Why do we all allow our politicians to get by with spin and high level statements when most would, when probed not be able to explain what they meant in any real detail?

Too many Americans simply buy into the spin that best fits their current, predisposed position. That does not do America any good.

What would happen if politicians would be required to expose themselves to deeper questioning about what they say – with iterative inquiries going sufficiently deep to help Americans understand what they mean or see that they really don’t know of which they speak?

Now THAT might be interesting and educational at the same time. It also may help Americans shape their opinions based upon better information and a better understanding of what the politicians are saying with their superficial talking points.

Why can’t debates probe more deeply with follow up questions? Could candidates ask each other questions in an attempt to determine whether their opponent knows what he or she is talking about?

Alternatively, why can’t we have a televised debate about an issue where “experts” from both sides try to explain and ‘sell’ their positions by presenting deep explanations about how it works and presenting statistics (citing specific sources) to help Americans better understand and choose. I think Ross Perot’s charts did a lot for him because he spoke to the voter and demonstrated ideas in ways that lot of Americans could understand and to which they could relate.

What do you think?