As reported earlier, Major Garrett faced backlash today from certain quarters over his question to President Obama about hostages being held in Iran. The President offered a scolding of Garrett for his phrasing, and the internet devolved into rage-frenzy. Garrett himself spoke about the so-called scolding with Contessa Brewer shortly after the press conference for CBS's online streaming service. 

"Well first of all, politicians, especially those elected President of the United States, are very adept at creating straw men; taking something that they feel rhetorically works to their advantage and using it. That's exactly what the President did. My question did not suggest he was content with the captivity of those four Americans. My question was about the contentment or the satisfaction or the realization that it was necessary within the context of this deal to leave them unaccounted for. That was the essence of the question. Clearly it struck a nerve. That was my intention."

Garrett went on to add: "Was it provocative? Yes. Was it intended to be such? Absolutely."

Now the issue of the hostages and the President's intentions, and why they are not part of the deal, is a top news item. Thanks to Major Garrett. It might interest other reporters to know that this is how it works. You challenge those in power and make them respond. That is how answers are obtained. 

It's not rocket science. It's journalism.