Khandro - // Obviously my idea of aggression differs from others on the thread, this is the price I have to pay for being a shrinking violet :0) //
I don't think it's a matter of 'aggression' at all.
This is a politician being interviewed by a political journalist, and they both know the format.
The interviewer is going to attempt to put the interviewee on the spot, and challenge his views, and previous statements, and he is going to use punchy assertive language and delivery to do it.
The interviewee is going to attempt to avoid being put on the spot, and to slide around any of his views which are difficult to justify, while simultaneously pitching his political message, and he is going to use reasoned calm language and delivery to do it.
This was text book political interviewing from both sides - the 'aggression' is simply part of the process.