How (Not) to Avoid Reporters' Questions

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Technical glitch or avoiding the question? Pundits are debating whether former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren really couldn't hear Andrea Mitchell's question.

Andrea Mitchell

Mitchell (MSNBC): "And I just have to ask you very briefly, in ten seconds, were you aware any of eavesdropping on John Kerry by Israeli intelligence?" 

Oren: "Andrea, I cannot hear you. I'm sorry." [ear piece touch] "[utterances] I'm in Tel Aviv. I cannot hear you. I'm sorry."

Oren was still the Israeli ambassador at the time of the alleged eavesdropping.

Huffington Post compiled a video of embarrassing question evasions. And this reminds me of the woman who hid under her desk to avoid a reporter. Not the best option.

Discussion Starters: 

  • Do you believe that Oren couldn't hear? Explain your response with evidence from the video.
  • If Oren was simply evading the question, what would have been a better strategy for managing the question?