should presidential candidates be required to take written tests and lie detector tests?

Question

today, while watching c-span's call in show, a viewer talked about a candidate's transparency. the next caller went along that line when he spoke about the right's of voters to know exactly how candidates felt about topics. there would be no chance for waffling or flip flopping.

we thoroughly test astronauts, physically and psychologically. there is nothing that is not tested. nfl quarterbacks are subjected to rigorous testing designed to show their abilities to make decisions under stressful conditions.

we subject the candidates to run this country by what? orchestrated q&a sessions, popularity contests as for high school prom king and queen, etc. these tests are purely superficial, very undefinitive.

it's no wonder that we get the shallowest and most selfish individuals in charge of our lives.

Answer 1

i agree. the sad thing is, i've noticed the candidates who try to be the most ambiguous about their beliefs (like hilary) tend to fare better in the polls, whereas candidates who state directly what they believe in (such as paul and kucinich) do poorly in the polls.

Answer 2

At least a televised quiz on the Constitution of the United States.

Answer 3

Not a bad idea...however, I believe it's even MORE important to issue them IQ tests. Had we done this in the past, we wouldn't be stuck with Bush.

Answer 4

Sounds good but if we did, the failure rate would be so high, that I doubt there would be any candidates left to run for office

Answer 5

Off course we should, you need to do all that just to get a job at Walmart!
They should be drug tested, too. And it should be public just to see if they have a pair!

Answer 6

if all candidates take the tests the only man who could pass it would be [ Jesus Christ ] him self "

Answer 7

if they had a polygraph test, there would be no elections