Q: Politicians all seem to use the same technique in avoiding answering direct questions. Do the political parties teach them the technique involved?
— Jim Miller, Hoschton
A: Politicians, officials in charge of governmental agencies and heads of large companies, among others, often have had training by media, debate or political consultants on how to dodge questions or change the subject. They often have media specialists or consultants on their staff who tell them how to answer, or not answer, certain questions and show them how to look and dress for interviews. Brett O'Donnell, a debate consultant who worked with President George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney teaches the "pivot." "The pivot is a way of taking a question that might be on a specific subject and moving to answer it on your own terms," O'Donnell told NPR.com last year.
Q: When Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman first came up with the Atlanta Braves, there were stories about what good friends they were throughout the minor leagues. Is this still true? — Anne Teddlie, Decatur
A: Heyward, an outfielder, and Freeman, who plays first base, are still friends and close as teammates. They were both selected in the 2007 draft and often roomed together as they rose through the franchise's minor-league system. Heyward, who is about one month older, was the Braves' regular right fielder as a 20-year-old rookie in 2010, and Freeman was promoted to Atlanta later that year. Sports Illustrated featured them on the cover of an issue in February 2011.
Andy Johnston wrote this column; staff writer Carroll Rogers contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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