no it means they can't think of an answer off the top of their head
Reposted from
Charlie Warzel
one of my deepest held beliefs is that whenever somebody says “oh that’s a great question” in response to a question it is a guarantee that the person has been asked a fairly mediocre or even bad question
Comments
I say it to acknowledge and and encourage.
and then that carries over into my media life, such as it is.
"That's a great question about my indictment today. The indictment shows a strong justice system, and that's what I support: keeping bad guys off the street. Thanks."
"Great question" = "I am about to create a series of sentences which are grammatically correct, but utterly lacking in meaning or intent"
(can't think of a good reply)
I was not prepared to answer that question, but I knew it was coming -> "That's a very thoughtful question."
I was not prepared to answer that question, and I didn't anticipate it -> "That's a great question."
But, I'm in sales not journalism.
OP is the alternative interpretation.
Now *that's* a truly good question.