What would you ask Delaware's Christine O'Donnell?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
In a little over an hour, all eyes will be on Christine O'Donnell - the Tea Party-backed, Sarah Palin-backed Senate candidate from Delaware. She scored a major upset last month to win the Republican Party's nomination.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/10/13/art.odonnell.jpg caption="Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell."]
O'Donnell will face off tonight in a debate for the first time against her opponent, Democrat Chris Coons. Polls show Coons with a 19-point lead over O'Donnell. Only 35 percent of voters say O'Donnell is qualified to be a senator, compared to 64 percent for Coons.
And part of that is due to the fact that there are a lot of questions about O'Donnell's past and her lack of experience.
There are several lingering financial issues, like O'Donnell's former campaign manager accusing her of paying rent with campaign donations. She says there's "no truth to it."
- O'Donnell has also dealt with the IRS on issues related to unpaid income taxes
- Democrats and even Republicans, including Karl Rove, have attacked O'Donnell's qualifications.
- And don't forget O'Donnell's controversial remarks about dabbling in witchcraft, sexuality and masturbation.
This debate has potential.
For the most part, O'Donnell has refused to talk to the national media since her win, thanks to advice from Sarah Palin.
So, it's reasonable to believe that there's a lot people would like to know about O'Donnell… in what has fast become one of the most-watched races in the country.
Here’s my question to you: What question would you ask Delaware Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jan in Lancaster, Pennsylvania writes:
Ask her what her plan is for anything: To improve the economy, end the war in Afghanistan, jobs, fiscal responsibility of government, etc. Haven't heard anything of substance from this woman yet. The only thing we know is that she is not a "witch"… right?
Ben in Boston writes:
I would ask all the candidates the same question: How will you get jobs growing at 250,000 per month? That's all that counts.
Harold in Alaska writes:
What are the names of magazines and newspapers you read on a regular basis?
Dave in Orlando writes:
Whatcha got cookin' in your cauldron, toots?
Katie in Illinois writes:
I would ask O'Donnell why she has such low regard for our political system. Just by running it is obvious she thinks it is all a big joke.
Judy in California writes:
Nothing, she is not qualified for elected office, period. End of story.
Dick writes:
Why do you think that Democratic liberals (who like to portray themselves as "nice" and "kind" people) are so intolerant of Republican or conservative women that they need to demean, degrade and demonize women like you and Sarah Palin?
Meg writes:
Jack, My questions would be: What specific experience do you have that qualifies you to be a U.S. Senator?
Dave writes:
Are you a good witch? Or a bad witch?
Cy in Virginia writes:
You're not by any chance Snooki's mom (from "Jersey Shore") are you?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
I would ask her if she is going to play the same games Palin and Miller played by not answering the questions, but speaking directly tothe people?
Have you ever considered switching to independent? That would blow some minds.
JerryinGA
Which drugs are you taking?
•
What is her first priority after being sworn in as Senator from the state of Delaware.
Who are you and what do you really stand for?
My only question for her is: What makes you think you're qualified for the U.S. Senate? That's the one question I haven't heard answered yet.
Ask her what her plan is for anything: To improve the economy, end the war in Afghanistan, jobs, fiscal responsibility of government, etc.
Haven't heard anything of substance from this woman yet. The only thing we know is that she is not a "witch" ... right ?
Jack, I woulkd ask her only one question. She has a boatload of money that conservatives have given her to fight that uber-leftist, Coons. When is she going to attack him and his tax/spend, Marxist, views, and his past performance of running up unsustainable deficits? If she doesn't get going immediately, she won't stand any chance of overcoming the lead Coons has.
I know you claim you're not a witch but do you believe that witches do exist?
Dave from NH.
I'd ask her why she's so willing to be brainwashed by the insane right.
Do you seriously think that you are me? If you are me, then you believe that that entire Congress should be working together as hard as possible to make sure that Obama's health care reforms go into effect smoothly so that Americans can suffer less and the medical system will stop dragging down our economy as soon as possible. Since you are me, is this what you believe?
Is China taking over the U.S. as the largest economy in the world? Is China taking over the U.S. as the largest exporter in the globe? would China try, or any ambitious country for that matter, to take over the U.S. in every aspect NOT INVADING the U.S. but take over the U.S. as the leader of the world?
With Sarah Palin having barely 4 years of experience beyond being mayor of Wasilla and you even less, why should anyone vote for you for an office above mayor of a town of about 10,000 people?
do you think medical marijuana is serious science?
I'd ask her to retire before its too late.
Be specific with what you plan to do for your state
Will you cut taxes and asked Congress to take a pay cut?
I'd ask Christine O'Donnell how it feels to be the most attractive candidate in the Congressional race of 2010! Trust me. It's a big plus for her!
What do you see as the purpose of our government and what is its role in promoteing the general welfare?
I would ask her the same question I would ask any other person running for office.
Every political commercial I've seen this year has been negative, telling me what is wrong the the candidate's opponent. Or, the candidates speak in generalities about cutting taxes and wasteful government spending. I've yet to see a commercial from any candidate from either party with any specifics.
Please provide me with specific examples of government spending you would cut.
You've never held any public office–or even held a job.
What makes you think you are qualified to represent the hard-working people of Delaware in the nation's most powerful office elected by the state?
Second question: What critieria would you use to reject a presidential nominee for the Supreme Court?
Third question: Medicare is a successful government-run health care program. Would you support expanding it to cover other age groups? (And, if not, shouldn't you support eliminating Medicare?)
I don't need to ask her anything, she'll tell us everything sooner or later. Can we say the same about her opponent? I doubt it, a traditional politician watching what he says out of fear that his honesty will get him trouble.
Let say 25% of the American people only have common sence and a IQ no highter than 75. She like a twinkie ,Christine O'Donnell is appealing to popular taste without any substance. These 25% of Americans love her, God help Us
Jack, I would ask Ms. O Donnell what her plans are after she loses the election.
Ms. O'Donnell,
Can you name the big country that borders Iran on Iran's western border and the big country that borders Iran on Iran's eastern border that are both significant to the interests of the United States?
Linda Scott
Driftwood, TX
What and why would you even remotely think you are qualified to run as a US Senator. Our Constitution and the legislation that you will represent and vote for or against for the people of Delaware is quite complicated and is based on detailed law. Since your post high school education is very questionable what training in law or the understanding of law have you had?
Jack:
So as not to offend those in Delaware, it would be presumptuous for an Ohioan to suggest questions for (Delawarens ?) After all, the resident voters of most states can look upon their own voting achievements and be embarrassed enough not to tout advice. Nothing has worked to produce responsible government including voting, trust, faith, and the big one...hope !
I would ask her if those mice with fully developed human brains can talk like Pixie and Dixie on the Huckleberry Hound show.
Regarding her remarks about “dabbling in witchcraft, sexuality and masturbation”, I would ask: Are you a social liberal? Since it appears that you are a social liberal, do you support the gay rights or LGBT political agenda including rescinding the “don’t ask don’t tell” military policy?
What are the proportions of newts to batwings in the conservative kettle?Blessed Be
can you cast a spell on my mother-in law ???
Give the girl a break! How many people out there haven't done the same things Ms. O'Donnell came out and admitted to? Witchcraft was done when she was a lot younger and how many of us have read books and seen movies involving the same thing? The other two are normal for a lot of people. At least she hasn't put the country in the red, voted on a horrible health care bill, made unemployment the highest it has been in decades, etc., etc The boys in the media have nothing else to do with themselves than bash her the same way they did Sarah Palin.
i would ask what can she do to save america because obama is
killing the country dollar, by dollar, by dollar and it's NOT his money
i would also ask her if she would lie to a grand jury , her spouse or
the american people like clinton did, seems his personal life didn't
matter so why should hers?
beverley cotter
jacksonville fl
What does she credit her open mindedness to? This being brought to light that she was willing to investigate and explore the many optiions out there to broaden her experiences and education. She did this in spite of the fact most Americans think a politician should be close minded and not think independently.
Can she locate Washington, D.C. on the map? Is she related to Palin? They sound so much alike. If she was anyone else and not a white woman and she has no political background or strong education credentials, and experience, she would never get to first base. That's why she is a tea party candidate. They will take anyone who talk against the president and can count to five. She would make a great witch though. Vote O'Donnell for president, Palin, vice president.. Yea!
Miss O'Donneli – You say you are not a witch – I take you at your word. But just what qualifications do you have that would justify your election as a senator from Delaware? I see nothing in your personal or professional behavior that would qualify you for such a position. I fear you are Sarah-Palin East. Heaven help us!!!!
What is her plan to bring healthcare spending under control. Right now its running about 2 times the inflation rate - maybe more. Obviously this is unsustainable. What steps would she immediately propose to get this spending under control.
I would ask O'Donnell why she has such low regard for our political system. Just by running it is obvious she thinks it alll is a big joke.
How will you change the economic situation for the state of Delaware in Congress for the better?
What I would ask any prospective elected official:
What have you accomplished in your life that uniquely qualifies you for this office?
From what I read of her life so far, nothing except run long shot campaigns, get fired from jobs and sue people.
No matter what she might think, she's not me, Jack. I'm much smarter than she is, so I don't need to ask her anything. There's nothing she could tell me that I don't already know, other than her personal stuff which might be great fodder for the comedians, but has no bearing on my life.
Jack, I would ask her if she has healthcare insurance. If she says "no" , i will say I'm you.
I would ask her fi she were on her broom would she be able to see Russia?
I would ask her how she can stand up and say the people of Delaware have spoken when less than 8% of the registered voters in the state of Delaware voted for to win over Mike Castle. I would then ask her to start speaking to the people of Delaware and tell us why we should believe what she is telling us Delawareans when she has repeatedly lied in the past including telling us in 2006 that she graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University when in fact she had not yet graduated and only just this summer rushed to complete a course and received her diploma last month. If she lied then, what is she lying to us about now?
Hi Jack!
I guess the most burning question I have for Christine O'Donnell is...
Are you from Mars???
Thanks Jack, we love you out here in PA!
What do you have against witches?
Jim, Craig, CO
When is Christine going to stop embarrasing herself and Delaware?
I just heard Jck Cafferty say on CNN that there are many questions about your background and that "tonight can be a trainwreck if handled correctly". Do you think you are being treated fairly by the media?
I would want to know: Are you or have you ever been privy to classified information?\
Jack, I would ask why any candidate running for office who does not speak to the media and answer questions should be treated any different than a job seeker going in for an interview for a job who refuses to answer the HR interviewer's questions? No job!
I'd ask:
Would you mind revealing your I.Q. (If you have one, that is)
If you had a kid that couldn't be covered by insurance companies before the healthcare reform because of pre-existing conditions. Would you still vote to appeal the healthcare reform?
even though russia stated they would not allow the united states to attack iran, would you be willing to wage war on iran..
My question for Miss O'Donnell: Would you explain how your faith makes you a better person?
Newark, Delaware
Given the background of Christine O'Donnell, I really would like to know what makes her think she has anything to offer the state of Delaware. She has absolutely zero qualifications, and it seems as if she has an awful lot to hide. If she can't be trusted during her candidacy, how could we trust her if she were to actually win senate?
I wouldn't trust her to run a department store.
Mrs. O'Donnell,
If you have not proven to be a good steward over your own financial life, why should Delaware citizens put their faith in your decision-making during this unprecedented national financial crisis?
When Mitch and John and a dozen other powerful members of the Republican caucus storm into your office on your first day and tell you that either you vote along Republican ideology, whether right or wrong, or you will not receive one cent for your State, would you still reflect me?
Please choose any one of consitutional amendments besides the 1st or 2nd and explain its significance.
Ask her, and for that matter all the other tea partiers, who boast about not being career politicians if they are hoping to become one.
The republican candidates are stepping over themselves for race to the nuttiest this year. From Paladinio's bestiality emails in New York to Angel's second amendment remedies in Nevada, to Palin's "working hard all morning" on her facebook page to support Miller in Alaska – you have to wonder who is the laziest, kookiest and least qualified candidate they have. That would be the only reason to watch this debate.
I would keep it simple and ask her what her take is on separation of church and state, as this is her driving force.
Frankly, I would not ask her anything on national television. This is a state election. I'll be changing the channel when this debate begins. Bad decision in my view. Thanks for asking.
I want to ask Christine O’Donnell and ALLcandidates to spell out their specific and detailed plans for three things:
• How will you bring back jobs or create jobs?
• How will you implement a real energy plan that will create jobs and make our country more secure and energy independent?
• If you don’t like “Obama Care”, what would you do to make health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans?
I would like to ask her how she can say, "she is like me"? Well, she isn't. I wouldn't even consider running for a job I wasn't qualified for, nor would I run with the baggage she has, and I wouldn't slander a man who has spent 40 plus years representing us with dignity as Castle has. She is a disgrace to our state.
Why do you think most of the educated world is laughing at us ?
Lou in the United State of Aridzona.
Since she said that what she did on Bill Maher's show doesn't have to do with the election, I'd ask why she bothered saying she wasn't a witch in that ad.
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Jack, I would ask her if she has healthcare insurance. If she says "no" , i will say I'm you. Charlie .Conroe , TX
I would ask:
Are you or have you ever been privy to classified information?
My question to O'Donnell:
Dear Christine, You stated that "Evolution is a myth". If it is a myth, then how can you explain the fact that Chimpanzee DNA and Human DNA is over 95% identical? How can you explain the change of Tuberculosis to its present drug-resistant form? How can you justify the host-parasite relationship? Evolution is as much of a theory as gravity. Ignorant creationist loony-tunes wackos like you have no place in political leadership.
Sincerely,
-Bennett Williams
If Delaware pagans/wiccans invited you (Christine O'Donnell) to a
Halloween tea party, how would you respond? Do you consider their vote to be important? Give me your impression of the relationship between church and state with regard to your religious views. You stated that if you were elected, you would follow the constitution (CNN interview).
Tom in Roanoke, Virginia
BTW: My dad is from Newark, go Blue Hens!!!
Jack it's simple I just ask like any person would ask a candidate.
What are your thoughts and plans on education, economics, foreign affairs, civil rights, energy, and national security? It's so basic, I don't know how anyone else can press any other issues that are mandate.
I would ask her where she found the DEEP COURAGE it took to run for office in an Ocean of Sharks.
Go Christine.
As a Delaware resident, how am I like Ms. O'Donnell: I worked as many as three jobs in college and paid my tuition in full. I have worked since I was 8 years old and started delivering newspapers. I pay my taxes to Delaware and the IRS. As a small office attorney I pay my employees. I do not appropriate the property of others and use it for my own benefit.. I do not mix my money with money belonging to others such as campaign funds I do not attempt to impose my religious views on others. I have held positions of leadership including being Commanding Officer of a fifty person Navy Reserve Unit. I have other management and administrative experience. Ms. O"Donnell: You are NOT me.
What type of fiscal responsibility will you bring to the Senate (if elected) in light of the manner in which you have mismanaged, misused and misspent your campaign funds in the past?
If Christine O'Donnel is "me", why does she think that an average person like "me" is the best choice to guide this nation out of the most confusing combination of economic, social, religious and international conflict we've known?
If I was about to ask her something. I would ask: If it came down to Delaware votes telling her to vote yes to something the Democrats wanted and the Republican Base or the Tea Party tells her to vote no, How will she vote? Will she listen to the voters or the party!
What do you have to do to get a bill through congress?
I would ask her if she really graduated from College or even has a high school diploma.
She knows very well she is not qualified for the Job specially being mentored by another looser Palin.
They are both a disgrace to America.
Now here is the million $ question when will the media including CNN going to stop mentioning their names of these Uneducated self centered Clowns???
Enough is enough every day their names have to be mentioned?
There are much more intelligent individuals than these egocentric individuals.
What a shame and a bad dream. Wake up America.............. The world is laughing to have these yoyo's trying to represent America.
What do you do for income? How do you support yourself? Is it strictly, or just mostly, from the campaign contributions?