Palin

Palin

Here are three questions I’d like to ask Sarah Palin at the Debate.

1. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Multi-Drug Resistant TB are two emerging threats to health in the US. You have stated that you would teach creationism in schools alongside evolution. Please explain how each theory explains the rise of MRSA and MDR-TB, and what each theory tells us to do to fight these dangerous infections.

2. You have stated your belief that Georgia and Ukraine should be admitted into NATO, and you know that admission would by treaty obligate the United States to defend them against invasion by the Russia. What other countries do you think should be admitted into NATO and why might Western European countries disagree.

3. Early discussion drafts of the bailout bill permitted Bankruptcy Judges to modify the terms of mortgages of people who file Chapter 13. Republicans demanded that this provision be removed. Are those who support this idea wrong to say it would help stabilize the housing market by keeping people in their homes at a fair market price and a fair interest rate? Why do Republicans oppose that idea?

I comment frequently that there is an art to drafting questions. These questions illustrate this: they require her to have a strong fund of general information, and to be able to see both sides of the issue. These are both critical to political leadership.

The problem of MRSAs and MDR-TB has been in the paper recently, and scientists are wringing their hands about what to do. In order to answer the question, you have to have read about it, and then considered the paths to a solution. Obviously creationism has nothing to offer, so the question also points to what I think is a tremendous drawback for Palin, and gives Biden a chance to shine. Her answer should reveal that she knows nothing about either the problem, or the scientific method.

The second one requires Palin to understand the point of NATO, and the geographic realities of the nations that border Russia. Russia believes that there should be a buffer zone between itself and Western Europe which protects it against invasion. Russia is a major supplier of energy to Western Europe, and has the ability to use the energy weapon against them. The question requires her to understand both points of view. I imagine she can regurgitate the McCain line, but I doubt she can articulate the interests of Western Europe.

The third question should be easy. In one of the interviews, Couric tried to get Palin to address the arguments for and against the general proposition that the bailout bill should do something for homeowners, and Palin fumbled around. She should have been briefed on the situation, so she can spout the Republican line. What she won’t be able to do is discuss a specific proposal from both sides.

What would you ask and why? What would you ask Biden if you were a Republican trying to embarrass him?