If you could ask the presidential runners one question what would it be?

I have a question that, if answered would give me a great deal of insight towards how that person would be president.

It is a twofer - a two part question -

Firstly, the presidential oath of office goes something like this -

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

In your own words, how important is such an oath, and why are presidents required to make one?

Secondly - knowing how the previous administration eroded the constitution with a vast variety of signing statements, eliminating Habeous Corpus, taking America to war without UN authority, spying on Americans without FISA approval, imprisoning people indefinately without any chance of trial, or access to legal assistance, instituting torture.....knowing all these things - what will you do to restore the constitution and how will you pursue those who knowing did these things against the oath they took, and in some cases warrent criminal investigation?

WITH U.N. authority. According to the Constitution, the power to declare war lies solely with Congress. Congress gave that authority to the President illegally. The only way that can be done is with an amendment to the Constitution. But they seemed to be ignoring the Constitution.

and the pharmaceutical industry to promote bogus corrupt mandatory private insurance programs instead of expanding medicare to everyone?

"... when you adamantly and steadfastly reject my access to what Chief Justice Warren Burger called 'one of the basic civil rights of man'?"

"Because in part of the First Amendment's prohibition against state-sponsored religion, marriage in this country is and always has been a CIVIL, SECULAR institution. Why should I, as a gay atheist, support your candidacy when you consistently oppose my right to this civil, secular institution on the grounds that such rights might offend the religious sensibilities of narrow minded bigots?"

i want answers ..definite answers before i vote!

i want our kids home and bases closed period!

fly

"Not being a dick or anything, but let's face it; you gotta wonder why the middle class and the poor think the whole 'Economy is Strong and getting Stronger!! What do we have to do to convince you slaves??' message is a pile of steaming cow chips.

People are hurting out there. Manufacturing is gone and needs to come back. A college degree is getting more worthless by the year. Pretty soon, you'll need an MBA not to advance to a higher salary, but merely to remain employable. People are getting laid off left and right, their jobs offshored and their lives hung out to dry. With the fallout from the mortgage and banking industries, this is only destined to get worse for the rank and file while, of course, reaping megabenefits for the ostentatiously wealthy who least need it. People are scared as hell and are being given no message of hope to better their debt-ridden situations.

What do you plan to do to curb unbridled corporatism?

I think it's safe to say that the wealthy have had their gravy train under this lousy administration 700 fold. I think it's high time we ENDED that, don't you think?

Or are you merely going to bob, weave and dodge the real problem this country faces: That, Yes, Virginia, corporations run this country (including you politicians) and not the government?

I think that's what needs to be said. Not by any of you, of course . . . don't want to "rock the boat". Don't want to "step on any toes". That's all "tin-foil hat stuff", isn't it?

What do you plan to do to curb unbridled corporatism???"

straight on--why?"

And they don't get to hedge or dodge.

I'd sure like to know how they'd answer my question.

They'd be like "Nothing. What are you going to do about it? Make a speech? Pffft!"

Is that a line from somewhere?

VERY underrated movie about gimmick movies in the time of the Bay of Pigs.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107529/