General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhen a congressperson asks a yes or no question...
...and the subject goes off on a long, rambly, pivoting turn of the question that makes them look good without answering the question, is there some reason their next follow up isn't, "So would I be correct in inferring from what you just said that your answer to my question is 'no'?" (Or 'yes', however it falls.)
Phoenix61
(17,021 posts)I might go with, "...so you are refusing to answer my question."
greymattermom
(5,754 posts)who always answers yes or no unless he can't answer the question, in which case he tells you that also. I think that's one of the reasons that it's refreshing to watch him.
asiliveandbreathe
(8,203 posts)marble falls
(57,371 posts)forgotmylogin
(7,539 posts)"So, in short, Mr. Ms. Whatever, your answer is yes/no? Correct?"
Asking the same exact question again that they didn't answer directly seems like it gives them a chance to just repeat themselves and run out the clock.
Delmette2.0
(4,174 posts)That is when they should reclaim the time.
Moostache
(9,897 posts)"Mr./Ms./Mrs. subject X, you have been called to testify before Congress on this matter. Your refusal to answer "yes/no" questions with the requisite "yes/no" answers is noted and should charges of obstruction or perjury before a Congressional inquiry be found warranted, you will be prosecuted for your intransigence, to the fullest extent of the law. I will offer you one final chance to respond, in the required manner, and to answer this question...<repeat question>"
Then, when they continue to waffle around and try to be cute without answering the question or asserting 5th Amendment privilege:
"Your lack of cooperation upon clarification is noted and recorded. Your attorney will be contacted to prepare a defense for the charges you will likely face as a result of your lack of cooperation or transparency before this committee."
SWBTATTReg
(22,176 posts)Too many times the truth is being avoided or hid behind such non answers.