One longer-term question is whether major sporting events that fans have been accustomed to seeing for free may one day be available only on cable.

The longer-term question, though, is around Microsoft's online services business.

If the initial issue is how to move forward, the longer-term question is how the event affects one's beliefs.

As to the longer-term question of fees, he said, "That issue shouldn't be addressed in an enforcement action, but is an issue for the commission."

Now the emphasis has to be on longer-term questions.

But the longer-term question is whether the space station will have enough power to keep operating.

The longer-term political question is whether the Administration can close ranks as it goes into the home stretch in negotiating a new missile accord.

The longer-term question is this: how can we develop a policy that guarantees stability and peace for the entire region in the long term?

The longer-term question is whether the scandal will change that.

The longer-term question will be whether the Asian turmoil means world growth is likely to slow significantly.