This interview is a prime example of what not to do & will be studied in public speaking classes for years. Jon Stewart often lets interviewees self-sabotage, but here, the Deputy Secretary of Defense unravels before even making her argument.
Notice the change in tone after the audience applauds him. It becomes evident that she's falling behind and must address the arguments. It's crazy that she didn't realize it sooner.
If you’re reading this and you’re a progressive/Dem, I taught public speaking at the University of Washington and here’s an overview of how to present a persuasive speech that motivates action. (This is an actual email I sent to students in 2009.)
@ChrisHarihar You must have posted the wrong clip. I don't see what you describe. Stewart made his point, he's one of the best after all, but he hardly took this Deputy Sec. apart.
@ChrisHarihar I love Jon Stewart, but I'm not on his side here. He doesn't seem to understand the difference between corruption and poor accounting. She is saying that an audit seldom finds corruption, it only uncovers accounting errors. Seems true; corruption would hide itself from an audit.
@ChrisHarihar Why do these people still interview him or get interviewed by him? "I'm the one person not going to look dumb after I talk to Jon Stewart!" If I got asked for an interview by him I'd immediately wonder what I was doing wrong
@ChrisHarihar Jon Stewart makes some excellent points about potential waste and fraud. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks thinks it’s all fun and games. How anyone can find the topic of military waste funny is beyond me. @POTUS needs to replace her with someone of moral fortitude.
@ChrisHarihar She never answered why military members are still on food stamps despite the increases she listed. I thought her attitude was dismissive and way too defensive.