Remember Fox News’ classic chestnuts “People have said…” or “It’s been said…” and of course the always endearing “Experts say…” ? They always seemed to work. And now, with the RNC running on the “Fox News” ticket, they have become immune to the usual rhetoric of today’s TV news interview.

Take for example Eric Cantor (R-VA)’s interview on MSNBC. Here we see a man- clearly cornered in his own lie- wriggling his way out of the pliable grip of his interviewer by resorting to the wingnut playbook (start reciting some babble from a college-level poli sci text book and then swing it around to score one final blow for McCain/Palin before your interviewer gets another chance to speak)

News networks that want an Obama-voting viewership (only more than HALF the country) need to arm their anchors with tools for cutting through this age-old strategy. Here are some helpful phrases for them to keep handy when interviewing wingnuts:

“That’s not at all what I’m talking about.”

“You’re not listening to me.”

“Can you be more specific?”

“What are your sources for that claim?”

“Stop yelling.”

“Answer the question or this interview is over.”

It’s fun. You try it.