And we need to keep asking. Because while in so many ways Trump is a dismal failure, he’s a black belt at deflecting questions — break into the middle of the question, deny the premise, answer what wasn’t asked, flat-out lie, go on the attack, or just cut off the questioner.
One tactic that has worked to date, but heartwarmingly went bad in a recent briefing was telling the reporter to be quiet, be quiet, be quiet, but this time guy kept right on asking to the point Trump finally had to reply. Keep that up, because, we need those answers.
Three things to consider. If you ask two questions at once, know that he will likely respond to just the one of his choice. Second, try to put the heart of the Q in the beginning in case you are cut off. Alternatively, if you start with something Trump might regard as flattery, you might get your whole question in.
So please, White House reporters, ask and ask in briefing after briefing, the questions below or any others. And just as important, please back each other up, repeat the question he shut down, even if it means having for the moment to forego what you intended to ask. Let him see a united front.
If, and each of you likely will at some point, you get crapped on, wear it like a badge of honor. Because then you know beyond a reasonable doubt that you asked exactly the right thing, and that your question and his non-answer actually pulled the curtain back a bit more on the hard truth.
THE Q’s {may need further verification, clarification}
- The US has apparently tested more than any other country. But a variety of nonpolitical sources say we lag way behind on a per capita basis — what are we doing to catch up?
- What do you think will ultimately be the cost to taxpayers as a result of 50 states and FEMA bidding on the same items, causing prices to go up and up?
- You’ve indicated that reports of supply shortages by so many doctors, nurses, and hospital directors are just to get on tv — do you really think they’re all lying?
- Other countries saw huge increases in cases and deaths by {best timing}, so why not look at that and make our own decisions rather than rely on the threat assessment of the WHO?
- Has then been any further progress on the Google covid evaluation website you mentioned some time back?
- You seem to do a really good job of staying in tune with your supporters — some of them on social media believe the reported covid deaths are a hoax, don’t exist — what would you say to them?
- {for Pence} Is there any way to determine how many people have died for lack of a ventilator?
- {for “Deborah”} Trump likely avoided some cases and deaths when he closed the border in late January. Is there a model that can show how cases and deaths could have been further reduced by a national policy in February regarding social distancing, business closures, and staying at home?
- {can reports of Trump’s financial interest in chloroquine be verified, seems to be related to a company called Sanofi — then ask and ask him about it}
- {can someone obtain a copy of the report Susan Rice gave the T admin regarding pandemics — then ask and ask him about it}
Journalists, you are our bridge between facts and fog. Thank you.