Questions of Security - Op Ed

JOHN McCAIN and Barack Obama are two of the most remarkable Americans to enter public life. Both men are extraordinarily capable and their campaigns — which began against great odds — reflect that fact. And yet with respect to national security, neither campaign has articulated the fundamental points of view that will allow people to make an informed choice in November.

Time is running out. Without understanding how these two leaders approach and analyze problems, without having a clear sense of their differentiated approaches, we will be mired in the ephemera of polls, horse race journalism and the petty exchange of complaints arising from alleged missteps.

Here, then, on the anniversary of 9/11, a day when both candidates have chosen to put politics aside and appear together at ground zero, are a dozen questions we would like to see them address. We know both candidates differ on Iraq and agree on closing the Guantánamo prison camp. We also know that both are for change, that they are patriotic and that they are cautious. But we hope they will not be too cautious to give us clear answers, even when these might alienate some voters. It is our hope that these answers will be published on this page.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/11/opinion/11bobbitt.html?th&emc=th

But I give props to the NYT for asking the questions. And I would give props to either of the candidates for straight answers. Unfortunately, that is not how one gets elected in the USA in 2008.

Great list of questions though.