So I ask you: Which style do you like?

[kadioguy]

[At 8:33]
So I ask you: Which style do you like? Do you prefer the retro or do you prefer the modern widescreen approach? I personally do prefer the wide screen. I do like the controls. [...]
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Question 1: Why is "ask" in the present simple here?

I assume that it is because "I ask you" means as follows:

◊ People use the phrase "I ask you" before or after a question when they want someone to agree or sympathize with them.

(Now) I ask you, is that fair? [=I don't think it's fair; do you?]
Look at that hat! Who would wear such a thing, I ask you?"

https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/I-ask-you

Is that right?
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Question 2: I think that the following would be also possible in the context:

a. So I'll ask you [...]
b. So I want to ask you [...]
c. So I would like to ask you [...]
d. So let me ask you [...]

Is that right?

 

[Tarheel]

It's simple. It's not complicated. It's a way of introducing the question. Another way of saying it would be, "Here's a question for you...."

 

[kadioguy]

It's simple. It's not complicated. It's a way of introducing the question. Another way of saying it would be, "Here's a question for you...."

What do you think of my second question?

 

[Tarheel]

Lots of things are possible. That doesn't mean you should expect people to say those things.

My non-comment was a comment.

 

[kadioguy]

So I ask you: Which style do you like? [...]
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Question 1: Why is "ask" in the present simple here?

It's simple. It's not complicated. It's a way of introducing the question. Another way of saying it would be, "Here's a question for you...."

Is this use of the present simple like this?
"I announce ..."
"I declare ..."

 

[Tarheel]

You are trying to complicate something that is not complicated.

Why would you compare an expression that is used to one that isn't?

 

[kadioguy]

You are trying to complicate something that is not complicated.

Why would you compare an expression that is used to one that isn't?

Because I get confused when I see a verb in the present simple that doesn't seem to express a habitual or general action.

So I'm trying to figure it out by comparing it to the other expression which seems be the same pattern to me.

Don't you think they look similar?

a. So I ask you ....
b. So I announce ...
c. So I declare ...

 

[tedmc]

Because I get confused when I see a verb in the present simple that doesn't seem to express a habitual or general action.

So I'm trying to figure it out by comparing it to the other expression which seems be the same pattern to me.

Don't you think they look similar?

a. So I ask you ....
b. So I announce ...
c. So I declare ...

Besides expressing a habitual or general action, the simple present tense is about the present, what you want to do now.