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Journalists: Stop asking “gotcha” questions and do your job
Demanding yes or no answers to “when did you stop beating your wife” questions is useless
Many so-called journalists have decided that the best approach to interviewing politicians is to repeat questions and demand a yes or no answer when the question deserved a more thoughtful (and yes, lengthy) response.
While this is sometimes a legitimate approach, more often the “journalist” is asking a “gotcha” question designed to make the respondent look evasive or to trap them into saying something that can be used against them later.
Consider:
Is Joe Biden too old to be president, yes or no?
It’s not a yes or no question. There is no upper age limit on who can occupy the office of President of the United States. The issue is not age, it’s the ability of that person. Some people go into cognitive decline in their 70s; others remain sharp through their 90s. It’s a “gotcha” question that doesn’t provide any value to the audience (viewers or readers).
Will you support the outcome of the election, yes or no?
It’s an incomplete question. The outcome as determined by whom? The outcome at what stage of the process? Again, a “gotcha” question that doesn’t provide any value to the audience.
Should journalists insist that politicians actually answer the questions they ask? Of course. We all know that politicians and PR people are often experts at ignoring the question and instead making their talking points. And yes, politicians are also skilled at running out the clock when it comes to avoiding questions they don’t want to answer. But journalists have a responsibility to ask good questions.
The “when did you stop beating your wife” style of “gotcha” question serves no one (unless, of course, it’s directed to a known wife-beater). It reflects poorly on the journalist’s integrity, it doesn’t allow the respondent to provide useful information, and it wastes the audience’s time.
Jacquelyn Lynn is an inspirational author, business ghostwriter, and self-publishing consultant. Connect with Jacquelyn at CreateTeachInspire.com, or learn more about her career journey here:
