What we would ask the candidates

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 17, 2000

Tonight, Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George Bush will meet at Washington University in St. Louis for their third and last debate before the presidential election Nov. 2. The debate will have a "town hall" format, with the audience asking questions.

Here are some things we might ask.

Gov. Bush: What was harder for you -- book learnin' or giving up alcohol?

Mr. Vice President, if it would guarantee you the presidency, would you club a baby seal? How about cut down a redwood?

For both candidates: Do you ever wish you had gone to a public high school?

For Gov. Bush: If you presided over the execution of a man who later proved to be indisputably innocent, would you agree to meet with his wife and children? What would you tell them?

Vice President Gore, have you ever referred to somebody as an a------? Who, and why?

For both candidates: If a tree fell in the forest, how many negative advertisements would it take to make sure it never got up?

For Gov. Bush: Name two great African-American women of the 20th century, not including Rosa Parks. Explain what you admire about them.

For the Vice President: Who does your eyebrows?

For both candidates: Name three reasons an Ivy League education has prepared you to be President of the United States.

For Gov. Bush: A train leaves Boston at 8:10 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia at 2:49 p.m. While it is en route, you board a New York-bound train in St. Louis. You carry on only two bags. What time will it be noon in Denver?

Mr. Vice President, please talk for three minutes about something meaningful to you -- without relying in any way on campaign catch phrases or debate preparation papers.

For both candidates: When was the last time you lied knowingly?

Gov. Bush, if one of your 18-year-old twin daughters became pregnant and chose to have an abortion, would you ask the Secret Service to guide her safely past the protesters outside the clinic?

Vice President Gore, you have advocated the death penalty for "those who terrorize the innocent." Would you be willing to personally take part in the execution?

For both candidates: Name a work of art, a piece of music or literary novel that touched you personally and explain why it did.

Gov. Bush, do your plans for strengthening the military include requiring that all National Guard soldiers, including the sons of congressmen, complete their term of service instead of skipping the last two years?

Vice President Gore, please complete this sentence: "If I can't be president, my secret desire would be to ..."

For both candidates: Who let the dogs out?

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