Dukakis-Bush debate: death penalty

Bernard Shaw asks Michael Dukakis a provocative question in the second 1988 presidential debate: "If Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty for the killer?"

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Michael
• Dukakis
• 1988
• presidential
• debate
• Bernard
• Shaw
• death
• penalty
• Kitty
• controversial
• question

[gracebasherguy92]

Here's what Dukakis should have said: "First of all, Bernard, I think that question is highly inappropriate. To bring my wife and my family into such a sensitive issue to try and stump me is deplorable. Second of all, to answer it, I would say yes, I would, as a grieving family member wish to see an irrevocable death penalty for the killer, but that's also why we don't put grieving family members in charge of the American Justice System!"

[seltian]

How the f*** did that lose him the election? That wasn't even a bad answer! Hell, he was absolutely right!

[fuckvegan]

Yes this is exactly what lost him the election. Stupid public wants to see compassion and emotion not a cold logical answer

[holidayrap]

@gracebasherguy92 Wow you quoted Newt Gingrich 8 months before he said it. lol

[Sage80]

@gracebasherguy92 I'm sure Gomer Pyle's happy to know he still has supporters.

[timothyand]

he should have said: how dare you ask me such a question? how pathetic are you to frame a question about policy in a hypothetical about my wife or family being brutalized or victimized? who do you think you are? the question you posed says more about your character, sir, then any answer i could give would say about mine. shame on you.

[LukasMueller1993]

What would have been better? To flip flop on a life time of standing next to an opinion, and say yes? I think that was a calm answer. Hell I would have flipped out if someone asked me that type of question.

[TheShakiebreaks]

@gracebasherguy92 nuff props to u mate

[EminencePhront]

I hold suspect anyone who would not want death for someone who killed their family members, provided their guilt was proven.

[JamesBaldwinIsGod]

@gracebasherguy92 Terrific answer, though I don't think the question was that bad. Ill-advised and too provocative, perhaps, but Shaw was invoking Kitty's name to determine Dukakis' values and how he would deal with a situation that might put them to the test.

[JamesBaldwinIsGod]

Dukakis should've said "I would've fucking killed the guy," without the cursing, of course. That's what people wanted to hear. That's what people needed to hear. Certainly, his point was right, but it was too academic, too impersonal, and too milquetoast an answer.

[sonicboomz]

How about, "Let's be clear, Bernard. What you're really asking me is if a thirst for revenge justifies the death penalty. The answer is no."