Clinton first drew the line on hypotheticals during the New Hampshire Democratic debate Jun. 3. The debate was hosted by CNN and moderated by Wolf Blitzer:

CLINTON: Well, but, we’re not going to engage in these hypotheticals. I mean, one of the jobs of a president is being very reasoned in approaching these issues. And I don’t think it’s useful to be talking in these kind of abstract, hypothetical terms.

When Clinton said this, I remember asking myself: Isn’t campaigning for president all about speaking hypothetically? If elected president, what will you do? If hypotheticals are taken off the table during the campaign, then candidates shouldn’t bother with constructing platforms, releasing policy statements, participate in town hall meetings, or making any campaign promises that are contingent upon winning the election. Say goodbye to If elected, I promise