Three Questions that Bob Schieffer Probably Won't Ask John McCain, But He Should

"Senator McCain, you used to say that the main thing you were looking for in a running mate was the ability to take over as president, if necessary, on Day One. Given how many people there are in government that clearly meet that criterion, how do you justify picking someone who so many of the most intelligent and respected members of your own party believe clearly does not? Your campaign slogan is Country First, sir. Can you tell the American people exactly how you were putting Country First when you chose a congenitally dishonest, proudly ignorant, cold-blooded demagogue with no presidential qualifications whatsoever to sit just one of your 72-year-old cancer-ridden heartbeats away from running the country in these spectacularly perilous times of almost unprecedented economic and international crises?"

"Senator McCain, your campaign has spent the last ten days impugning your opponent's character. We've seen Sarah Palin doing it, we've seen your wife Cindy doing it, and we've even seen you doing it yourself. Well, there he is right across the table from you. Is there anything you want to say to Senator Obama about Bill Ayers or Reverend Wright or Tony Rezko? Because it would be nice if he could respond to these allegations and insinuations and put this utter bullshit behind us so you could spend the next twenty days explaining to the American people why they should vote for you instead of scaring them about why they shouldn't vote for him."

"Senator McCain, your campaign rallies lately have become forums for foaming-at-the-mouth cretins who are so certain that your opponent is a terrorist that some have actually shouted out, "Kill him!" and "Off with his head!" Given the nation's history of intolerance against those perceived to be somehow different - be it by virtue of sexual orientation, religion, or race - can you tell the American people how you're putting Country First by fanning the fires of hatred and why they shouldn't hold you and your rabid running mate personally responsible if those fires explode into violence?"

Okay, I know Bob Schieffer's not going to say any of the above, but I urge anyone who knows him to press him to find some less prosecutorial way to ask these questions, because John McCain's efforts to make Barack Obama's character the deciding factor in the election have served only to shine a spotlight on his own galaxies-beyond-shame cravenness, and he deserves to be called out on it to his face. I'd be more than happy to do it but no one's going to let me near him, so I'm dependent on Bob.

Oh, and here's a campaign haiku:

Was that a dust mote?
No, merely the remains of
John McCain's "honor."

Comments

[BritPatJax]

Question for McCain. If, instead of being in Iraq for another 100 years, we pull out and hope to still get the oil we need somewhere, how much money will we instantly have to make sure that, just like in my UK, there is not one person owing $100, or $1000, or $10,000, or $100,000 for treatments and accidents and unexpected ailments. That will instantly make for confidence and recovery and reduce mental conditions most like?
Just think, no one will have to choose whether to eat or buy meds?

[cheesewiz]

Stunningly clear--concise and devastating questions. Job well done.

[Pippilangstrumpf]

Paul,

It would have been nice if you had provided Schieffer's email address so we could email him with the questions we'd like to have him ask McCain.

[wagthedog1001]

Schieffer is an old Texan with the same political leanings as Tom Broke-Maw. He will accusingly ask Obama, "What have you done for the economy in this election?" and then ask McCain, "Isn't it funny why people don't mention you were a POW much anymore?"

[sadiehawkins]

Wagthedog1001 you are brilliant!

[BritPatJax]

Question. If we are already in need of a quarter of the planets resources to survive and given the population increases over the next ten to twenty years how are we going to sustain that growth need without offending and being in conflict with the rest of the world? Do we need to tax gas guzzlers off the planet for a start? Tax cigarette boats and Lear jets and Hummers into oblivion?

[timezone]

I would show pay for a ring side seat to hear those questions being asked! I know both sides would have to have equally tough questions asked, but from reading about both candidates extensively, I'm sure McCain would have, by far, the most to lose.

[Tsali]

Bob should ask McCain if he knows how to wet start a jet engine.

[Islanders6466]

Great questions! Let's get it ALL out on the table/floor at the next debate, and then, please let's MOVE ON with the incredible issues that are affecting us right now...this is why so many people are moving to Obama; like Hillary said, "Obama/Biden are for us"...

[BritPatJax]

Question for McCain. If the invasion of Iraq had taken one year before 9/11 and we had total charge of that nation, what action or actions taken would have prevented 9/11 taking place as prepared and planned for? What actions ensure that it could never happen again other than the ones we learned from and implemented? How does Iraq occupation prevent students here legitimately, having supposed grievances and quietly and mischievously making their plans?

[UnknownSoldier]

great observation. about invading 9/11 a year earlier.

[sgtclock]

Maybe someone who is going to the final debate will see your article and ask on of your questions!
Hey! If you know someone who is going to go why don't you email them this article? Ya never know!

Marvin in Dallas