When a congressperson asks a yes or no question...

[forgotmylogin]

...and the subject goes off on a long, rambly, pivoting turn of the question that makes them look good without answering the question, is there some reason their next follow up isn't, "So would I be correct in inferring from what you just said that your answer to my question is 'no'?" (Or 'yes', however it falls.)

[Phoenix61]

1. None that I can think of

I might go with, "...so you are refusing to answer my question."

[greymattermom]

2. How about take some advice from Michael Avenatti

who always answers yes or no unless he can't answer the question, in which case he tells you that also. I think that's one of the reasons that it's refreshing to watch him.

[asiliveandbreathe]

5. Refreshing..for sure - Avenatti - I want one....eom

[marble falls]

3. Let me ask again, ..................... ? Yes or no.

[forgotmylogin]

4. Exactly.

"So, in short, Mr. Ms. Whatever, your answer is yes/no? Correct?"

Asking the same exact question again that they didn't answer directly seems like it gives them a chance to just repeat themselves and run out the clock.

[Delmette2.0]

7. "run out the clock"

That is when they should reclaim the time.

[Moostache]

6. The proper response is as follows:

"Mr./Ms./Mrs. subject X, you have been called to testify before Congress on this matter. Your refusal to answer "yes/no" questions with the requisite "yes/no" answers is noted and should charges of obstruction or perjury before a Congressional inquiry be found warranted, you will be prosecuted for your intransigence, to the fullest extent of the law. I will offer you one final chance to respond, in the required manner, and to answer this question...<repeat question>"

Then, when they continue to waffle around and try to be cute without answering the question or asserting 5th Amendment privilege:

"Your lack of cooperation upon clarification is noted and recorded. Your attorney will be contacted to prepare a defense for the charges you will likely face as a result of your lack of cooperation or transparency before this committee."

[SWBTATTReg]

8. This is the way it should be/work!

Too many times the truth is being avoided or hid behind such non answers.