Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
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He calls himself a maverick. See if you can guess what Mike Gravel, 76, said and what he didn't. Answers are at the bottom of the page (Yes = he did, No = he did not)
(1) On giving Americans direct power to make laws based on popular votes, calling the nation's three branches of government an unstable, three-legged chair ... "Giving us Americans legislative power will put forth a fourth leg on that stool, and make it stable."
(2) On Iraq ... "I will remove our troops expeditiously without contingency. President Bush's mistake is not worth the life or maiming of one more American soldier."
(3) On the current tax system ... "[Its] unfairness is only superceded by its incomprehensibility."
(4) On his plan for tax reform ... "A straight-forward national sales tax with proper consideration for the necessities of life through a pre-bate."
(5) On the future direction of NASA ... "I will appoint (Ohio Democratic Congressman) Dennis Kucinich as ambassador to Mars because the way he conceptualizes policy is out of this world."
(6) Asked next about illegal aliens ... "I will also appoint Dennis [Kucinich] as ambassador to the illegal aliens because of his ability to communicate with those from other planets. You never know what our space exploration may drum up. Hey, did you see that movie with Sigourney Weaver ..."
(7) On diplomacy with North Korea ... "If I become President of the United I will ask Steven Spielberg as a special ambassador to go to North Korea and meet with that gentleman and invite him to Hollywood."
(8) When asked, "Paris Hilton or Kate Moss?" ... "Let the people decide."
(1) Yes (2) Yes (3) Yes (4) Yes (5) No (6) No (7) Yes, he REALLY did! (8) Trick Question! Yes, but not to the question, "Paris Hilton or Kate Moss?"
