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Today's political campaigns appear to be tightly designed battle strategies. Built to both confuse issues and conceal information. Campaign camps dole out misleading statements to the press, much like the general who passes out mis-information to a spy, knowing he will pass it on to unsuspecting listeners. If this system stays in place, the people will not have any means to arrive at a truthful conclusion to their search for a qualified candidate. We might be able to find their views but clues about how they will implement the policy will be not forthcoming.

A certain reticence on the part of candidates is understandable. If he unveils his economic plan for the country, his opponent has the freedom to rip the idea apart, without having to offer up one of his own. However, it is through the process of answering questions that we can get a glimpse of how he will handle his emotions on the world stage. Can he think on his feet? How well does he form answers when fielding previously unasked questions?

A calm intellect that approaches problems from different avenues is usually able to form multiple solutions. If multiple questions are being fired at the candidate, we can see how he reacts to a little irritation in his life. A government office can extract a toll on a politician. It would be best if we can see him at his worst or while he is trying to keep himself under control.

It is very important during debates or press conferences that a skilled moderator or reporter is in control of the event. If a question is used only once, then candidates can get away with evasive or non-answers. The politician must answer the question. If he will not answer it directly, then the moderator must skillfully make further attempts that lead to an answer. Sometimes the tactic of switching from a professional questioner to an audience member can throw the candidate off his game.

If allowed to leave a subject prematurely, he might be glossing over inconsistencies or in complete theories. This where a seasoned reporter can begin to shape a press conference. If inconsistencies become apparent the given answers, another layer of queries can bring the problems to light. Well-designed questions can help make the political artifice transparent.

The goal of questions is to arrive at answers that inform and illuminate. Political ideologies and platforms must be dissected and examined with careful attention to detail. The future of the United States is too important to allow a half-baked idea or emotionally immature personalities hold a government office. Since we don't have a requirement of resumes, it is up to the voters to institute the most rigorous interview system that we can. A format that allows for hard questions and requires actual answers.

If we require candidates to hold press conferences and answer questions from the media and public, it will be easier to keep the candidates focused and on point. If a time limit is given for replies, then at the time limit, turn off the candidate's microphone. Once they understand limits then we might see a remarkable increase in quality replies. The people understand that an office seeker will do what's good for him. We really want to know if he will do what's right for the country.

Learn more about this author, Gary Allen.
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