Over the years I’ve noticed a pattern when politicians are interviewed.  Frequently, when they are asked a question they don’t want to answer, they reply to a question not asked.  The reply is often a reply to a question to which they would rather reply and it invariably is far more wordy than necessary.  That way, they only talk about what they want to and it minimizes the time for other questions.   …and by the way, no question is ever answered yes or no.  The reply is far too brief allowing for more questions.

For instance;

Q: On a clear day, is the sky blue?

Politician’s reply: Science is an important subject and we should all pay attention to…  and so on and so on.

A proper reply: Yes.