B²: Stupid Questions

/411 Comments/in , /by

Stupid questions happen…a lot.

Sometimes it’s because the reporter’s job is to ask questions already presented in the news cycle, whether the questions are of high quality or not. Other times, it’s because the reporter is not an expert in the field and doesn’t know what to ask.

Regardless of the reason, less-than-intelligent and/or unfair questions are asked.

Last Thursday, Speaker of the House John Boehner found himself on the receiving end of such a question and he let the reporter, and the rest of America, know.

When asked whether Amtrak was well-funded enough in the lead-up to the crash of Amtrak 188, his response began with:

“Are you really going to ask such a stupid question?”

Speaker Boehner’s approach to what he thought was an ignorant question was to call out the reporter. Media, even the usually friendly Daily Caller, covered Boehner’s derisive response more than the content of his answer.

Do you know how to handle stupid questions?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “<Insert ‘Stupid’ Question>”

B²: “Let me put it this way…”

A simple phrase like the one above (another option is “Let me put that into perspective”) is a way to redirect without insulting the reporter.

Even if you think the question is lacking, includes a faulty premise, or is unfair, simply B² it to avoid headlines like “xxx shames reporters.” If you attack the reporter, you seem rude. And, your frustration will be captured forever in a media clip.

B²: Terrorism v. Privacy

/376 Comments/in , /by

Congress is up against another deadline. This time it cuts across partisan lines as Republicans and Democrats decide whether to reauthorize parts of the USA PATRIOT Act Section 215 or let them expire in June.

Is this mobile phone tapped? -Sarah Culvahouse Mills

The issue is heating up as a federal appeals court ruled last week that the NSA has gone beyond what Congress envisioned when it passed the law in 2001. That, combined with the recent terrorist attack in Garland, means lawmakers have a thorny issue on their hands with lots of messaging traps.

If asked, do you know how to respond to powers of surveillance questions?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “Should government have the power to spy on millions of innocent people?”

B²: “Any authority granted to government should balance national security concerns with the privacy of citizens, and we can get there by <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, DO show concern for safety and privacy. Your answer and tone should reflect America’s long-standing protection of the freedom to work, play, and live without fear.

B²: Fiorina and the “War on Women”

/311 Comments/in , /by

Carly Fiorina is now an official presidential candidate after making her announcement in a “Good Morning America” interview yesterday. This makes her the second female to enter the race and the first candidate to challenge Hillary Clinton on the gender issue.

“If Hillary Clinton were to face a female nominee, there are a whole set of things that she won’t be able to talk about,” Fiorina said last month. “She won’t be able to talk about being the first woman president. She won’t be able to talk about a war on women without being challenged. She won’t be able to play the gender card.”

While Fiorina aims to dispel the gender myth, we are already seeing reports that the “War on Women” message cycle is alive and well.

If asked, do you know how to talk about the “War on Women?”

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “With two women in the race, does this bring women’s issues, such as abortion, to the forefront?”

B2: “All issues are women’s issues. And what Americans care about, women and men alike, is <insert talking point>.”

Whether you talk about the economy, education, foreign policy, abortion, etc., make it clear that every issue affects women. Contrary to popular belief, women are not single-issue voters and it is demeaning to assume otherwise. Expand the conversation.

The next iteration of the 2016 War on Women attack cycle will manifest itself in talks of the “pay gap” and minimum wage. Both are important issues and should be part of any organization/candidate’s platform, but are you ready to B² (block and bridge) from a reporter’s questions on either issue to your answers? We’ll offer up a few suggestions in future posts. Stay tuned.

B²: Bathrooms for Bruce Jenner

/38 Comments/in , /by

On Friday, Bruce Jenner came out as a transgender, conservative Republican in his ABC News 20/20 interview with Diane Sawyer. Some found this ideological admission more shocking than his statement, “I am a woman.”

Jenner, who breaks the myth that Republicans are a monolithic group, does bring LGBT issues to the forefront and even called on House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to discuss the issues in relation to public policy.

One such LGBT policy issue gaining attention in the media is the so-called “bathroom bills,” which consider gender identity requirements for bathrooms in public areas, especially public schools. Among the states recently in the news on this issue are Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Texas and Virginia — red and purple states.

If asked, do you know how to talk about transgender bathrooms in public schools?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “Do you think it’s right to force a transgender child to use a bathroom that makes him/her feel uncomfortable? Isn’t that discrimination?”

B²: “We should focus on the privacy and safety of all students. In some schools, gender-neutral bathrooms are available to any student who feels uncomfortable, including those who feel bullied. But, any policy should include <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, even if to say that due to privacy and security concerns the vast majority of children and parents prefer to leave bathrooms as is, do show your concern for all students.

Also, remember that the words you use matter. Instead of repeating “discriminate” and “force,” use words and phrases to emphasize the importance of privacy and security for all students. Schools should be a safe place.

Last, watching “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and Jenner’s upcoming series on his transition will not make you an expert on the transgender issues, so it’s best to not repeat terminology without a good grasp of the context. Study up and use your words well.

SCOTUS: B² Decision Questions

/33 Comments/in , /by

Next week, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear four highly anticipated arguments about same-sex marriage. A 30-60 day pause between the arguments and the decisions provides ample opportunity for hyper analysis.

For example, Reuters reported that the Supreme Court’s mind is already made up on gay marriage after it allowed gay marriage to proceed in Alabama in February.

In an effort to engage in the mental exercise, journalists often ask their sources and guests to predict the outcome. Alert! If you get into the prediction game, you risk losing your credibility.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “What do you think the Supreme Court will decide?”

B²: “It’s impossible to predict what the Supreme Court will decide, but what the Justices should do is <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation, recognize that the Supreme Court’s decisions matter to many and are extremely complex. You should talk about your own opinion; that is why you were asked to comment. But don’t feel compelled to make an outcome call and risk losing your credibility.

2016: B² Candidate Questions

/36 Comments/in , /by

Sen. Rubio is now in the 2016 presidential campaign game. HRC tweeted her bid over the weekend. Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz are already in, and signals from many mean this campaign season is well under way.

Buzz generates opinions. The problem is, someone will inevitably solicit yours. And even if campaign laws aren’t an issue, corporate codes and/or offending a friend could be.

Inexperienced journalists may not know the limits of what you can say given the tax status of your workplace, but they sure know how to test the waters. Do you know how to avoid a direct question about the 2016 presidential candidates?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “Who do you think is the best candidate to run our country?”

B²: “Regardless of who wins the presidency, the main policy issue that needs attention is <insert talking point>.”

Wherever the interviewer goes on the candidate, take the answer back to policy. There is no need to predict or discuss who should win. That’s the campaign spokesperson’s job, and a tricky one at that. But, no candidate knows every issue as well as the issue-matter experts know it.

Use the question as an opportunity to highlight your specific expertise on the issue at hand, and educate viewers and listeners on what a solid candidate may do to set the country in the right direction. You never know who might be listening.

Why Presidential Announcements Matter

/46 Comments/in , , /by

President of DMG Beverly Hallberg breaks down the modern day presidential announcement at The Daily Signal:

“Today’s presidential announcement involves a whole lot of pomp and circumstance. And if a candidate is going to stand out and capture America’s attention, there are three main areas where he/she needs to shine: setting, script, and social media.”

To read more, click here.

Stop Playing Dodgeball: B² Religious Freedom

/113 Comments/in , /by

Indiana Governor Mike Pence had quite a week. It started with signing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) into law and ended with “the fix.” In between, threats of boycotts and travel bans were announced, a local pizzeria was forced to shut down, and the relentless media cycle covered it all.

The aftermath has left many wondering, “How did this all happen?” While Governor Pence is currently on vacation with his family (Europe must seem like a warm welcome in comparison), I suspect he is asking himself the same question.

The train wreck started with “The Interview.” Not the Seth Rogan/James Franco flick, but the now infamous appearance on ABC’s “This Week.” It all went downhill – fast – when Governor Pence refused to answer the same question again, and again, and… well, you get the point.

Instead of dodging, he should have B²ed it! And with religious liberty battles still raging, no doubt these questions will come round again.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “If you support Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and others like it, aren’t you supporting discrimination?”

B²: “Not at all. What I support is allowing any person who claims discrimination to have their day in court. It eliminates your opinion and my opinion from the equation, and puts the decision in the hands of our judicial system so that everyone’s rights are protected.”

Don’t dodge questions like Governor Pence did. Whenever you sound like you are dodging a question, people assume you are guilty of the accusation contained in that question. Just B² it!

Also, put forth a narrative that states who you are defending – focus on what you do stand for instead of what you don’t.

B² School Choice in Your State

/39 Comments/in , /by

School choice is a state-level fight that is quickly becoming a federal concern.

Lawmakers in Austin are now debating a bill that would provide the most comprehensive school choice plan in the nation to more than five million Texas public school students.

The B² news analysis team believes this bill has the potential to gain further national media attention and will no doubt be framed by unions and opponents as “anti-teacher” and “anti-public school.”

Combine the national spotlight and the inevitable spin with the confusion surrounding the issue (see The Heritage Foundation’s handy glossary and state-by-state map here to get a handle on what’s happening in your state) and…well, you better know what to say.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “If you are taking money away from traditional public schools, won’t that hurt them further?”

B²: “What we find is that all schools improve, including traditional public schools, when funding follows the child instead of a school building. Just look at <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, avoid demonizing traditional public schools and/or teachers. Instead, focus on the possibility of choice to improve all schools and thus lead to a better educational environment for everyone. Remember, a child’s zip code shouldn’t determine whether or not they receive a quality education.

B² the Doc Fix

/336 Comments/in , /by

If Congress doesn’t agree to a solution by April 1, doctors who participate with Medicare could take a 21 percent cut in payments.

House Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi are working together to change the way Medicare pays doctors.

Even while both sides of the aisle are aligning to meet the realities of how the costs of healthcare are outpacing economic growth, some worry the proposed payment system could add to the deficit.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “What is Congress doing to make sure our doctors’ pay remains stable?”

B²: “Quality healthcare starts with treating our doctors fairly. This is exactly why Congress needs a permanent fix to doctors’ pay, so we can remove the cloud of uncertainty they have faced over the past two decades. We can get there by <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, try to avoid definitions of the Sustainable Growth Rate or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Your inevitably long-winded answer isn’t going to earn you air time. Instead, communicate respect for our nation’s doctors, an honorable profession now in turmoil, and how we owe it to them and our nation to reform Medicare – that’s where the true fix is needed.