Hypotheticals in Presidential Debates: A Pathetic Aversion
10th August 2007
EconLog. See the politician. See the politician dodge. Dodge, politician, dodge.
As Bryan points out, some hypotheticals are relevant, and some aren’t. If a candidate faces one that isn’t, it’s no shame to say, “That’s a stupid and irrelevant question, and I refuse to answer it.” That would show backbone; I would vote for such a candidate. But to dodge a relevant hypothetical, one that would illuminate either the candidate’s character or the candidate’s qualifications, is … well, just a dodge. I would avoid voting for such a slimeball.