I was watching the news recently. A congressman was being interviewed by the host about government waste. Granted, the guest was being dodgy, not exactly answering the questions. But the host was getting downright rude. Everything about the host was childish. His skrunched up face, wiggling in his seat, and his nyah, nyah, nyah intonation. I had to turn it off. If he was my child, I would have given him a time out.
Talk about trickle down. How many times have we seen "real" people try and solve their problems that same way. If you yell loud enough, or demean the other person enough, you will prove your point. Its playground warfare.
I know this posturing is this particular host's schtick. And I've heard it makes for good television. But that's like saying an accident makes for good driving. Try as we might to keep our eyes on our own business, we all take those furtive glances. I am certainly guilty of it as well.
The alternative? If the host is really smart, they can maintain their composure and by asking the right questions either get the guest to answer, or allow the guest to reveal way more than combative question might. The secret here is intelligence, thinking on their feet.
Most elected officials have earned our respect. We don't have to agree with them, and we are entitled to ask them the hard questions. But just because there is a car wreck up ahead, you don't have to cause another by not keeping your mind focused on the job at hand.
Ted
Life's A Banquet, Grab A Big Slice
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