If You were Michael Dukakis...

[TheCommentator]

I would say that:

"Well that's a very good question, a very personal question, but also I'm glad that you asked it, because it's something I care about very deeply."

(passionate look)

"Now I know that for myself and for most Americans, there are no appropriate words that could be used by a presidential candidate to describe what I would like to do in response to something like that. And I think that we all appreciate that and we all can appreciate the need for justice in response to a great travesty. We feel this very deeply. Make no mistake about that. "

(pause)

"However, I feel that as a specific form of punishment, the federal government should not be in the business of putting its own citizens to death. The likelihood of making a mistake in this matter is too great... How would you feel if your spouse was falsely convicted and put to death by the death penalty...and false convictions have happened before. Putting someone to death won't bring back the lost one. It is just more disrespect for the sacredness of life. If we as a government and society cheapen that sacredness in any way, it will loosen the moral standards towards the taking of life. That I oppose."

Granted its not the same thing typing versus and an impromptu response.

[TheCommentator]

I would have responded to Brenard Shaw's question with a simple answer; yes.

Obviously, you're a Republican!