The debate between President Biden and former president Donald Trump Thursday night on CNN was sure to be more than just rehearsed answers and soundbites you’ve heard before. Polls show Americans are worried about what many of them feel when it comes to the economy, uncontrolled immigration, the weakening of our first shared moral values, and the erosion of what is traditionally known as cultural norms.
Trying to squeeze some honest answers out of politicians is always a difficult exercise. Here are some questions I would like to ask if given the chance.
Polls show voters are most concerned about immigration and our borders, the economy and crime. It is obvious to anyone who opens their eyes that the border is not secure. According to The Hill, “The United States has about 10.2 million illegal immigrants in 2020, and another 10 million have arrived during the Biden presidency.” Many, it can be safely said, are gang members, criminals, some have terrorist connections, and don’t forget about drugs. In some cases, innocent Americans have even been killed by undocumented immigrants.
President Biden, you swore for over three years that you couldn’t do anything about the border without congressional action. Now you’ve issued several executive orders that limit asylum access for migrants who cross the border illegally. The act has, the news, decreased border anxiety, in Arizona, by nearly 40 percent. US Customs and Border Protection data also showed that there was a “25% decrease in daily encounters between ports of entry.” There is no news about the flow of drugs, so it is not enough a complete victory. What would you do differently in your second season to tackle the border?
Follow up. You and former President Obama have promised to “fundamentally change America.” What does it mean to flood the nation with people who have broken our laws to get here, allowing them to become citizens and, as critics say, perpetual Democratic voters?
To Trump: You have said you will deport millions of undocumented migrants, but last week you seemed to change your position. Describe the action to be taken.
For Biden: The Congressional Budget Office projects the national debt will reach $56 trillion by 2034. The main drivers of the debt are Social Security, Medicare and other federally funded programs. This needs to be changed because no nation in history has been able to carry so much debt. What are you going to do to protect the people who are currently receiving these benefits, but fix them so that these programs can continue for generations to come?
To Trump: You added $8 trillion to the national debt in four years in office. How to reduce spending and debt?
For Biden: Polls show people are concerned about a new crime wave and prosecutors who are allowing repeat offenders to walk free and in some cases commit new crimes. Are you calling for a tougher crime approach and replacing those prosecutors?
To Trump: Why do you call so many Democrats and so few Republicans when you speak well of Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and President Xi Jinping? What do you hope to accomplish by humiliating your fellow citizens?
To Trump: You have claimed that Putin would not have invaded Ukraine and that war would not have broken out between Israel and Hamas if you were president. On what basis can you say?
For two: Iran is on the verge of producing nuclear weapons. Both of you and Israel have said that cannot be allowed. What are you going to do to stop it and you can wait?
For Biden: Democrats seem consumed with the issue of abortion. Nearly 64 million abortions have been performed in the US since Roe v. Wade was enacted in 1973. As a Catholic, does that cause you concern and would you not approve of adoption as an option?
To Trump: The President has called you a “threat to democracy” and a “convicted felon.” What can you do to ease voters’ fears about the first and will you excuse yourself from additional federal costs if you are re-elected?
For both: You have and apparently will continue to attack each other. Say something positive and substantive that you like about your opponent.
Hey, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, you have your own credibility problems for attacking Trump so often. Let’s try to be fair Thursday night.
Readers can email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” ​​(HumanixBooks).
