Movedalot I was not knocking John Humphrys. I think he is great.
This slight misunderstanding just serves to show how easy it is to misinterpret another's posts. It didn't help my clarity in that post, that I was rushing to get out. Having just re read it I can see how you got that impression.
I really admire J H's approach to trying to get sensible answers from his interviewees. These are usually spokespersons, who are without a doubt well trained in techniques to avoid difficult questions. He has to be a "Rottweiler" "against" these people. To his credit he gives politicians of all parties the same treatment but he always seems to give them a very warm "thank you" at the end.
This was the point I was trying to make, but I didn't expand it fully. John H is a prime example of how it is possible to really challenge someones statements while trying to get to them justify what they are saying, but without any personal animosity at all. It isn't bullying.