Most cable shows conduct pre-interviews. Typically, the show’s producer will call and toss out the same questions the host asks later. This is part educational exercise, in which the producer picks the guest’s brain in search of nuggets the show might want to explore. It’s also audition, designed to weed out inept performers. If you stammer in the face of a surprise question, you’ll be told at the last minute you’ve been bumped due to “time constraints” or some other transparent excuse. The primary motive for the pre-interview, though, is to make sure guests stay in character. In both sports
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