# My friend may be asking a question of President Bush **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 16, 2006, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596 "2006-03-16T14:06:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/41 "2006-03-16T23:05:37Z")
> [@Richard Parker](#): > > This is a great question. I think we should make it more specific. > > I can see him replying, “I believe God works in complicated ways,” or something similarly vague. During the 2000 campaign he said, “On the issue of evolution, the verdict is still out on how God created the Earth,” using language similar to his discourse on global warming. It would be nice to show that he thinks anthropogenic global warming is on the same level of reliability as evolution. > > Perhaps the question could be, “Which do you have more confidence in, that humans evolved from apes as a result of natural selection, or that human activities are adversely affecting global climates?” Thanks for your logical follow-up. Clearly you are not Presidential material! I suppose we could ask “How old is the Earth?” ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/42 "2006-03-16T23:10:50Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > Are you a Cylon? No, and I’m not involved in Cylon related development activities either. I like **LHoD** ’s suggestion, but you’d really have to emphasize that he gave in inadeqate answer the first time, and that you want a better answer, not just repeat the same question. BTW, it’s not like Bush invented the non-answer answer. 99.9% of the politicians out there do that. Bush’s distinction is to cherry pick the quesions in the first place much more than is typical. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/43 "2006-03-16T23:46:24Z")
> [@John Mace](#): > > BTW, it’s not like Bush invented the non-answer answer. 99.9% of the politicians out there do that. Bush’s distinction is to cherry pick the questions in the first place much more than is typical. It’s true that 99.9% of politicians use the non-answer answer. But how many of them can claim to have invaded Iraq?! ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/44 "2006-03-16T23:53:37Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > You know, the best question to ask may be one that he’s just been asked and ignored. > “Mr. President, when you were just asked about the lack of Iraqi police readiness, you responded with a vague non-answer. Could you please address the specifics of that question?” > > In other words, provide the follow-up to someone else’s question. > > Daniel “I don’t have time to address every detail, but we just put together position paper xxxxx on that very subject, you can find it on the White House website. Next question?” ---
**Author:** ![drewbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drewbert/32/15890_2.png) [@drewbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewbert)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/45 "2006-03-16T23:57:55Z")
I like **E-Sabbath** ’s first question. Has anyone ever tried the question-switching strategy proposed by **Hey You!** and lived to tell the tale? Wouldn’t that trick get you pounced on by the Secret Service as soon as you were out of camera range? ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/46 "2006-03-16T23:58:30Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > That’s what I would have in mind if I got to ask him when we’ll be pulling out of Iraq. “We’re only in Iraq to help the brave Iraqi people in their struggle to build democracy in the middle east. So we don’t have any timetable, we’ll pull out when the job is done. And I’d like for all of us to take a moment to thank the brave American soldiers who are over there right now doing a difficult dangerous job keeping us safe from terrorism. Next question?” C’mon, these are easy. A robot could answer these. How about some tough questions? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/47 "2006-03-17T00:01:51Z")
> [@glee](#): > > It’s true that 99.9% of politicians use the non-answer answer. > But how many of them can claim to have invaded Iraq?! 1. You might say that Bush is unique. Next question? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/48 "2006-03-17T00:28:53Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > Mr. President, I am concerned about the recent apparent encroachments on personal privacy, as revealed in the media. I think the nation would like to hear your policies and opinions on the right to privacy, and the touchstones your administration uses when considering the boundaries of the policies. “That’s a good question. Y’know, privacy is one of my highest concerns as president. We all enjoy privacy, it one of those things that make America great, as long as we don’t hamstring our hard-working law enforcement officials in their battle against terrorism. So, privacy, I’m for it, absolutely, and America can rest assured that we take their privacy concerns very seriously. Next question?” > [@](#): > > Mr. President, I know you’re supportive of alternative energy sources. Can you share your view on the future energy policies the nation needs? “We’ve expanded our ethanol program, using the vast political power of the farm-belt Senators to lock in wasteful subsidies for Archer-Daniels-Midland. Y’know, I have great faith in the resourcefulness of the American people, American engineers, American inventors. And we’re supporting clean coal programs, increased oil exploration, wind, and solar, all with the goal of reducing our dependence of foreign energy sources. Next question?” (Note: subsidies for alternative energy development overwhelmingly go to…you guessed it…ENERGY COMPANIES. Bush loves energy companies) > [@](#): > > Mr. President, what can you tell us about the recent revision of the Medicare program, and how the government is working to repair the strong issues that seem to have been created by it? “Just the other day I was at another town meeting, talking to our senior citizens, and how our new Medicare prescription drug coverage has reduced their cost of medication. And I think it’s great that seniors now have this option to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Our administration is committed to helping the greatest generation of this country, who made so many sacrifices to preserve American freedoms during dark times and who built an America that we all can be proud of. Next question.” > [@](#): > > Mr. President, many of our brave men are being injured in Iraq. Thanks to body armor, few are killed, but what is being done to help those who have lost limbs re-enter society? “That’s a great question. You know, just the other day I was visiting some big military hospital type place, and I was amazed by the dedication and sacrifice of our brave soldiers in Iraq, to bring democracy to the middle east and fight terrorism. And I met Staff Sergeant Smithee, who lost both legs, both arms, and a front tooth, and now gets around on a powered skateboard he operates by twitches of his left earlobe. And he told me how he was proud to make this sacrifice for our freedom. And our administration is committed to providing the highest care to heroes like Sergeant Smithee who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Next question?” > [@](#): > > Mr. President, what kind of person would you favor being your successor as President? “I think our next Republican president should be someone who is committed to continuing our fight against terrorism and those who would destroy our freedoms. Someone with integrity, honor, courage, and steadfastness, someone like me who won’t back down like a scared little girl when those around him want to withdraw our troops out of Iraq. Someone that Staff Sergeant Smithee would be proud to vote for when he pulls the lever in 2008 with his remaining teeth. Next question.” > [@](#): > > Mr. President, can you name five Democrats you most respect, on a professional level, and can you tell us why? “Well, let me give you one. We worked with Joe Lieberman on the ‘Giving Lots of Money to Religious Organizations’ bill sponsored last year, and his faith and dedication impressed me, especially since he voted for the war in Iraq and is a reliable vote for other meaningless gestures that pander to social conservatives. Oh, and two, Zell Miller, who endorsed my candidacy and spoke at the Republican convention last year. Y’know, most people who hate everything the Democratic party stands for and who endorse Republicans exclusively would quit the Democrats and join us. Not Zell, he’s got too much integrity for that. Next question?” ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/49 "2006-03-17T00:47:26Z")
Why does the porridge-bird lays its egg in the air? What is your favorite Vogon poem? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/50 "2006-03-17T01:20:22Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > You think he’s never been asked a “tough” question before? I remember [one he whiffed pretty badly](http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/04/20040413-20.html): > [@](#): > > _Q:_ After 9/11, what would your biggest mistake be, would you say, and what lessons have you learned from it? > > _THE PRESIDENT:_ I wish you would have given me this written question ahead of time, so I could plan for it. (Laughter.) John, I’m sure historians will look back and say, gosh, he could have done it better this way, or that way. You know, I just – I’m sure something will pop into my head here in the midst of this press conference, with all the pressure of trying to come up with an answer, but it hadn’t yet. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/51 "2006-03-17T01:31:35Z")
Well, I think planning & preparing to go off script (this should be rehearsed by your friend if she does it) is a good idea, if she has a question that won’t get past the vetters. How about, “Can a Jew be President of the United States”? ---
**Author:** ![Frostillicus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/52 "2006-03-17T03:04:57Z")
“Mr. President, why do you think that the founding fathers placed the decision to declare war on another country in the hands of Congress instead of with the president?” ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/53 "2006-03-17T03:27:18Z")
> [@Frostillicus](#): > > “Mr. President, why do you think that the founding fathers placed the decision to declare war on another country in the hands of Congress instead of with the president?” Because they knew the decision to go to war is one of the most important decisions a government can make. And that’s why I made sure I had the authorization from Congress to use force against Iraq. That resolution, I would remind you, was passed with bipartisan support in both Houses of Congress. In the Senate, for example, about half of the Democrats voted to authorize the use of force. Democrats like John Kerry, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton among many others. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/54 "2006-03-17T03:38:30Z")
Some good suggestions so far - thanks. Today is James Madison’s birthday (1751). I might ask President Bush his reaction to two quotations from this eminent Framer: “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” Also, “It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad.” My friend Diane knows about this thread now, and may drop in. ---
**Author:** ![Jane2006](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/6bbea6/32.png) [@Jane2006](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jane2006)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/55 "2006-03-17T03:48:30Z")
:smack: ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/56 "2006-03-17T04:26:41Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > “I don’t have time to address every detail, but we just put together position paper xxxxx on that very subject, you can find it on the White House website. Next question?” You think Bush knows about the position papers available on the WHite House website well enough to specify their names? Bwahahahaha! He might be able to say what you said, x’s intact, but that’s as close as he could come. Much likelier he’d smirk, make a joke, turn away, turn back and make a more mean-spirited joke, turn away, turn back and smirk again, and finally call on someone else. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/57 "2006-03-17T23:32:07Z")
If you friend actually wants to ask a question he’ll address, make it about how the President can “help” regarding an issue of local concern. I get the feeling from reading his past town halls he has a real hard on for “helping.” If you really want to go for the bonus points, lob him a slow pitch that sounds like a curve ball and make it a question about something he’s already doing something about: “Mr. President, the economy has taken a downturn in the area for the local peanut butter factories, and many peanut butter workers are finding themselves in dire straits and with nothing to feed their families, except of course peanut butter. Is there anything you can do to help them?” “Well, that’s a very good question, and I’m glad you asked. We are currently sponsering the ‘Spread the Love’ Peanut Butter Worker’s Relief Act that will blah blah blah blah blah…” Of course, if you friend wants to live on in legend, she has a one in a lifetime chance to do the old switcheroo: “Mr. President, my question is in regards to agriculture. Do you know where I can buy some pot?” ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2006, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/58 "2006-03-18T00:29:14Z")
I don’t think there’s any hope of pinning Bush to the wall on Iraq. I’d ask him why anyone should take the GOP seriously when it talks about budgetary restraint after bringing up some statistics on spending in the recent years when Republicans have held the presidency and both houses of congress. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/59 "2006-03-20T18:07:09Z")
Dubya just choked on the first question following his speech today in Cleveland. A woman in the audience asked him if he shared the belief of many Christian evangelicals that terrorism in the Middle East was fulfilling Biblical prophecy for the Apocalypse. He stammered and smirked, and then launched into his standard “My job is to protect America” speech, with no further references to evangelicals or the Apocalypse. ---
**Author:** ![EEMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a6a055/32.png) [@EEMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EEMan)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596/60 "2006-03-20T18:27:39Z")
> [@Fear Itself](#): > > Dubya just choked on the first question following his speech today in Cleveland. A woman in the audience asked him if he shared the belief of many Christian evangelicals that terrorism in the Middle East was fulfilling Biblical prophecy for the Apocalypse. He stammered and smirked, and then launched into his standard “My job is to protect America” speech, with no further references to evangelicals or the Apocalypse. At least you now know that the questioners are not fully vetted and/or scripted. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-may-be-asking-a-question-of-president-bush/348596.md?page=4)