Bernard Pivot wrote them for writers and other intellects to answer on French television.
James Lipton poses them to famous performers on “Inside the Actors Studio” on the Bravo channel.
They’re 10 questions that entertain and maybe reveal a bit of one’s personality.
This week I put them to Democratic U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell and her Republican challenger, Mike McGavick.
* What is your favorite word?
Maria Cantwell: Authentic.
Mike McGavick: Good.
* What is your least favorite?
Cantwell: Can’t.
McGavick: Hate.
* What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Cantwell: Connecting to other people.
McGavick: The sense of doing something that people say can’t be done and is for the good of others.
* What turns you off?
Cantwell: Not seeing results, not seeing progress when it involves something you want to see changed.
McGavick: Meanness.
* What is your favorite curse word?
Cantwell: (laughs) How many people are going to have it printed in the paper? (A long pause). Probably damn.
McGavick: (laughs) I don’t have a favorite but I’m not afraid to use them.
* What sound or noise do you love?
Cantwell: Mourning doves. And trains.
McGavick: My kids laughing.
* What sound do you hate?
Cantwell: Anything that beeps.
McGavick: A child crying.
* What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Cantwell: Author.
McGavick: Anything that helps others. I love making a difference.
* What profession would you not like to do?
Cantwell: President of the United States.
McGavick: I could never do anything that didn’t have real meaning or purpose.
* If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Cantwell: I think Heaven does exist here on Earth in every one of us. I hope people realize that and express it to each other.
McGavick: Because you were good to others, you’re in.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield’s column on politics runs every Sunday. He can be heard at 7 a.m. Monday on “The Morning Show” on KSER (90.7 FM). He can be reached at 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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