# Silly things you've heard reporters say or ask. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 22, 2013, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064 "2013-05-22T20:30:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/21 "2013-05-23T15:05:50Z")
I can’t remember the specific questions, but during “Desert Storm,” when Gen. Tom Kelley was doing the press conferences, there was one Asian-looking female reporter who typically asked dumb questions. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/22 "2013-05-23T15:57:39Z")
It was the 80s, and all the new cable channels like ESPN had no idea of what to fill airtime with. So, we ended up with a tv crew doing on-deck interviews at our international swim meet (in St. Louis, but fairly large; we had teams from Australia, South Africa, East Germany competing). Anyway, after our relay we duly troop down the pool deck to be confronted by brainless smarmy reporter lady: BSRL: “So… you all just lost. How do you feel about that?” us: “Um…” 😕 BSRL: “Do you wish you’d won?” us: :smack: Now, I wish I’d’ve had the presence of mind to shove her into the pool. Although, it was the 80s; the oilslick from her hair product would’ve made the pool unusable. Even so I’m waiting for the day some Olympics when some swimmer tosses that pooldeck reporter into the water. They’ll be my new hero. ---
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/23 "2013-05-23T16:18:55Z")
During the recent Boston bombing coverage, CNN had a reporter on the streets. Everyone was evacuated or holed up in their homes, so the streets were completely empty and silent. How does the reporter choose to describe it? [“It’s as though a bomb had dropped somewhere.”](http://fun107.com/cnn-analysis-of-boston-marathon-bombing-its-like-a-bomb-dropped-here-video/) ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/24 "2013-05-23T16:22:03Z")
I always enjoy seeing [this guy walk into the pole](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFUuvGZ8OiA). ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/25 "2013-05-23T16:37:50Z")
I’ve always enjoyed this exchange between a radio reporter and Clement Attlee, who was British Prime Minister at the time (IIRC): Reporter: Prime Minister, do you have a message for the British people? Attlee: No ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/26 "2013-05-23T17:18:58Z")
> [@AngelSoft](#): > > During the recent Boston bombing coverage Speaking of which, [Jim Braude of New England Cable News](http://www.boston.com/names/2013/04/26/open-mike-catches-jim-braude-colorful-language/tdhr5XIjDEzwpqw3EzKYJP/story.html)got caught with his mike on right after NBC cut to him, saying “Oh, you’re not listening? Well, I don’t know shit.” After NBC cut right back and apologized, the tweets started coming in, along the lines of “Finally, a reporter with the courage to tell the truth.” ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/27 "2013-05-23T17:24:30Z")
> [@Lotfh](#): > > The reporter asks a few questions then throws in: > How does it make you feel? > This sends the poor woman and kids into tears and hysteria. Your tears are ratings gold. Blech. The most recent awesome response to a dumb reporter question.. “That’s a clown question, bro.” Clear, concise, dismissive and insulting. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/28 "2013-05-23T17:37:56Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > The most recent awesome response to a dumb reporter question.. “That’s a clown question, bro.” The reporter asked him if he planned to have a beer to celebrate a game-winning home run. Harper’s a Mormon, so he doesn’t drink- but douchebag answers are OK. 😉 It was a funny retort but it really wasn’t a stupid question unless we take it for granted that everybody should know what religion Bryce Harper is. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/29 "2013-05-23T17:47:04Z")
I think it was after the recent (2010) earthquake in Haiti or possibly it was during some civil unrest, I hear a reporter refer to disparity between “white Haitians” and “African-American Haitians”. I thought it was silly that she didn’t just say black. While Haiti is clearly in the Americas, I have only heard “African-American” used to describe black people in the US. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/30 "2013-05-23T17:59:02Z")
Honestly, I had no idea that Harper is Mormon, I just thought that asking a professional ballplayer whether or not he’s going to celebrate with a beer was a completely lame question. ---
**Author:** ![Morbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morbo/32/389_2.png) [@Morbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morbo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/31 "2013-05-23T18:00:47Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > The reporter asked him if he planned to have a beer to celebrate a game-winning home run. Harper’s a Mormon, so he doesn’t drink- but douchebag answers are OK. 😉 It was a funny retort but it really wasn’t a stupid question unless we take it for granted that everybody should know what religion Bryce Harper is. He was also 19 at the time. You can hear other reporters explaining that he can’t drink legally, then the interviewer saying “Well he’s Canadian!” or somesuch. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/32 "2013-05-23T18:08:12Z")
I always love it when reporters talk in the third person: “You know Mrs. Buchanan, some people would say you’re a total fucking cunt. How does that make you feel?” ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/33 "2013-05-23T18:11:30Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Honestly, I had no idea that Harper is Mormon, I just thought that asking a professional ballplayer whether or not he’s going to celebrate with a beer was a completely lame question. It’s kind of a dull question, but the guy is trying to fill out a story and the answer was not super obvious or a violation of common sense or anything. For context, they were in Canada - and at that time Harper wasn’t old enough to drink in the U.S. I thought Harper dismissed the question because he doesn’t drink and because he’s Bryce Harper. > [@Morbo](#): > > He was also 19 at the time. You can hear other reporters explaining that he can’t drink legally, then the interviewer saying “Well he’s Canadian!” or somesuch. He could drink legally in Canada, which is where they were at the time. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/34 "2013-05-23T18:16:39Z")
Long time ago, watching motorcycle racing (not dirtbikes) on late night cable. Between heats they change the gears in the bikes, one guy, last race, he couldnt’ switch gears. He was reaching down with his hand and trying to force the lever that you normally use with your foot. After the race, reporter talking to him. I noticed you having trouble shifting out there. Yes, we decided to change out the third gear but it malfunctioned. So, how did that effect your racing style? (exasperated) I slowed down. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/35 "2013-05-24T01:33:06Z")
> [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > I think it was after the recent (2010) earthquake in Haiti or possibly it was during some civil unrest, I hear a reporter refer to disparity between “white Haitians” and “African-American Haitians”. I thought it was silly that she didn’t just say black. While Haiti is clearly in the Americas, I have only heard “African-American” used to describe black people in the US. Years ago I saw an American reporter in Germany describe a black German as “African American.” ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Mondegreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/91b2a8/32.png) [@Lord\_Mondegreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Mondegreen)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/36 "2013-05-24T01:49:59Z")
Didn’t Larry King once ask a rape victim how she felt while the rapist was “making love” to her? ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/37 "2013-05-24T04:11:01Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > Well, I am interested in the event itself. How are you supposed to stay informed if you keep your eyes closed? It can be difficult to avoid some of the face shots on TV and on the internet, tho. What is one supposed to do, avoid anything that may show a photo of a tornado victim, or contains a stupid reporter question? You’d have to avoid the news altogether, I suppose. A basic news story on the net or otherwise allows me to know there were a lot of people killed in a tornado in Oklahoma. There is nothing more I need to know: indeed I probably don’t even need to know that much. You’re in CA and I doubt you need to know more. It’s just idle curiosity and voyeurism. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/38 "2013-05-24T06:46:50Z")
> [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](#): > > I can’t remember the specific questions, but during “Desert Storm,” when Gen. Tom Kelley was doing the press conferences, there was one Asian-looking female reporter who typically asked dumb questions. I remember the one (don’t recall her looking Asian, though) who asked “Don’t you think excessive violence was used?” in reference to the strafing of the Column of Death toward the end of the war. It’s a friggin’ war, Bimbette! They were fleeing Kuwait with trucks full of loot. The whole thing could have been avoided if they had JUST STAYED HOME!!! It took every bit of self-control for whoever was giving that press conference not to just laugh in her face. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/39 "2013-05-24T07:39:41Z")
Possibly apocryphal: “How long have you been a black quarterback?” ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064/40 "2013-05-24T07:43:00Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > Possibly apocryphal: “How long have you been a black quarterback?” You beat me to that one. I think that question was asked of Redskins QB Doug Williams. ETA: After posting that, I searched. [Snopes says it’s false](http://www.snopes.com/sports/football/williams.asp). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-youve-heard-reporters-say-or-ask/659064.md?page=3)