Answer Interruptus

Yesterday, I wrote here that I was scheduled to appear on Good Morning America today to talk about an issue that’s virtually absent from the presidential campaign. You responded in force with guesses about what the issue is, and several of you guessed right.

But there is a reason I used that phrase, “scheduled to appear” — because with TV, you never know. I got bumped from the live show this a.m., so we taped the segment and hopefully it will air soon. I will let you know. Since the segment hasn’t aired yet, I shouldn’t divulge the topic, although I can give another hint.

ABC News recently ran a poll asking the following question:

“Thinking ahead to the November 2008 presidential election, what is the single most important issue in your choice for president?”

The topic I was discussing does not appear on the list of 18 answers below. Now keep in mind that people were asked to list only their top issue, not to rank a list of issues. Still, I was surprised to see the topic missing from this list. Which, of course, is why you haven’t heard much about it during the campaign: if the people aren’t thinking about it, the politicians aren’t talking about it.

1. Economy/Jobs
2. Iraq/War in Iraq
3. Health Care
4. Ethics/Honesty/Corruption in government
(TIED FOR No. 5)
Terrorism/National security
Immigration/Illegal immigration
(TIED FOR No. 6)
Education
Morals/Family values
Foreign policy
(TIED FOR No. 7)
Environment
Abortion
Social Security
Taxes
(TIED FOR No. 8)
Federal budget deficit
Housing/Mortgages
Global warming
Iran/Situation in Iran
Guns/Gun control