A modest proposal

I've sent a version of this suggestion to the folks over at CNN who will be moderating the next GOP debate.
The suggestion also works for the next Democratic debate.
The idea is get candidates to reveal their basic philosophy of government and of the Presidency, and to avoid stupid, snarky, "gotcha" questions.

Here goes.

Base at least the first half of the debate on the Preamble to the United States Constitution.

We the People of the United States, in Order to

form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice,
insure domestic Tranquility,
provide for the common defence,
promote the general Welfare,
and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,

do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Start by asking each candidate, "What can and should the Federal Government do to help form a more perfect union?"

After this, distribute questions appropriately so that each candidate has a chance to respond to at least two (maybe 3, depending on number of candidates).:

"What can and should the Federal Government do to establish justice?"

"What can and should the Federal Government do to insure domestic tranquility?"

"What can and should the Federal Government do to provide for the common defense?"
(The GOP candidates should be salivating for the opportunity to answer this one!)

"What can and should the Federal Government do to promote the general welfare?"
(The contrast between GOP & Dems should be stark on this one!)

"What can and should the Federal Government do to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity?"

That's it.
Not snarky, just simple questions about the government's role in fulfilling the mission statement articulated by the Preamble.

Another potential benefit: framing the debates along these lines would help inform the voting public - or at least the folks watching the debates - about the Preamble!