Gript Media Podcasts Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge (Ben's questions)
Feb 9, 2026
Sharp chat about politicians avoiding straight answers and the PR logic behind silence. A look at broken promises and how admissions of fault could calm public anger. Scrutiny of contradictory ministerial statements after crises. Tough questions on sentencing for child-abuse imagery and the limits imposed by legal and prison systems.
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Cost Of Political Non-Admission
- Politicians often avoid admitting mistakes because saying less reduces risk even when it's self-defeating.
- Ben Scallum argues public admission of error would lower tensions and restore trust in government.
Scrambler Law Claim Then Tragedy
- Ben recounts Sean Canney saying he was "absolutely satisfied" with scrambler legislation on Jan 15.
- Ten days later a 16-year-old, Grace Lynch, was killed, and the government then moved to change the law.
"True At The Time" Excuse
- Ministers justify poor statements by claiming they were true "at the time," avoiding responsibility for later events.
- Jason Osborne says this reflex undermines governance and public confidence.