Facing the media

You step out of the door and up to the podium where dozens of members of the media are gathered. You strain to keep your eyes wide open at first, blinded by the constant flashing of cameras, and it takes you a few seconds to adjust to the setting. Already, reporters are shouting questions at you over each other, resulting in a jumble of noises that make no sense. To ease the commotion, you hold up a hand and the room gradually falls silent.

"Good afternoon. Thank you for coming today. I have a few brief things to say and then I'll take your questions. First, I'm very happy that the city is back up and running, and I thank all the firefighters and police for helping to save lives and keep people safe. Second, for those people who have lost contact with their friends or family, the city has set up a helpline to reunite people, so please visit the city's web site if you need any help with that. Finally, I look forward to continuing to serve as mayor, as the people of this city have voted, and help get the world's greatest city back to its feet. So... I guess I'll take some questions now." You take a deep breath at the end of your short statement, then point randomly into the crowd of reporters.

"It seems like you can fly, you have super strength, and you have the ability to get some place to place in impossible times. What are you? A superhero? Are you an alien? A mutant?"

After the shouted question, the rooms become silent in anticipation of your answer. You almost want to laugh to relieve a little bit of the pressure, but you knew this question was coming. It was the most obvious question to ask after all.