Readers React: That value of hypothetical questions in presidential campaigns

To the editor: Richard Grenell’s article actually reinforces the narrative of Republicans that it tries to discredit. (“‘Would you attend a gay wedding?’ -- a question meant to trip up, not inform,” op-ed, May 4)

What-if questions are telling. They ask how a candidate would apply a conservative principle in a personal situation. After all, isn’t that who they’re supposed to represent, people in real-life situations?

According to the article, Republicans consider them “trick questions” intent on “tripping them up.” If they are indeed starting to deal with these questions by learning better scripts instead of giving truly candid answers, then perhaps they deserve the narrative of “out-of-touch old men.”

Bill Robertson, Santa Barbara

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To the editor: It has always been an essential part of the art of politics to dodge and deflect questions from reporters. Unfortunately, the young Republicans running for president have shown themselves to be unprepared for the big show.

Just as predictably, Republican operatives like Grenell lash out at reporters for doing their job of pinning down slippery candidates, sometimes with hypothetical questions. This should be a very interesting Republican primary.

Kevin Powell, Long Beach

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