cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/43927448
The Kremlin’s annual ‘Direct Line call-in show’ in Moscow is an hours-long ordeal in which Russia’s de facto leader responds to carefully vetted questions from members of the public.
“You’re free to do what I tell you.”
I mean, any questions from the public to any world leader are going to be heavily screened.
Journalists in Western democracies frequently pose questions to “world leaders” in press conferences and interviews, and these questions are not ‘screened’ or something like that.
Journalists, yes. General public, no.
E: Even journalists, with heads of state, aren’t going to ask really difficult questions, else they not be allowed into the press pool in the future.
Well, if it’s a baby-kissing type event you can absolutely walk up and have any question you want redirected or ignored. Most people settle for a handshake and being impressed that they’re actually human, though.
