Interviewer # 1: Jon Stewart Interviewee # 1:Barack Obama
Interview link (URL) or date & network (if watched live) which verifies the interview:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-27-2010/barack-obama-pt--1
How did the interviewer set the climate (opening/rapport) for the interview?
Using humor to position himself as a willing and open interviewer, Jon Stewart used the Presidents entrance to set the audience at ease. Opening with a self-deprecating joke allows for a non-confrontational interview. Jon Steward recognizes that the charisma of the president, this lets him look like a nice guy, even though he uses the interview to ask tough questions.
What types of body language did the interviewer use?
Jon Stewart employs subtle, yet straightforward uses of the hands while speaking. Using a thumb rather than a finger avoids any confrontation, is a great way of making a point but not being invasive. Also, the inflection of his voice allows for a humorous edge to even the harshest of the criticisms toward the President. At all times Jon Steward faces towards the President with an open stance which indicates a willingness to listen and have an open dialogue.
What types of body language did the interviewee use?
President Obama comes on the stage with a real presence. He ably utilizes the camera angles to show off his sound bites and rhetoric. He is extremely comfortable in front of the camera, which adds a tremendous amount to the underlying context of his speaking. Smiling as often as possible helps to present a president at ease in the interview and coming from a place of confidence.
What types of questions did the interviewerask? Specify closed, open, neutral, leading, primary or secondary?Provide at leastone specific example.See Chapter 8 textbook
Jon Stewart provides an interview with real substance despite the humor. Asking pointed questions both about jobs and the economy,as well as the agenda touted during the first election cycle, he pointedly asks Obama “How did the party of hope and change become the party of give us another chance?”. This brings the argument straight to the president, not letting him off the hook for even a minute.
How was the interview concluded? Professionally, pleasantly, awkwardly, etc.?
Both men sparred throughout the interview in a good natured, yet highly intelligent way. As the interview concluded there was the real sense that the issues had been brought before the President and he had endeavored to provide substance. Very cordial and professional, both Jon Steward and President Obama ended in a position of strength and confidence.
Describe the interviewer’s approach to the body of the interview.Did they use a highly scheduled/structured, moderately scheduled/structured or non-scheduled/non-structured body? See Chapter 8 textbook
Jon Stewarts approach to the interview is a deceptive combination of free flowing conversation with hooks. He is very adept at guiding the conversation and using humor to illustrate a point in a telling manner. This interview was true to that form, open and honest yet hard hitting and informative. Moderately scheduled/structured, the President did have his talking points, but wandered on more than one occasion, making the interview more personal. Jon Stewart did have an agenda, yet was adaptable and congenial to the president.
Interviewer # 2: Bill O’Reilly Interviewee # 2:Barack Obama
Interview link (URL) or date & network (if watched live) which verifies the interview:
http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/oreilly/transcript/president-obama-sits-down-bill-oreilly-ahead-super-bowl
How did the interviewer set the climate (opening/rapport) for the interview?
Bill O’Reilley opened with a somber tone, a dour look, with an immediate reference to the safety of the journalists. Directly to the point, Bill O’Rielly, has a rather open method of questioning. The tenor of the interview is professional and work like with no humor or leeway in any fashion. There is a real sense of professionalism and seriousness around the forum.
What types of body language did the interviewer use?
Bill O’Reilly continuously employs an aggressive sitting position, leaning forward, using his pencil to point with each argument. At many points the combination of body language clearly points to a man uncomfortable or on the attack. Using a partisan position to, in certain instances sound condescending, lacks the element of mutual regard that is typically present. Professional yet very direct, there was a sense he more interested in scoring points rather than providing substance.
What types of body language did the interviewee use?
President Obama is extremely comfortable, in a chair from the very beginning of the interview. Smiling yet professional, he has a clear and open attitude. Facing O’Reilly head on, he employs more neutral hand gestures and motions, making a less confrontational figure. Not backing down even in the face of continued criticism, he forces Bill to back down and agree with his points on more than one front.
What types of questions did the interviewer ask? Specify closed, open, neutral, leading, primary or secondary? Provide at least one specific example. See Chapter 8 textbook
Bill O’Reilly directly confronts the President specifically asking him is he is for the redistribution of wealth?There is very specific, very delicate topic.He goes after each of the perceived weaknesses of the president continuously, very combative. With a litany of questions he directly questions the agenda and whether the President wishes to take away the decision making qualities of the American People. With a dismissive nature, Bill O’Reilly turns each of the questionable topics of the day in form of attack on the President. He often quotes the liberal left and the ideology factor during the interview.
How was the interview concluded? Professionally, pleasantly, awkwardly, etc.?
The partisan positions of both men in the interview provided many moments of awkwardness and the interview ended in the same manner. Although there was a perception of professional rapport the overall disagreement between the interviewer and the interviewee provided a real difference of perception that translated into the interview. There was the very real sense that neither of the men wanted to be in the same place at the same time.
Describe the interviewer’s approach to the body of the interview. Did they use a highly scheduled/structured, moderately scheduled/structured or non-scheduled/non-structured body? See Chapter 8 textbook
The structure of this interview followed a highly structured format. Bill O’Reilly clearly had an agenda with a focus on specific issues. The format was clear with talking points that provided a clear guidance for the overall development of the interview. Both men had points and were well prepared, there was no real surprise anywhere.
