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I’m writing in support of the “Two candidates, 21 questions” editorial in the June 23 paper. The suggested questions are great because they could provoke meaningful answers, answers that could actually help the electorate to get a better understanding of who they might decide to vote for. They could be informational if the two candidates are actually put on the spot and are required to give direct answers. As is often the case, however, they might also avoid directly answering the question, and that is telling, too.
However, I’m extremely pessimistic. CNN is as close to a video tabloid as it is to a news station. It thrives on controversy. I’m actually expecting some milquetoast questions, irrelevant questions and questions that are often offered only to create controversy or even animosity. People will be watching for the truthful answers to meaningful questions, but I’m guessing they’ll get something closer to a side show.
Lynn Bollman, Minneapolis
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C’mon, Editorial Board! How could you not ask the next commander in chief anything about the defense budget? How about this:
Given that recent reports have revealed that the U.S. military is running short of its recruitment goals, that our ammunition suppliers are struggling to keep up with the promises we have made to supply Ukraine and that war games have found that, if we attempt to defend Taiwan against a military takeover by China, some munitions will be exhausted in one week, as commander in chief, how will you improve our military preparedness? And how do you intend to pay for it now that the two of you together are responsible for so much of the existing national debt?