Playing dumb when asking questions is journalism now.

[drray23]

I have noticed this trend becoming really prevalent. A good example of a practitioner of this method is Katy Tur.

One of her guest was commenting on how bad it is that Todd Blanche who not only is a political appointee but also Trump former personal lawyer was meeting with Maxwell.

Tur replied , why is it a bad thing ? The guest had to explain its an obvious conflict of interest and make it more likely than not that this is driven by political considerations to help Trump rather than pursue justice for the people.

Is she playing dumb or is she dumb? Is it because she thinks her audience is dumb so she had to force the guest to spell it out ?

Tur is not the only one doing that. It's very common now.

[Ocelot II]

1. In some cases it's a useful way of getting an interviewee to explain something.

In the case of Katie Tur it's probably because she isn't very bright.

[senseandsensibility]

2. I was about to make both of those points

but you saved me the trouble! I agree completely.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

4. Exactly n/t

[Bernardo de La Paz]

3. When your audience is stupider than you are, you have to ask basic questions to review for their benefit

But often the same thing can be achieved in less time as well or better by the journalist doing the quick review / reminder.

It is also maintains more ethical distance, avoids inserting one's own points of view.

I made this post to reinforce the Ocelot II post before me.

[Wiz Imp]

5. "Is she playing dumb or is she dumb?"

In Tur's case, I'd say both are true.

[BigmanPigman]

6. Sometimes reporters ask sarcastic questions

Sort of like "playing dumb". Tur is just stupid.