New Idea - President's question time

[dwmcqueen]

I think we need to borrow a page from the Brits and have a "President's question time". One hour each week, unscripted, where the opposition can ask questions. (See http://www.parliament.uk/works/occasion.cfm#pmques)

He seems to have enough time. Think anyone would propose such an idea?

[quaker bill]

1. Could I ask some questions? Please!!!

This could be better than Saturday Night Live. The man as a parody of himself.

On the other hand we would probably get more eloquent candidates...

[dwmcqueen]

4. Downside?

Why hasn't this been publicly proposed?

[Kitsune]

2. First we would need an opposition *nt*

[dwmcqueen]

3. There are some...

Only requirement for asking a question would be not being a member of the party of the President. I'd imagine this would include independents and other individuals who actually would ask great questions.

With this President, I think we would see great ratings. Top rated comedy...and a wonderful opportunity to expose him as the failure he is to the masses.

[Kitsune]

6. I understand the concept

What I'm saying is that everyone, including Dems, will ask questions like "How did you get to be so, like, cool and stuff?" and other such softballs, as befits the theoretical 'other party' in a 1.5 party state.

[dwmcqueen]

8. Maybe...

I disagree - I think it would open up the floor for more difficult questions. Currently there is nop forum for straight partisan qwuestioning of the President. Some Dems now might be seen as pushovers since they fear getting a better message out. What better way than asking the question straight out on national television?

[sybylla]

5. Been thinking the same myself for quite some time

My SO says that if the Pres had to stand up to that every week, the sheeple would never get stuck with another shrub. You can't go into to that kind of q & a session and think you can shmooze your way through it. The shrubster would look like a fool in a PMQ-like session.

It's been a fantasy of mine for quite some time. :eyes:

[dwmcqueen]

7. Gotta be

There must be a Dem would would have the balls to recommend such a thing. Pretty easy to coordinate letters to the editor and might just ensure decent candidates and more honesty...

[sybylla]

10. I don't know that it would fly here, separation of powers and all

I'm not sure that the congress could have any say in demanding the administration answer any questions. They are lucky they get a SOTU report and that wouldn't happen if it wasn't in the consititution.

Oh but wouldn't it be beautiful?

[dwmcqueen]

12. Hmmm...

That is a good point about the Constitutional issue, although they may find an easy way around it by "setting aside time for the President to answer questions". The President would still have the option to show up, but hopefully there would be some media pressure.

[Clete]

9. This president would never, ever do this nor

would his puppetmasters ever allow it, because he would expose the whole sham operation the first time out. That's how dopey he is and what a liability he is without being handled very carefully.

Watch California and see though. I have a feeling Arnold is not going to be as compliant a sock puppet.

[Minstrel Boy]

11. A lot of examples Bush ought to follow

Canada's parliament has a 45-minute Question Period four times a week, and so long as the PM's in attendance, he can be grilled by any member recognized by the Speaker. Follow ups, even.

Hugo Chavez has a weekly television phone-in show, fielding questions from ordinary Venezuelans.

Bush can't even get through a rare, scripted press conference without making an ass of himself.