Should the US President answer questions in Congress like the British Prime Minister does in Parliament?

Question

John McCain has said that if he is elected President he will ask Congress to grant him 'the privilege' of coming before both houses to take questions, and address criticism, much the same as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom appears regularly before the House of Commons.

As a Brit, political leaders answering criticism is not unusual, but what do Americans think of the idea? Would it demean the President, or risk damaging separation of powers?

Answer 1

Personally I like the idea, though I think I would be dissapointed with the reality should it be put into action.

No, I don't think it demeans the President, or the office of the President, nor can I see a Q&A session before a joint session of Congress effecting the seperation of powers.

Answer 2

Not only should it be mandatory but the President should have to swear an oath to tell the truth under penalty of perjury and impeachment if he/she lies.

Same goes for all elected officials.

Answer 3

it would be fine with me but all too often any questions are not really asked to gain information but to denigrate the actions of the president from the opposing party.

Answer 4

It's a great idea, and I support McCain in that effect, though I wont be voting for him.  It's a good way to go, and I believe openness with congress is a way to make our goveernment work better, with not so much separation between the branches.

Answer 5

Hmmm . . . you are correct that there is a separation of powers issue in the US, whereas I believe the Prime Minister is already a member of Parliament.

I think that John McCain goes too far to prove he is "reaching out" to all sides.  America needs more of a leader - not to be confrontational, but to present a program and defend it, rather than always looking for the appearance of compromise.

I think John McCain is an honorable man, but he does not appear to understand the US Constitution terribly well.  His skills as a senator are no guarantee as success as a president.

I don't think Obama has anywhere near enough experience for the job either.

<sigh>