for many reasons other than national security.”

Senator McCain: “I get it.”

Me: “I get that you get it but will you still pursue a pro-illegal agenda?”


This is Senator McCain’s favorite tap dance. However, it is hard to be too critical of the Arizona senator without completely thrashing the junior Illinois senator…

Me: “Senator Obama, are you going to pursue an agenda favorable to illegal aliens?”

Senator Obama: “We need to be united on this issue. This isn’t about race or color. We must move beyond that.”

Me: “So is that a ‘yes’?”

Senator Obama: “I have fought for comprehensive immigration reform that secures our border, fixes our broken immigration bureaucracy and puts the 12 million undocumented immigrants on a responsible path to citizenship.”

Me: “Senator, two-out-of-three ain’t bad, none-out-of-three is. Moving along though… I know you support it-state tuition for illegals – even those that are from out-of-state – do you also support universal health care for illegal aliens?”

Senator Obama: “I have a universal health care plan that will cover every American and cut the cost of a typical family’s premiums by up to $2,500 a year.”

Me: “That still doesn’t answer the question. When you say ‘American,’ are you referring to everyone living in North and South America?”

Senator Obama: “Yes we can!”


I may as well forget any questions regarding illegal immigration with either candidate. At best, Senator McCain would leave the issue alone, at least taking no action for illegal immigration. Senator Obama would have every taxpayer – the less-than-fifty-percent remaining who actually pay income taxes – foot the bill for medical services, education, and home mortgages for every illegal within a one planet radius.


Here is one that I would really like to hear answered. It would be difficult for both, but for very different reasons:

“What would it take for you to use military action against Iran?”