Franken finds something silly and trivial -- was Lott "booed off the stage" at the Wellstone ceremony? -- and then strikes the "I demand an answer" pose. (A favorite tactic of Hillary, by the way.) The fact that the trick question is irrelevant (Lott was indeed booed at the ceremony, but "off the stage" is just rhetoric) is lost on the audience. Attempts to clarify the point are me by the antagonist with the accusation that "you're dodging the question" and the renewed demand: "Yes or no?"
When someone frequently interrupts (as Franken does), it is the task of the moderator to stop the debate and DEMAND an end to the interruptions.
Interrupting and hogging the spotlight are bulldozer tactics. If someone starts that stuff, amd the moderator refuses to do his job, the thing to do is wait until they're pause for breath and say:
"Are you finished? Are you going to interrupt me and start yammering again, or do I get to say something here? ...
"I have never been treated so rudely in my life. I accepted an invitation to a debate, and instead of a debate, I am just supposed to sit here while you lecture, and the minute I open my mouth, you interrupt and insult me. You never wanted a debate. You are a liar, and you can lecture by yourself if you want to, but I refuse to continue to participate in this two-bit dog-and-pony show."
And then you walk out.
<< You are a liar, and you can lecture by yourself if you want to, but I refuse to continue to participate in this two-bit dog-and-pony show."
And then you walk out. >>
Oh, that any of today's shallow 'conservative" sell-ebrities would demonstrate such integrity.
"but I refuse to continue to participate in this two-bit dog-and-pony show."
Given Al's looks, it's the Frog and Baloney show.
Exactly... you nailed it! The whole statement was lost on the audience, but they loudly encouraged Al on, no matter. So much time was wasted on this "trick question" last night that I'm surprised Ann didn't walk off the stage.
"Please excuse my point getting in the way of your interruption..."