2016 US Presidential Election Thread XIII

[LuckyNumber7]

Originally Posted by BVS

I think it's a bit of a stretch to call that a "gotcha" question for a POTUS candidate.


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It's 100% a gotcha question. He's at first prompted to name a leader he likes. Given his libertarian ideology, there's not many leaders (if any) that would be described as such at the moment. No matter what identifiable answer he gives, it will likely contradict his stance. Heck, he named Angela Merkel. Well, just said "Merkel." Angela Merkel is not his favorite leader. He was obviously flustered and searching for an answer. Because Matthews was obviously forcing this question down his throat. He was rushing the question and catching Johnson in an aha! moment. It was very clear that Matthews wanted the Aleppo gaffe 2.0, and he got it.

But from the get-go it's a hard question for a libertarian to definitively answer. I'm not excusing him, as I definitely see this incident as disqualifying, but I'm not going to act as though you ever see what Matthews did being geared towards Clinton or Trump (Clinton obviously would have no issue with this question anyways). I mean, look no further than the Aleppo gaffe itself. Compare the two incidents. The Aleppo thing was one of shock, where the anchor can't believe what he's hearing. It was genuine. Chris Matthews in this case is very clearly walking Johnson into a minefield and then pushing him around.

[Hewson]

The Libertarians should dump Johnson and let Weld head the ticket.
They still won't get many votes, but Weld wouldn't embarrass himself/the party like Tokin' Gary.

[Diemen]

Originally Posted by LuckyNumber7

It's 100% a gotcha question. He's at first prompted to name a leader he likes. Given his libertarian ideology, there's not many leaders (if any) that would be described as such at the moment.No matter what identifiable answer he gives, it will likely contradict his stance.

Eh. It's only a gotcha question if you're not the sharpest tool in the shed. If he were quick on his feet (which he obviously isn't), he could've easily answered "you know, I don't really have a favorite because no one really aligns with my political preferences. For instance, Putin is too... x, Merkel is too... y, Hollande is too... z."

Or he could've said "I like the way Merkel handles x but I don't like her stances on y and z because they go against my political beliefs."

[Axver]

Originally Posted by BVS

I think it's a bit of a stretch to call that a "gotcha" question for a POTUS candidate.

Yeah, if that's a gotcha question then so is "can you explain any policy of your choice?" or "can you spell your name?"

[LuckyNumber7]

Originally Posted by Diemen

Eh. It's only a gotcha question if you're not the sharpest tool in the shed. If he were quick on his feet (which he obviously isn't), he could've easily answered "you know, I don't really have a favorite because no one really aligns with my political preferences. For instance, Putin is too... x, Merkel is too... y, Hollande is too... z."

Or he could've said "I like the way Merkel handles x but I don't like her stances on y and z because they go against my political beliefs."

Like I said, I'm not defending him or making an excuse. Clearly he didn't know how to answer a simple yet important question.

That doesn't mean Chris Matthews wasn't very clearly out to get him. The same standard doesn't exist for "legitimate" candidates. All I'm saying is, it's a damn shame you don't see journalists head hunting and holding the two main candidates accountable. Not that Clinton would fumble such a question, but it wouldn't shock me if Trump did. Though, with Trump I'd more expect him to make his views up on the spot, given his track record.

[PhilsFan]

It's absolutely a gotcha question, so was the one about Aleppo. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve it, because Gary Johnson is an absolute moron and the quicker we can dismiss him as a legitimate candidate the better, but they were both gotcha questions. "Who's your favorite world leader?" is designed to trip him up because the concept of "favorite" is an odd one to draw from when talking about foreign politicians. I couldn't name who my favorite world leader is. I can name some, sure, but the fundamental idea of asking who someone's favorite world leader is strikes me as odd.

Similarly, the Aleppo thing was clearly a test. If they really just wanted to know what his thoughts were, they'd have said "What will you do about Syria?" I understand that by asking about Aleppo specifically, they're focusing on the situation on the ground rather than the refugee crisis, but nonetheless, it seemed a bit gotcha to me.

Again, good for them. Gary Johnson sucks, and at this point getting him off my TV via ridicule is as good a manner as any. But let's not pretend they knew they were asking questions that could trip him up.

[Kieran McConville]

"Gary, what's your favourite Michael Bolton song?"

"I celebrate the guy's entire catalogue!"

[BVS]

If that's a "gotcha" question for someone who is running for a position as a world leader then we are fucked!

If we're allowing this Palin/ Trump mentality to seep into all aspects of our lives, then we will be living in Idiocracy regardless if Trump is elected or not.


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[Irvine511]

Originally Posted by BigMacPhisto

And regarding sexism being thrown out at every opportunity by Clinton's supporters over people on the left refusing to get in line, it really is just too damn convenient. I've been called a sexist myself in here by otherwise level-minded people when I haven't even once made an actual comment going down that path, nor would I ever. Of course, anything that can be twisted into that manner by people not willing to actually hear someone's point can fall under that banner (such as some users totally not getting my point about the Bill Clinton fidelity issue).

Almost everything the left has criticized Clinton about, such as the paid speeches, are things they have criticized those involved with politics for years and decades. You can't suddenly just call someone a sexist for making the same argument they've made their entire political lives against everyone.

I think people have said misogynist things about Hillary Clinton since 1992.

[KhanadaRhodes]

Originally Posted by Kieran McConville

"Gary, what's your favourite Michael Bolton song?"

"I celebrate the guy's entire catalogue!"

it's the new "i read all the newspapers!"

[Kieran McConville]

"But you must really love his music, having the same name and all!"

"He's... yeah he's ok, I guess."

[Hewson]

Originally Posted by BVS

we are fucked!

qft

[Irvine511]

Guys, Donald Trump wants us to watch a sex tape starring the beauty contestant he fat shamed.

[BoMac]

I would like to see a Skittle try to do this:

Newly arrived Syrian refugee helps save bride's wedding day - Kitchener-Waterloo - CBC News

[Hewson]

Originally Posted by Irvine511

Guys, Donald Trump wants us to watch a sex tape starring the beauty contestant he fat shamed.

[Diemen]

Originally Posted by Irvine511

Guys, Donald Trump wants us to watch a sex tape starring the beauty contestant he fat shamed.

That really was a masterful set up from the Clinton campaign. Trump had no idea who Clinton was talking about when she made her accusations, but they already had an ad made and aired right after the debate, and, Trump being Trump, would be baited into lashing out and thus perpetuating the story.

And now the 9-marriage, serial cheater tag team of Trump, Guiliani and Gingrich want to bring up Bill's infidelity. You know the Clinton campaign has prepared for this one.

Trump is too narcissistic and egotistical to realize he's doing exactly what they wanted him to do.

[BEAL]

Yup. They knew he wouldn't be able to let it go.

And yes, I think the Clinton team is ready for the Bill attacks.

This goes back to even Obama, he and Clinton seem to be playing a different game than the GOP.




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[Axver]

Even if Trump didn't take ridiculous and offensive stances, his willingness to be baited into petty attacks proves he is in no way fit to wield authority. A big part of the art of politics is not taking your opponent's bait! This man is the fucking dumbest fish in the pond, trying to nibble on every single type of bait there is.

[TinKnight]

Is this the greatest political campaign strategy in recent history?

Just masterful.

[trojanchick99]

So, now Trump is slut shaming the woman he already fat shamed? What a fucking asshole. He needs to be nowhere near the nuclear codes.