If You were Michael Dukakis...

[Akno21]

how would you respond to the question about Kitty Dukakis being raped and murdered?

Personally, I would have attacked the moderator for involving my wife in such a sickening question.

[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.

[qwerty]

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

[TheCommentator]

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

Obviously, you're a Republican!

[Akno21]

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

Flip-flop.

[Silent Hunter]

This was the one about use of the death penalty, wasn't it?

I'd say no because my wife wouldn't want that.

[Democratic Hawk]

how would you respond to the question about Kitty Dukakis being raped and murdered?

Personally, I would have attacked the moderator for involving my wife in such a sickening question.

I agree. There was no need for it.

Dave

[The Duke]

Bernie, I think if my wife, the most important person in the world to me, was taken from me in cold blood, I would absolutely want to see the killer put to death.  I would probably want to find the guy and apply the penalty myself.

And I would be absolutely wrong to want that.

That is why victim's families don't get to sentence criminals, we leave it to an impartial jury of our peers, a right guaranteed to every American in our constitution.

[J. J.]

"Oh, Bernie, what a terrible thing to say.

(pause)

I obviously would be outraged and want, deep down, to choke the man to death, right there.  I wouldn't, because I believe in the justice system and that an act of vengence wouldn't bring Kitty back."

[iosip]

if i was michael dukakis i'd say, "that's a stupid question, bernie."

[iosip]

how many times now have you brought up this "bandit73" guy who was a kerry liberal anyway?

[iosip]

How do you feel about school uniforms?

i think they're a stupid idea.

[Defarge]

Well, first I would have been on a pair of platform shoes or high heels... 

In all seriousness, I would have responded "I would have wanted to kill the person with my own bare hands, but that raw emotion is exactly why we should not have the death penalty" etc.

Note that I personally support the death penalty

[Dr. Cynic]

I think Dukakis felt trapped, and answered the best he could. If I were him, I would first apply a very tender thought to my wife, and secondly, I would have piled on the witticisims, which are my debate trademark.