Reply #16: I think that's a great idea, actually.

[LWolf]

btw, I have most of my master's in Library Science, and worked in school librarys, with children, for 12 years while I waffled between the 2 degrees and finally took my teaching credential.

I think asking them what they've read, and what, and who, influences their policies is a better idea than listening to stump speeches. At least we'd know if they ever DID read or think about policy issues.

I met one of the current crop for the first time several years ago. He was speaking at a reasonably small venue, and we had a long, extended question and answer session with about 20 people. His answers were peppered with references to various books, philosophers, educators, psychologists, economists, and activists. I was literally staggered by the range of reading AND thinking he referenced.

I'd much prefer to hear them discuss their readings, and their thinking, than to hear them lie, or to have to (or be told to) assume that they are lying. Or to be expected to excuse their lies.