B²: Cuba

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And now for a B² that isn’t marked by endorsement questions, the “establishment” vs. “outsider” label, and talking point gaffes (aka – the crazy that is this election cycle). Instead, let’s talk foreign policy.

The Obamas’ Spring Break 2016 trip to Cuba ends later today. But this historic visit (with all its implications) will remain a talking point, especially given the divide over whether this “olive branch” of a trip is helpful or hurtful moving forward. Reporters are ready to talk about it. Are you?

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 President Obama’s trip to Cuba was a good idea?”

B²: “There’s no doubt President Obama’s visit was historic, but the focus of conversation should be how to help those who’ve been persecuted under the Castro regime. The best way to achieve that is <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, remember that while the trip is over (almost), the focus should remain on the oppression of the Cuban people and the best way to bring freedom to that country. The result? You have the opportunity to use a major, controversial news cycle topic to spotlight the best foreign policy for Cuba.

B²: Do Muslims hate America?

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Say what you will about Marco Rubio’s campaign for the White House or recent debate strategy, but his response to Donald Trump’s fumble on the Muslim question in last week’s GOP debate is a study in EXACTLY what to do.

The exchange looked a lot like this:

Jake Tapper asked Trump if he wanted to clarify a statement he made to Anderson Cooper only the night before: “Islam hates us.”  In true Trump fashion, he recycled a few of his favorite words (like “tremendous”) and stuck by his generalization.

Rubio realized the gaffe and used it to his advantage by first establishing common ground with Trump and then pivoting to his argument that Muslims are people too.

Well done.

This simple formula results in communications gold every time but first involves preparation and practice. Do you know how to tackle these tricky questions and then block and bridge to your talking points? Hint: common ground is your best friend.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “Do you think Donald Trump is right? Do Muslims hate America?”

Rubio’s B²: “Let me say, I know that a lot of people find appeal in the things Donald says. The problem is presidents can’t just say anything they want. It has consequences here and around the world… There’s no doubt that radical Islam is a danger in the world. <Insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, remember that Trump can say what he wants and suffer zero consequences. Everyone else has to play by the rules, including you. Rubio’s response to Trump’s generalization is a case study in what to do, no matter the topic – start with common ground and then pivot to your talking points. Common ground softens the blow and makes you seem reasonable. And reasonable is exactly what you want to be to cut through the noise that is this election season.

B²: “Establishment” vs. “Outsider”

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Much has been made of the split in the Republican party – articles written, talking points crafted, dinner conversations consumed, debates held hostage.

It seems you’re either “establishment” or “antiestablishment.” The first is the kiss of death; the second is ill-defined and provides a complicated way forward. There is no middle ground.

No matter the outcome on November 8th, this conversation will continue. And the media is all too happy to have it, which means you have to be prepared for a question (or 3) about the existence of the split and whether you think it’s good for the party. Are you ready?

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 it good that outsiders are destroying the establishment?”

B²: “It’s clear people are upset, and they have every right to be since DC hasn’t been working for them. But regardless of who wins the White House in November, he/she will have to <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, refrain from analyzing the split. So many (too many?) already have and will continue to. Instead, you can be that voice to elevate the conversation and not add fuel to the fire. Unity begins with agreement on policy and a coherent way forward, not who is the true “outsider.” But first, someone has to stop analyzing the split and start blocking and bridging to talking points that focus on policy.

B²: “Who are you endorsing?”

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This primary season has been crazy, unpredictable, and (insert adjective of choice) to say the least. And many say that today – Super Tuesday – is the day that will decide who the eventual GOP nominee is.

As this season comes to a close and the general election heats up, the media will want to know (and maybe demand?) that you endorse a candidate. DMG is here to tell you that endorsements are tricky and you can take your sweet time if you want. Also, please consider your tax status.

If you’re asked to make an endorsement and/or if you endorse (insert candidate’s name), do you know how to respond comfortably…and legally?

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: “Are you endorsing (insert candidate’s name)?” or “Who are you endorsing in the 2016 race for the White House?”

B² for non-profits: “As a non-profit, our focus is policy. I’ll leave the endorsements to the political folks. But one issue that the next President will have to focus on is <insert talking point>.”

B² for everyone else: “Not at this time. We’re in a heated primary, and the voters should have their say first. But whoever wins the primary, will have to focus on <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, don’t feel pressure to name names, especially if you’re a non-profit. Blocking and bridging to important issues is always a win-win, so feel free to declare your non-endorsement and then pivot to an issue-related talking point. First and foremost, protect your tax status. And if you are able to endorse, make sure you do so on your terms.

B²: “Are you lying?”

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When you hear “honesty,” “truth,” “transparency,” it’s doubtful you think of Hillary Clinton. Especially after that recent CBS interview.

Her less-than-great response to Scott Pelley’s truth-telling question played into the hands of the voters who desire honesty…and don’t believe Hillary is – 56% of respondents in a recent YouGov poll said they don’t believe Hillary is honest or trustworthy.

While DMG has strict standards of only working with people who do tell the truth, we understand that some issues are sensitive and can’t be fully discussed in the media. The need to remain confidential can lead to objectionable questions that are hard to navigate and easily put you in the position of making an uh-oh statement like, “I’m not lying.”

Do you know how to stick to your talking points, maintain confidentiality (if the situation demands it), and not be accused of lying?

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: “Are you lying?”

B²: “Not at all. I’m being straight with the American people because it’s of utmost importance that <insert talking point>…”

Wherever you take the conversation next, don’t start by saying what you aren’t. Start with declarative statements about your honesty/transparency and then B² to the talking point that you wish to deliver.

The lying “gotcha” question can trip up even the most seasoned candidate resulting in a social media frenzy. Don’t let it happen to you!

B²: Scalia and SCOTUS

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We lost a great man on Saturday.

In just 72 hours, much has been written about Justice Antonin Scalia’s life and legacy on the Court.

But headlines have quickly turned to the bench’s void and President Obama’s determination to nominate Scalia’s replacement “in due time.” On the other hand, Republicans insist (via Mitch McConnell and others) that “The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.”

No doubt you will be asked to comment on this disagreement as it unfolds. But (unless you’re an expert on the nomination process) do you know how to address the tragedy as well as your talking points in a 30-second answer?

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 Republicans are right to block Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court regardless of the blowback from Democrats?”

B²: “Justice Scalia’s death was untimely and tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. No matter who fills that spot on the Court, whether Obama’s nominee or the next President’s, he or she will have to consider <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, first acknowledge the loss suffered. You have to meet the emotion of the situation BEFORE you launch into talking points. This rule applies to every tragedy regardless of the politics involved or the inevitable headlines. You have a heart, so don’t be afraid to show it. But also make sure you can easily pivot to your talking points.

B²: Rubio’s Talking Points

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On Saturday night, Marco Rubio quickly became a study in what not to do.

In four minutes, Rubio repeated the same answer (almost word-for-word) THREE times. Not only did he make it obvious that the line was prepared and rehearsed, but he played into the narrative that Chris Christie had developed for him of “the memorized 25-second speech.”

True. DMG recommends you prepare talking points for every interview so you can block and bridge to each regardless of the question. But the pivot should always be natural. If you expose the technique, you fail to deliver. It’s a fine line between preparation and canned response. But it’s also possible to walk it. So, what could Rubio have done?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Christie’s attack: “I like Marco Rubio, and he’s a smart person and a good guy, but he simply does not have the experience to be president of the United States and make these decisions…”

Rubio’s B²: “Well, I think the experience is not just what you did, but how it worked out. Under Chris Christie’s governorship of New Jersey, they’ve been downgraded nine times in their credit rating… But I would add this. Let’s dispel with this fiction that Barack Obama doesn’t know what he’s doing…”

Christie’s continued attack: “There it is. There it is. The memorized 25-second speech.”

Rubio: “<address the attack and call out its inaccuracy instead of repeating the Obama talking point>.”

You can B² (block and bridge) an attack ONCE. And only once. If the attack comes back at you a second time, you must respond to it. In politics, the name of the game is authenticity, which can translate to thinking on your feet mid-attack. Continually dodging an attack implies the opposite. If Rubio had followed DMG’s rules, headlines the next day may have told a different story.

B²: “ID, please?”

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Game on!

Last night, the primary process got real. With Iowa’s votes in the history books, and New Hampshire and South Carolina and (you fill in the blank) around the corner, the rhetoric between candidates and the public is about to heat up…including cries of “voter fraud!”

If 2000 isn’t reminder enough, just look to North Carolina and New Hampshire to see the tensions mount as news stories detail newer, stricter voter ID laws.

Per usual, the political parties are split on the issue – liberals accuse conservatives of trying to block the minority vote; conservatives accuse liberals of allowing people to vote who are ineligible in order to gain support. And while it’s doubtful that either side plans to wave the white flag, the reporters will still pounce. Do you know how to avoid messaging traps in questions about voter fraud?

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: “The stricter voter ID laws in North Carolina and New Hampshire are blocking votes. Isn’t it time to lessen the requirements for voters and let the democratic process play out?”

B²: “The opposite is true. For each and every vote to count, a fair and transparent voting process is essential. This is especially true as we prepare to elect the next President, because one of the major issues he/she will face is <insert policy issue>…”

Wherever you take the conversation next, use your 30-second max answer time to acknowledge that voter fraud is a thing and then transition to a significant issue all voters should care about as they make their way to the ballot box. Remain supportive of the democratic process and the importance of allowing only eligible voters to vote FOR THE REASON that voters should nominate a candidate willing to deal with <insert policy issue>.

B²: “I’m not a socialist!”

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If this had been Hillary Clinton’s answer when repeatedly asked by MSNBC’s Chris Matthews if she considers herself a “socialist” like Bernie Sanders, newspaper headlines, panels of pundits, and Twitter would’ve easily defined the fall out.

Instead she said, “I’m a progressive Democrat who likes to get things done and who believes we’re better off in this country when we’re trying to solve problems together.”

Well done, Hillary.

It’s likely she learned from so many who’ve taught us what NOT to do (including her husband) – if you try to distance yourself from an accusation (whether it’s true or not), the audience often thinks you’re guilty.

A few noteworthy examples:

  • “I’m not a crook.” (President Richard Nixon in response to the Watergate Scandal)
  • “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” (President Clinton in response to sex scandals)
  • “I’m not a bully.” (Governor Chris Christie in the Bridgegate Scandal press conference)
  • “I’m not a witch.” (Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell in response to dabbling in witchcraft years earlier)

If you don’t want to dominate the news cycle with talk of what you aren’t, the obvious solution is to talk about what you are! But DMG realizes that’s much easier said than done. Especially when your character is attacked and you desperately want to set the record straight.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that allows you to avoid those pesky “I am not (fill in the blank)” headlines:

Q: “Aren’t you just a (fill in the blank)?” or “Aren’t you just trying to (fill in the blank)?”

B²: “Not at all. I’m (fill in the blank of what you ARE)” or “That’s not the case. What I am doing is (fill in the blank of what you ARE doing) <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, fight the urge to say what isn’t true since the media can (and will) easily recycle it over and over and over. Instead, negate the faulty premise with “not at all” or “that’s not the case” and then focus on who you are or what you are doing. You’ll cut the accusation off at the head, remain on offense rather than defense, and shift the narrative to what you want to talk about. And that’s a message that wins.

B²: Debate Attacks

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People attack when they’re scared.

Enter Donald Trump and his admission during last Thursday night’s GOP debate that the focus on Cruz’s citizenship was a direct result of Cruz “doing a little bit better” in the polls.

While many praised Cruz for defending himself, at least 7 minutes were devoted to a back-and-forth between Trump and Cruz. 7 minutes! It’s understandable that Cruz wanted to set the record straight as he should, but can it be considered a win if talk of his citizenship dominated the headlines the next morning? DMG says no.

Do you know how to craft a message that slaps down ridiculous accusations but then pivots to highlight a way forward?

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: “Well, aren’t you just (blank)/aren’t you just trying to do (blank)?”

B²: “That’s not the case. My record speaks for itself. What voters are interested in is <insert talking point>.”

A red herring is meant to distract, so don’t let it. Quickly correct the false premise (“that’s not the case” or “not at all”) and block and bridge to who you are or what policy position you support. It’s understandable that you want to set the record straight…and you should. But be mindful of the headline that will write itself if you spend too much time on defense. Don’t give the audience a reason to conclude, “thou dost protest too much!”