The Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump “debate” is a dark alleyway in which both men will rob America of what remains of its political dignity. But certain questions will be asked on June 27th that may provide some useful information to voters.
The Social Security Trust Fund will be depleted by 2033. Under current law, benefits would be cut by 21 percent. The Biden-Trump deal also includes pledging not to cut benefits (Social Security, Medicare) that are creating a deficit that has increased the national debt by $1 trillion in 8 months. Would you be in favor of a multi-trillion dollar tweak, or pumping more borrowing, or debt, into Social Security? (Tax revenues are insufficient to cover other government spending). If not that solution, what is?
The Biden-Trump deal includes protectionism (Biden has strengthened Trump's protectionism), but it is industrial policy – government control of the economy, picking economic winners and losers. Will that continue forever as communities and industries become dependent on protection?
Biden and Trump's consensus includes an intolerance of the Constitution. Mr. Trump, when Congress refused to fund your border wall, you “diverted” the funds Congress appropriated to other uses. And you reportedly plan to assert presidential authority to withhold appropriated funds if you don't like Congress' choices. President Biden, you tried to spend over $400 billion on student loan forgiveness alone, and when the Supreme Court said this violated Congress' constitutional privilege under the Budget Clause, you said, “The Supreme Court blocked student loan forgiveness, but it didn't stop me.” What other constitutional requirements do you two consider flimsy and without legal basis?
President Biden, you have twice stated the US commitment to militarily defend Taiwan if attacked. Your subordinates have twice “clarified” your statements and restored ambiguity. Shouldn't such an important commitment be made by Congress? Are either of you in favor of Congress explicitly declaring the commitment?
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Mr. Trump, you say that if you are elected, Russia's war against Ukraine will be “resolved” in “24 hours.” How can you do that without acknowledging George Orwell's maxim that the quickest way to end a war is to lose? President Biden, do you agree that the minimum standard for not losing is the restoration of sovereignty over all territory that Ukraine controlled before the Russian invasion of February 24, 2022?
President Biden, during your 36 years as a senator, both parties used the filibuster as we know it today, requiring 60 votes to pass major legislation. If you are re-elected and Democrats take control of the Senate, would you support abolishing the filibuster? Mr. Trump, if you are re-elected and Republicans take control of the Senate, would you use their loyalty to abolish the filibuster and speed up the passage of your policies?
Mr. Trump, there are 10.5 million illegal immigrants (down from 12.2 million in 2007). According to the Migration Policy Institute, 62 percent have been here for at least 10 years, 22 percent for at least 20 years, and 21 percent for less than five years. 28 percent own their homes. Do you favor deporting them? Would cutting the workforce at a time of full employment hurt America? Describe the police measures necessary to deport a group larger than the population of Michigan.
President Biden, are nine Supreme Court justices enough? You support statehood for the District of Columbia. Do you agree that statehood requires a constitutional amendment, given the 23rd Amendment? Did you know that only 16 states ratified such an amendment proposed in 1978 (38 were needed)?
In World War II, the US sought the “unconditional surrender” of the Axis powers through a variety of means, including “home expulsion” of Germans and Japanese, i.e., bombing of residential areas in cities. Do you think Israel's goal of destroying Hamas is less defensible than “unconditional surrender”? Are Israeli military methods more disproportionate or indiscriminate than US tactics?
President Biden, the military is seriously under-recruited. Is this the result of us being taught in school that the country is systemically racist, hostile to “fairness,” and not worth defending?
Mr. Trump, the 2017 tax cuts you signed into law expire next year. According to the Congressional Budget Office, extending them would reduce revenues by $3.9 trillion over 10 years ($4.5 trillion including debt repayments). Are you worried?
But President Biden and the expiration of the $10,000 per filer cap on state and local tax deductions, which are disproportionately paid by blue states and Biden supporters, would add $1.2 trillion to revenues.
President Biden, you say our democracy is at risk, that you are that crisis, and that Trump is the human scissor. How exactly do you think Trump will destroy our democracy by canceling the election, abrogating the Constitution, and undermining our judiciary?
See you again on September 10th.
