B²: Safe Spaces

/971 Comments/in , , /by

In a world of political correctness, the college campus “safe space” is ground zero. We repeatedly read about suspensions for using the wrong gender pronoun, fines for serving tacos on campus, and bans on Christian and political conservative student groups, but the University of Chicago recently said “no more.”

WHAT.

In a strange twist of the headlines, the administration declared its campus a no safe space zone in the name of academic freedom.

Fingers crossed that Chicago’s bold move allows others to point out the absurdity of “safe spaces” and defend academic freedom. But how do you do so without seeming insensitive?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Aren’t safe spaces and trigger warnings necessary to prevent discrimination on college campuses?”

B²: “Not at all. If we truly want to reduce discrimination, the best way to do so is to allow students to openly dialog and challenge those thoughts, not silence people and close off the conversation. That’s why we need to…<insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, highlight the fact that “safe spaces” are anything but. In fact, it is safer to allow the free flow of ideas on campus in order to truly understand other viewpoints and how best to engage. It’s a big, bad world out there, and learning to adjust and have a conversation about different ideas will only make the transition easier and society better. Do it for the kids.

B²: August Recess

/2,163 Comments/in , /by

Congress has checked out for the summer, and the weekly release of DMG’s B² (block and bridge) is about to do the same. But have no fear, it will return in September!

This does raise some questions, though, on how we’ll be spending our time. Good thing we know how to B² (block and bridge).

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Will the DMG team be at the beach all month?”

B²: “While there will be some fun in the sun, August recess for DMG is more about <insert talking point>.”

Wherever we take the conversation next, it’s all about compiling the best tips for media interviews. In summary, August for DMG will look a lot like this:
We can’t wait to fill you in on the exciting projects to be revealed in the coming months. Have a great August, and get excited to B² (block and bridge) more fun topics soon!

B²: Free college for everyone!

/386 Comments/in , , /by

Round 2 of political conventions kicked off last night. Leading up to the DNC’s party in Philly, it was pretty easy to guess what topics the Dems might highlight – income equality, a woman’s right to choose, and #NeverTrump. But the email scandal revealed by Wikileaks has Hillary desperate to change the conversation and court Millennials – Bern’s biggest supporters.

Cue chants of FREE COLLEGE FOR EVERYONE!

In order to sway those diehard Millennials for Bernie, Hillary has to speak their language by propping up the causes they champion AS WELL AS creating distance between herself and the DNC emails.

Because Hillary will cheer loudly for “free” college this week, do you know how to project a voice of reason?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “What do you think about ‘free’ college?”

B²: “As we all know, free is never free. While we agree that college should be accessible and affordable for those who need a college degree to advance in their careers, the problems of ‘free’ college should be addressed. <Insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, reiterate that free is never free. Illustrate this point by citing monetary costs (obviously), but also opportunity costs. Yes, there will be an inevitable spike in the cash money each person owes (because someone has to pay for it!), but students will also suffer when their educational choices are diminished. College is good and necessary for some, but not for all. And those who don’t need a college education shouldn’t be punished via a larger tax bill to subsidize their fellow Millennial’s skip down Ivy League lane.

B²: Free Trade

/1,034 Comments/in , , /by

The GOP Convention is in full swing, which means this just got real.

Donald Trump is no stranger to media attention, but the next few days are especially important as he moves from presumptive to official nominee. Many wonder if his tone will change. Still others are crossing their fingers for a greater explanation of his policy positions, including his position on trade, which not only deviates from the standard Republican platform, but is now at odds with his own VP pick. #Awkward

As #MakeAmericaGreatAgain trends in Cleveland this week, how can you elevate the message of free trade without getting stuck in the mud?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Donald Trump claims that America has made bad trade deals – is that true?”

B²: “That’s not accurate. While there is always room for better negotiation, free trade is a longstanding key to U.S. financial freedom as well as lifting other nations out of poverty. For example… <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, highlight the importance of free trade for America and the world. Think: big picture. Whether you want to reference the increase in jobs and American manufacturing as a result of past trade deals (like NAFTA or the WTO), or focus on possible improvements to current trade deals, remain above the fray.

B²: #BlackLivesMatter vs. #BlueLivesMatter

/1,000 Comments/in , , /by

Only hours after celebrating America’s independence – a time of unity – we were alarmingly reminded of the division (politically and otherwise) that exists in this country. We witnessed tragedy in Minnesota, Louisiana, and Dallas…in less than 72 hours. Families lost loved ones and communities are without leaders, but the issues that sparked the violence only seem to be mounting as our Commander-in-Chief pivots to gun control as a remedy.

We need real solutions (like, yesterday).

As the media continues to cover the tragedies, you’ll likely be asked to comment on guns (see previous post) and the heightened racial tensions in this country. Do you know how to be sorrowful in your response while sticking to solutions that work? Because you need to do both.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Do black lives matter?”

B²:“Yes. Every black person should be treated with dignity and their rights respected. The problem we face is complex – the events of last week highlight that police brutality exists and also the very real target police officers have become. To move forward, we must <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, be measured and careful. There are two issues to address – police brutality and police protection. Whether it’s about rightly punishing the police officers who abuse power or protecting the police officers who justly serve, don’t let your response play into the media’s narrative. Address the tragedy and then pivot to your solution-based talking point. The media will exhaustively continue to analyze and speculate, so solutions are in high demand. Meet the emotion of the situation and then offer yours.

B²: Puerto Rico

/1,755 Comments/in , , /by

Thanks to Puerto Rico’s fiscal mess, Washington continues to live La Vida Loca at $19 trillion in debt.

On Thursday, President Obama signed a bill to bail out the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. And on Friday, Puerto Rico defaulted.

With so many large numbers and wonky terms floating around, messaging on this debate might cue a snooze fest. Sad! But it’s important to talk about the default and the U.S. government’s response as it’s no longer Puerto Rico’s problem – it’s now the problem of every American family.

So, what’s the best way to communicate why this bill matters to every voter?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Isn’t the bipartisan bill that President Obama signed to bail out Puerto Rico something we owe them as a U.S. territory?”

B²: “As Washington steps in to bail out Puerto Rico, states like CA, NJ, and IL will look for the same favor. With the U.S. at $19 trillion in debt…<insert talking point>…”

Wherever you take the conversation next, break down the impact this bill has on the average American family. At $19 trillion in U.S. debt, bailing out Puerto Rico not only makes that (already) astounding number larger, but sets a dangerous precedent that could have dire consequences. If Washington ignored the rules to help Puerto Rico, what’s to stop them from opening the wallet for other states that have failed to spend within their means?

The issue is no joke, and this new law only continues to grow our debt.

B²: SCOTUS and Abortion

/3,105 Comments/in , , /by

As the Running of the Interns confirmed yesterday, the Supreme Court struck down a Texas abortion law that required (among other things) abortion clinics to meet the same health standards as surgical centers.

Some immediately rejoiced…

…while others acknowledged the defeat for what it is – the Supreme Court not only ignored due process, but made it clear that courts—not state legislatures—have the power to determine abortion laws.

So, the fight continues. Especially as November nears and Hillary leads the charge for the Democrats. Women’s health will remain a key talking point on both platforms. Get ready to rumble.

Do you know how to articulate your message in the midst of the firestorm?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Why do you want to shut down abortion facilities that provide and protect women’s health?”

B²: “This decision took away the ability to protect women’s health. When Planned Parenthood clinics routinely fail to meet the same safety and health requirements as hospitals, the opposite happens: women’s health is put at risk. Women deserve (insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, maintain that protecting women’s health is your #1 concern…and the Supreme Court just made that goal a lot more difficult to achieve. Cite Kermit Gosnell and the disgusting state of his clinic as example numero uno of what you hope to prevent. Though some (and the mainstream media) will want to make it seem like you’re just out to end abortion (and maybe you are), control the narrative. Talk about women’s health on your terms.

B²: Gun Control

/1,984 Comments/in , , /by

The frequency of mass shootings and terrorist attacks are increasing. Orlando is the latest, and many pray the last.

But the Obama Administration’s obvious (and very bad) case of denial is making it difficult to have the right conversation in the media about how to avoid future tragedies. Obama himself would rather cling to gun control as the best preventative measure when very real ties to Islamic terrorism are the common denominator between the San Bernardino and Orlando shooters.

With the media and administration driving the “guns are bad!” narrative, how can you change the conversation and elevate Islamic terrorism as the number one talking point?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “<Insert question about gun control>.”

B²: “Gun control laws strip citizens of their only defense in these horrific situations because criminals, and in this case an Islamic terrorist, are going to kill innocent people regardless of what the law says. This is exactly why we need to <insert talking point on defeating Islamic terrorism>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, acknowledge the senseless tragedy that happened in Orlando and then connect prevention to combating Islamic terrorism, not stricter gun laws; people want solutions, not platitudes. The “guns are bad!” narrative has been propped up for decades and yet the frequency of mass shootings and terrorist attacks have increased. It’s time to have a different conversation.

NOTE: If you are an expert on gun laws, please debate the issue rather than pivot to Islamic terrorism. There is room for this discussion, and those who are prepared to have it should have it.

B²: Bad Behavior

/103 Comments/in , , /by

As Paul Ryan learned last week, words matter. Especially if you want to prevent a media firestorm.

In response to Trump’s comments about a judge’s inability to rule fairly in the Trump University case given his Mexican-American heritage, Ryan said:

“Claiming a person can’t do the job because of their race is sort of like the textbook definition of a racist comment. I think that should be absolutely disavowed. It’s absolutely unacceptable.”

Cue the madness.

In addition to asking whether you think Trump’s comments are “racist,” reporters can NOW add “do you agree with Paul Ryan’s labeling of Trump’s comments as ‘racist’?” Two tough questions to navigate and answer well.

Ryan is in a tough spot, and the rightness of his response only depends on what he’s trying to accomplish. Unfortunately, if his goal was to bury the issue, Ryan did the opposite by using the word “racist.”

Because crisis management is real life, and you’ll likely have to tread lightly at some point, what do you say if you’re asked to comment on bad behavior and hope to bury the issue in the process?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Do you think Trump’s comments were racist?”

B²: “Many, including myself, find Trump’s rhetoric appalling/deplorable. But ultimately it’s the voters who will have the final word on what he says as well as what he plans to do on issues like <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, DO NOT insert words or phrases that allow the media to define the narrative. Remain truthful, but benign in order to bury the issue. And then pivot to your talking points to redirect the conversation. The question the reporter asked Ryan didn’t include the word “racist.” It was his decision to use it in his answer. A decision that many of his colleagues on Capitol Hill most likely won’t appreciate.

B²: From Gorillas to Policy

/510 Comments/in , , /by

Harambe the gorilla is 2016’s version of Cecil the lion.

Last week, the media obsessed over the gorilla and his interaction with a toddler, then his death sparked an international outcry, and now #JusticeForHarambe exists in the Twittersphere.

A moment of silence, please.

But what if you, like most people, don’t talk about gorilla shootings and/or zoo-related issues? Does this mean you’re out of luck if the news cycle plays animal rights on repeat? Not at all. If you know how to block and bridge, and are willing to play off the story (no matter how unrelated to your topic), you can do interviews. So, how does it work?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that points the narrative in the direction of your talking point:

Q: “Doesn’t the outcry prove that the zoo should’ve tranquilized Harambe instead of killing him?”

B²: “While the situation is tragic all around, it’s very concerning that we’re placing more focus on this issue rather than <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, whether it’s about the increasingly disastrous refugee crisis or the killings in Chicago, remember what Winston Churchill said: “never let a good crisis go to waste.” The jury’s still out on whether the deaths of Harambe and Cecil (RIP) count as crises, but the strategy applies. Just because you may not be well versed in the latest animal rights talking points doesn’t mean you can’t capitalize on the news cycle and pivot to your issue. As DMG consistently recommends, acknowledge the incident and the emotion, but then change the conversation via a solid block and bridge.