Political Spin Zone

It is almost, if not downright hilarious listening to a politician getting interviewed by a skilled media person trying to get answers to some tough questions. After a brief couple of seconds of pleasantries the first question is asked and the politician usually waits to make sure he or she has heard everything that has been said and to see if the interviewer indicates whether or not they may be hostile. Then he may repeat part or the entire question to gain more time before beginning his answer. The answer usually touches only the edges of the question while quickly scooting off to the pol’s opponents to make sure he scores some damaging shots while he can. Then the interviewer tries to ask the same question again but comes at it from another direction. At this point the politician senses that he is in for a rough session so when the question is asked he immediately fires back a question of his own which not only buys him time but he has now put the interviewer on defense. Once again the question is asked and this time with some frustration heard in the media person’s voice so the politician now goes ahead and answers (his interpretation) the question. His response is usually far enough off base to confuse the best of us but it fills air time and it makes the politician look like he is trying to answer. By this time the media type is pulling his hair out trying to get an honest response but still continuing to get inane and incorrect information continuously spun at him. The skill of spinning is an incredible art and can be invaluable to a politician who must face the media on a regular basis. To be asked a question and then to be able spin an answer that is incorrect and totally off subject while taking pot shots at your critics is a profound talent. The really good ones can walk away and have everyone who listened to him try to figure out what he said that sounded so intelligent. Fox News is about the only network that has non biased (as well as biased) journalists that will take politicians to task rather than try and cozy up to them looking for some sort of recognition. Watch Bill O’Reilly go after one of those US senators who blow hot air ¾ of the time and you will be pleasantly surprised to see that there are some honest journalists still around. The next time you watch one of these guys get interviewed, even if it isn’t a hardball reporter, look closely and see if I’m right or not. It will really make you laugh when you understand what is going on.