B²: Planned Parenthood

“Crush” is on repeat in the news cycle. This descriptive word alone is damning – but combined with the cavalier tone used to explain Planned Parenthood’s abortion practices? Well…that has placed pro-abortion advocates on the defensive.

On Sunday, Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards appeared on This Week with George Stephanopoulos to justify their practices. She deflected questions and instead focused on claims that the videos were “heavily edited” and even said the filmmaker is “part of the most militant wing of the anti-abortion movement that has been behind the bombing of clinics, the murder of doctors in their homes, and in their churches.”

This type of diversion is common when someone is caught red handed. And it can easily trip you up by causing you to focus on how the videos originated instead of their content, which is the sticking point for most Americans – pro-life and pro-abortion alike.

So, how do you champion a winning narrative?

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: “Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards has repeatedly said the videos are “heavily edited,” so is this just another rightwing attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade?”

: “Though hard to watch, anyone who has seen the footage knows it speaks for itself. And most Americans, whether pro-life or pro-abortion, agree that <insert talking point>.”

Whether you focus on the ethical issues surrounding the selling of fetal tissue or the use of tax dollars to support it, stick to the content of the video. Getting into a debate about the legality of the videos (unless you are an attorney) or the likelihood of the right wing conspiracy’s involvement will get you nowhere…fast.

There is common ground – most Americans are deeply disturbed by what is taking place at Planned Parenthood – so lead with it.  If you do, you’ll find yourself a winning narrative.

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