What are the 35 techniques politicians use when they refuse to answer questions in interviews?

It's not uncommon for politicians to avoid directly answering questions in interviews, instead shifting to a different topic or pointing out that the question itself is problematic. British communications expert Peter Bull has categorized 35 different ways politicians deflect reporters' questions.

The 35 (!) techniques politicians use to avoid answering interview questions - FINN
https://www.finn.agency/35-techniques-politicians-use-avaid-answering-interview-questions/

The 35 techniques classified by Mr. Bull are as follows:

01: Ignore the question
This is a classic example of avoidance, where the reporter's question is ignored and the speaker starts talking about something else, effectively erasing the question altogether.

02: Acknowledge the question but don't answer it.
This technique involves acknowledging a question but not answering it, such as saying 'That's an important question' or 'Many people are interested in this' before moving on to another topic.

03: Further explanation requested
They avoid answering immediately by asking reporters for further clarification on the meaning of the question, and by questioning the scope and intent of the question.

04: Ask the question, 'What do you think?'
This is a technique where you respond to a reporter's question by asking them, 'What do you think?' In Bull's classification, this is explained as 'You tell me.'

05: Point out that the question does not address the main topic.
They argue that the question is off-topic and that 'that's not the important point,' thus shifting the focus of the question.

06: Point out that the question is based on assumptions or speculations.
When asked hypothetical questions such as 'What if...?' or 'Isn't it...?', they respond by saying 'I can't answer hypothetical questions,' avoiding answers about things that haven't actually happened.

07: Point out that the premise of the question is wrong.
This method involves arguing that 'the premise included in the question is fundamentally flawed' and thus avoiding directly answering the question.

08: Point out that the facts of the question are not accurate.
By pointing out that the numbers or descriptions of events included in the question are inaccurate and shifting the conversation to correcting the facts, you can move away from the main topic of the question.

09: Point out that the quote included in the question is incorrect.
This technique involves claiming that quotations from past statements or documents are inaccurate. If a question is based on a quotation, the tactic avoids answering by questioning that quotation.

10: Point out that the quote is out of context.
Even if the quote itself isn't wrong, I'll point out that it 'ignores the surrounding context.' I'll then change the direction of the question by explaining that 'that statement was made in a different context.'

11: Point out that the question is insulting.
They claim the content or wording of the question is aggressive, insulting, or inappropriate, shifting the focus from the answer to the attitude and expression of the question.

12: Point out that the question options are poorly constructed.
This technique involves pointing out that the two-choice question, 'A or B,' is inherently flawed. In Bull's classification, this is referred to as a 'wrong choice.'

13: Attack the interviewer
Instead of focusing on the question, they attack the journalist who asked the question or the moderator themselves. They criticize the journalist's bias, lack of knowledge, or past reporting practices, and stray from answering the question.

14: Refuse to answer by saying they cannot.
This involves stating that an answer cannot be provided, citing reasons such as confidentiality, procedural constraints, or positional limitations. The reason for not answering is explained as a matter of ability or authority.

15: Refuse to answer, stating they don't want to.
This technique involves refusing to answer not because you can't, but because you 'don't want to.' Because it explicitly rejects answering, it's a fairly direct form of avoidance.

16: 'I can't speak for others.'
This is a technique used when asked about the views of other politicians, political parties, or related parties, where you can respond with 'Ask them directly' or 'I am not in a position to speak on their behalf.'

17: 'You'll find out eventually' - postponing the answer.
They delay their response by saying things like, 'You'll understand if you wait,' or 'I'll explain when the time is right.' Bull's classification includes 'You will have to wait and see' as an example.

18: Claiming ignorance
They avoid answering questions by stating things like, 'I don't have the information,' 'I haven't checked,' or 'I don't know the details.'

19: Attack external groups such as opposition parties or competitors.
Instead of answering questions, they point out the shortcomings of the opposition or rival groups, turning questions directed at them into criticisms of the other side.

20: Mentioning policies
This is a technique where you avoid answering the specific points of the question and instead shift the conversation to explaining your own or your party's policies.

21: Defend the policy
Instead of directly addressing the problems in response to critical questions, we explain the significance and achievements of past policies.

22: Say reassuring words.
Instead of giving specific answers, they offer reassuring phrases such as, 'There's no need to worry,' or 'The government is taking action.'

23: Appeal to patriotism
This is a technique for shifting the answer to a question to topics such as national interest, national unity, and pride in one's country.

24: Show an analysis of the political situation.
Instead of discussing their own position or specific judgments, they analyze the overall political situation and background, expanding the discussion from the respondent's own responsibility to an explanation of the broader situation.

25: Justifying one's own judgments and actions
Instead of directly answering the question, explain why you made that decision or took that action.

26: Defending one's own political party or opinion
Instead of focusing on the specifics of the question, they explain why their political party and opinions are correct, shifting the conversation from answering criticism to defending their position.

27: Start answering but stop halfway through.
This is a technique where you appear to start answering but never actually finish. This includes changing the topic midway or interrupting the conversation yourself.

28: Just answer what will NOT happen.
This technique involves answering only 'what you won't do,' rather than 'what you will do.'

29: Answer partially
This technique answers part of the question but leaves out the important parts. It appears to answer the question, but it doesn't address the entire issue.

30: Answer only half of the questions.
This technique involves answering only half of a question that contains multiple elements, making it easier to respond. It's a common avoidance tactic when reporters ask long questions.

31: Only a small part of the answer is stated.
I will only provide fragmented information related to the question and will not touch upon the overall picture.

32: Repeat the answer to the previous question.
They avoid giving a new answer by repeating the answer to the previous question, even if the question has actually changed.

33: Indicates that the answer has already been given.
This is a technique to avoid repeating a question by saying, 'I've already explained that point.' It indicates that the question has been answered, regardless of whether it has actually been sufficiently addressed.

34. Change the subject by prefacing it with something like, 'Excuse me, but...'
Using a polite preamble, I'll change the direction of the question.

35: Take the question literally
They answer only the superficial meaning of the words, rather than the intent behind the question, thus missing the point of the question and providing only a formal answer.

According to Mr. Bull, the most commonly used avoidance technique among the 35 types listed above is 'attacking the question,' which corresponds to numbers 05-12. Mr. Bull cites cases such as 'making oneself look incompetent,' 'losing credibility,' 'contradicting past statements or policies,' 'giving a bad impression to the party,' and 'not supporting supporters or colleagues' as reasons why such avoidance occurs, explaining that there are questions that, if answered, would cause oneself, the party, or those involved to lose face.