Debate etiquette: Should Donald Trump call his opponent ‘Crooked Hillary’ on stage?

NEWS AND OPINION:

Donald Trump continues to bypass both the media and popular pollsters by creating his own provocative public surveys, each loaded with at least 30 questions. And here comes the fifth one: With signature grass-roots flair, Mr. Trump’s newest poll asks voters to weigh in on his upcoming debate with Hillary Clinton, now just six days off, and a crucial event for both nominees.

“To prepare for the biggest night of our campaign, I’m turning to the very people who have humbled me and gotten me to where I am today. You,” Mr. Trump advises participants. “I want your honest input. If you disagree with something, tell me you disagree. Look, I never made it in business surrounding myself with people who tell me what I want to hear. Our campaign is about telling it like it is — and that’s not changing.”

The survey itself was created by campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, a veteran pollster herself. It asks for practical input on 14 policy items, from illegal immigration to the $19 trillion federal debt. But it also seeks advice on a broader scope. Should Mr. Trump defend his agenda, attack Mrs. Clinton’s ideas or present an equal balance between the two? Here’s a few more questions from the poll, verbatim:

“Do you think Trump should refer to Hillary as ’Crooked Hillary’ on stage?

“Should Trump call out Hillary’s reluctance to say ’radical Islamic terrorism’ and her underlying fear of being politically incorrect?

“Should Trump criticize the Clinton Foundation’s corruption, and urge the Clintons to shut it down and return all foreign donations?

“Should Trump force Hillary to answer questions about her email scandal that the press still won’t ask?

“Should Trump contrast his America-first foreign policy with Hillary’s globalism?

“Should Trump focus on his own experience living the American Dream, and his desire to make it accessible for all Americans?”

The four previous Trump polls sought public input on the candidate’s overall campaign strategy, the news media, Mrs. Clinton’s ideas and major issues.

MCCAUL’S TIMELY INPUT

Just in time, perhaps. House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Michael T. McCaul reveals a new nonpartisan counterterrorism protocol on Tuesday, titled “A National Strategy to Win the War Against Islamist Terror.” The work has significant public outreach; an afternoon press conference is scheduled at the U.S. Capitol, with an event at the American Enterprise Institute to follow.

“The strategy outlines how we can reverse the tide of terror. This is also a guide for the next president of the United States, who must be clear-eyed about the nature of the threat and prepared to confront it decisively,” says Mr. McCaul. “Make no mistake, this war will be long, and it will test America’s resolve.”

His outline strategy includes promising, practical ideas with an eye on asymmetric engagement — including advice on helping local communities on how to spot warning signs of dangerous activities sooner, plus “counter messaging of terrorist propaganda.”

NOW THERE’S A THOUGHT

“In presidential elections, traditionally it’s the economy, stupid. But if there’s one thing that trumps the economy, it’s whether you live or die,” writes Roger L. Simon, founder of PJ Media. “And as events play out in New York, New Jersey and Minnesota (not to mention Iran, Syria, Libya, etc., etc.), it seems more than ever that for 2016 — it’s the jihad, stupid.”

AND THERE’S ANOTHER THOUGHT

“This election in particular can be downright depressing sometimes.”

— Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, weighing in on the 2016 campaign on Monday before an audience at Temple University in Philadelphia.

REAGAN AUCTION GOES LIVE

A reminder from Christie’s, the esteemed New York City auction house, which is now offering hundreds of items from the very private collection of Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy. The proceeds benefit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute; the items up for bid are personal indeed — including the Reagan family Thanksgiving platter, complete with charming little turkey salt and pepper shakers.

Also among the array: photographs and books from the very shelves of their Bel Air, California, home, jewelry, fancy handbags, a selection of music from their personal library, plus furniture and decorating accessories of every description. Online bidding begins Tuesday and continues for eight days.

“Bid one for the Gipper,” advises the auction house. Find the offerings at Christies.com.

PORTRAIT OF PUTIN

Airing Tuesday on the National Geographic Channel’s new documentary series “Facing”: a close-up chronicle of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some interesting folks will weigh in during the program, including former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, former CIA Director Leon Panetta, former Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko, photographer Platon, who made a portrait of Mr. Putin when he was named Time’s 2007 “Person of the Year”; Marina Litvinenko, widow of former KGB spy Alexander “Sacha” Litvinenko; and Nadya Tolokonnikova, co-founder of the girl group Pussy Riot. Airtime is 9 p.m. EST.

“Vladimir Putin is one of the few men in the world powerful enough to do what he wants — and get away with it,” the cable network notes.

POLL DU JOUR

• 68 percent of Americans say it’s fair to question a political candidate’s health; 87 percent of Republicans, 70 percent of independents and 52 percent of Democrats agree.

• 57 percent overall say presidential candidates should release all medical information that would affect their “ability to serve”; 70 percent of Republicans, 58 percent of independents and 46 percent of Democrats agree.

• 34 percent overall say the candidates have a right to keep medical records private; 22 percent of Republicans, 34 percent of independents and 44 percent of Democrats agree.

• 19 percent overall say it’s unfair for the media to question a candidate’s physical health; 9 percent of Republicans, 18 percent of independents and 28 percent of Democrats agree.

Source: A YouGov poll of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted Sept. 12 to 14.

Petty annoyances, chatter to jharper@washingtontimes.com