It sounded like a softball question, but it left Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY) and his Democratic challenger a little stumped in their congressional debate this week: What’s the last book you read?
“Wow, it’s been a while,” Grimm said when asked for the most recent title by the moderator. “I haven’t had time to read.”
“Um,” he continued, pausing to gather his thoughts. “I think it was a Tom Clancy book, and I don’t remember the name.”
“Okay,” the moderator said with a laugh. “These are not supposed to be stumpers.”
“Working 12 to 14 hours, you don’t get a lot of time to read books,” Grimm said, trying to put on a brave face.
His Democratic challenger, Domenic Recchia, seemed to sympathize when the moderator tried to pose the question to him. “We’re on the campaign trail,” he said. “We’re out talking to the people.”
