I’m not trying to pick on Harris specifically here. It’s just a perfect example of politicians being asked direct yes or no questions, and them giving paragraph long responses that don’t actually answer the question.
Do you believe that climate change is largely driven by human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels? If not, is there a different cause you would cite?
Didn’t say yes.
Do you believe climate change is making disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires and heat waves more intense?
Almost said yes.
Should climate change be addressed through government action or market forces?
Practically a yes. I award a half credit.
Do you support clean-energy tax credits such as those for electric vehicles?
Again half credit. Not an actual yes.
That is not even a real interview, but a FAQ.
Do you believe that climate change is largely driven by human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels? If not, is there a different cause you would cite?
Didn’t say yes.
Here I agree, the question isn’t answered.
But:
Do you believe climate change is making disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires and heat waves more intense?
Almost said yes.
"The science is clear. Extreme weather will only get worse, and the climate crisis will only accelerate.’’
How is that not a yes?
Should climate change be addressed through government action or market forces?
Practically a yes. I award a half credit
“Under Harris’s climate plan as a 2019 presidential candidate, she advocated for a blend of government action and market forces to combat global warming.”
It’s not a yes because this is not a yes or no question. It gives a very clear answer though. How is this half credit?
Do you support clean-energy tax credits such as those for electric vehicles?
Again half credit. Not an actual yes.
“In 2022, Harris cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides hundreds of billions of dollars in government subsidies for electric cars and other clean-energy technology, including tax credits for clean-energy and energy-efficiency home projects.”
That answers the question, again.
So, in 3 out of 4 questions the answers are very clear. And giving a “long” answer to a complex question is, in my opinion, appropriate.
