Why do politicians refuse to answer hypothetical questions?

Question

Often you hear politicians say this "I don't answer hypothetical questions". Why can't hypothetical questions be answered? What are the grounds for politicians justify saying that? Is there a way to properly answer hypothetical questions?

Answer 1

Politicians frequently decline to respond to hypothetical inquiries because they may put them in danger or compel them to take a position on ambiguous, impractical, or politically hazardous issues. Even if the hypothetical situation never materializes, a politician may still be held responsible for their response in the future if they respond to it, particularly if it deals with a delicate or complicated subject. It can be interpreted as an attempt to get someone to say something or make a commitment they can't possibly fulfill.

Additionally, a lot of hypothetical questions oversimplify problems that are far more complex in real life. Politicians are aware that a quotation from a hypothetical response could be taken out of context and used against them later by the public, media, and opponents. They shield themselves from being misunderstood or forced into a position they weren't quite committed to by avoiding these inquiries.

A hypothetical inquiry can be carefully answered in a number of ways without providing a categorical yes or no. Effective communicators frequently change the topic to something they know and can control, rephrase the question, or center it on their values. For example, instead of answering, “What would you do if this extreme situation happened?” a politician might say, “What I can tell you is how I approach difficult decisions, and here’s what matters to me.” That allows them to stay on message while still showing that they’ve thought through complex challenges.