SHOBHA SARADA VISWANATHAN, in New Delhi, forwards a self-explanatory YouTube video of US President Barack Obama taking a question from Simrat Ghuman, a reporter from The Times of India‘s television channel, Times Now, at the G-20 summit in London, on Thursday.
Notwithstanding the “exclusive”, the hilarious exchange opens up all the usual questions over the preparedness of the reporter for such an eventuality, the noticeable exultation in the voice, and the tendency of correspondents covering the defence and diplomacy beats to “represent” their country.
But we are quibbling, of course….
Q: Hi, Mr. President.
Obama: How are you?
Q: Thank you for choosing me. I’m very well. I’m (inaudible) from the Times of India.
Obama: Wonderful.
Q: You met with our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. What did you— what are you—what is America doing to help India battle terrorism emanating from Pakistan?
Obama: Well, first of all, your prime minister is a wonderful man.
Q: Thank you. I agree. (Laughter) I agree.
Obama: You know, did you have something to do with that? (Laughter) You seem to kind of take credit for it a little bit there. (laughter)
Q: We’re really proud of him, so…
Obama: Of course. You should be proud of him. I’m teasing you. I think he’s a very wise and decent man and has done a wonderful job in guiding India, even prior to being prime minister, along a path of extraordinary economic growth that is a marvel, I think, for all the world….
Also read: Did you have something to do with that?
IJR 
Manamohan is great and everybody notices it.
the ‘exultation’ n the voice and the unpreparedness can be understod considering Simrat Ghuman wouldn’t even have dream of questioning any President, forget the US President, Barack Obama…considering she’s been an entertainment reporter and anchor before her current stint with international affairs. But must say, a very lucky girl!
Simrat hats of to u.. You did a great job.. And it was ur unique presence which was highlighted by the fact that obama choose you among other journalists.. Good..
Of course most journalists are hilarious