I've interviewed quite a few people in my career on TV and radio...and the one thing I came away with was how to spot an insane/pathological liar/addict.
They are all the same and their modus operandi is identical...they NEVER answer your question directly, they veer off into their pre determined agenda, which is one of manipulation...and depending on how crazy or addicted or pathological they are, you can bet it's a trip up interview hill you don't want to climb.
I witnessed Oprah, as the master she is, interview Sarah Ferguson and never once get a straight answer from her...Sarah, the former Duchess of York, is in royal hot water for selling access to her former husband Prince Andrew to an undercover reporter for half a million pounds.
She appeared doped up and never directly answered even one question...I watched Oprah patiently probe and circle and cross examine with the patience of an air traffic controller...fielding in rationalizations, dive bombing half truths, and meandering replies.
I think Oprah's patience was rooted in the fact that she was facing a woman in crisis.
Fergie admitted as much, but there was an odor of insincerity as in, "I know all the repentant press crap jargon,.. how's my hair?"
Oprah knew she was watching a women about to hit bottom, and felt no need to kick her as she was down.
Oprah is a better person than I am or at least more of a pro...the crew would have been tasked with prying my hands from around Fergie's neck and drag me away as I scream at her "You tremendous neurotic waste of time!!!"
I would have realized I could've have handled that one better and where, oh where, is my nine iron...
That is why Oprah gets the big bucks and I play golf instead.
.....
