NationStates Jolt Archive

Yes, John McCain actually had an interesting idea which I haven't really heard before. If elected, McCain would like to start a questioning session with the president and Congress, similar to what the UK has.

New Limacon's Liberal Elitist News Source (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92918928&ft=1&f=2)

I kind of like the idea. At the same time, I realize there are plenty of differences between American and English political culture and government that could make it less successful than it is in the UK. (Assuming it's successful there. I don't here much about it.) What are others' thoughts on this?

And he is not a candidate of change.

How is opening up the dialogue between the powers not a revolutionary idea that could change Washington more than the Yes We Can rhetoric.

I just realized I misspelled "interesting." How embarrassing.
And he is not a candidate of change.

How is opening up the dialogue between the powers not a revolutionary idea that could change Washington more than the Yes We Can rhetoric.
I'm not sure this makes up for every other idea McCain has had. But I do think it's a good one, and I'm a little surprised he hasn't done more to mention it.

I'd like to see it. Of course, I doubt Obama would support it...God knows where he'd be without a friendly audience and carefully scripted speeches.

Yeah, and like Canada; the problem is, all it does is make the Government answer questions over and over again; Question period does NOT mean the Government will change it's mind over subjects.

I kind of like the idea. At the same time, I realize there are plenty of differences between American and English political culture and government that could make it less successful than it is in the UK.
Depeds on what you mean by 'succesful'.

PMQ's at Westminster (or First Minister's questions in Cardiff or Holyrood) are not some awesome check on governmental power, or an incredibly useful tool of scrutiny. They're (mostly) an opportunity for the government and the opposition to spar with one another, which you could see as a good thing, or for up-and-coming members to show how much they can suck up to the administration.

One late night I caught PMQs on CSPAN (yes I was that bored/insomniatic), and it was awesome. I think one of the Liberal MPs insulted the prime minister's mother.

Yeah, and like Canada; the problem is, all it does is make the Government answer questions over and over again; Question period does NOT mean the Government will change it's mind over subjects.

Also yelling.

I think Congress already wastes too much time doing pointless crap.

That *is* an interesting idea - I hadn't heard it, and I even tune in to McCain speeches occasionally. I didn't hear it during the one this afternoon. I didn't know they did that in the UK, either. I guess there's a lot I don't know. :p Let's just be sure that if we start emulating the UK, we don't take it too far and give our wealthiest families an automatic seat in Congress. ;) With elections, those seats aren't *complete* gifts.

I'd like to see it. Of course, I doubt Obama would support it...God knows where he'd be without a friendly audience and carefully scripted speeches.

Pretty much where he is now?

McCain, on the other hand, is pretty obviously rather clueless. He's said so many stupid things this campaign, even in contexts that weren't particularly hostile or treacherous.

"Vetalia I'd like to see it. Of course, I doubt Obama would support it...God knows where he'd be without a friendly audience and carefully scripted speeches."

All of McCain's events are invitation only also... so if Obama is incompetent for playing to a selected screened house so is McCain.

That *is* an interesting idea - I hadn't heard it, and I even tune in to McCain speeches occasionally. I didn't hear it during the one this afternoon. I didn't know they did that in the UK, either. I guess there's a lot I don't know. :p Let's just be sure that if we start emulating the UK, we don't take it too far and give our wealthiest families an automatic seat in Congress. ;) With elections, those seats aren't *complete* gifts.

Ironically enough, given the House of Lords reforms, the most democratic members of the Lords are the Hereditary Peers, as when they reduced their numbers, they had to be voted in (albeit by other Lords).

Anyway, wouldn't they be Senators not Congressmen by equivalence :P

Ironically enough, given the House of Lords reforms, the most democratic members of the Lords are the Hereditary Peers, as when they reduced their numbers, they had to be voted in (albeit by other Lords).

Didn't know that. I'd still fear that they'd choose the most flamboyant over the least inbred. We get that here sometimes.

Anyway, wouldn't they be Senators not Congressmen by equivalence :P

House + Senate = Congress. So they'd be Senators and Congressmen. ;)

So basically it's a government sponsored Springer show without the sibling omnisexual married couple who cheated on each other with their distant relatives. Yeah, that'll really effect government change. Look at how Dubya is impervious to direct criticism, what makes you think McBush would actually take a hint?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xUy2inkGHQ&feature=related
-- what PMQs might normally be like

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmHt5UEL9sI&feature=related
-- just how ridiculous PMQs can get.

How PMQs normally goes:
Opposition: Throw accusation at PM
PM: Avoid issue, throw related counter accusation back (optional)
Brown Noser: Congratulate PM and offer seemingly pertinent question
PM: Thank MP and answer solemnly with prepared answer.
etc...

That *is* an interesting idea - I hadn't heard it, and I even tune in to McCain speeches occasionally. I didn't hear it during the one this afternoon. I didn't know they did that in the UK, either. I guess there's a lot I don't know. :p Let's just be sure that if we start emulating the UK, we don't take it too far and give our wealthiest families an automatic seat in Congress. ;) With elections, those seats aren't *complete* gifts.I believe they also voted that they would no longer be hereditary as well. Whilst the current hereditary peers retain their power and position, their children will not inherit the same.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9ZErdQy96U

This is one campaign promise I do not expect to be kept.