B²: The Best of Judge Gorsuch

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At DMG, we often emphasize the best ways to respond to hostile questions to avoid writing the next day’s headlines. But it’s a rare thing to watch it play out successfully in real life.

And then Judge Gorsuch nailed his Senate confirmation hearings.

Sure, you may not anticipate the same line of questioning in your interviews that Judge Gorsuch faced last week, but there are lessons to learn and strategies to adopt for your own media interview purposes.

Here are the six best B² (block and bridge) responses we heard during Judge Gorsuch’s Senate confirmation hearings and how you can make them your own:

1. He set the tone.

Grassley: “Would you have any trouble ruling against a president who would appoint you?”

Gorsuch: “That’s a softball. I have no difficulty ruling against any party based on what the law and the facts of the particular case requires.”

2. He didn’t take the bait.

In his back-and-forth with Senator Dianne Feinstein about D.C. v. Heller, Gorsuch refused to agree or disagree with a statement made by Justice Antonin Scalia in the majority opinion:

Feinstein: “I’m just asking you do you agree with the statement. Yes or no?”

Gorsuch: “Whatever is in Heller is the law. And I follow the law.”

Feinstein: “Do you agree?”

Gorsuch: “It is not a matter of agreeing or disagreeing, senator, respectfully. It is a matter of it being the law. And my job is to apply and enforce the law.”

3. He talked about who he is and what he’s for rather than who he isn’t* and what he’s against.

Feinstein: “How do we have confidence in you that you won’t just be for the big corporations, that you will be for the little man?”

Gorsuch: “The bottom line is that I’d like to convey to you from the bottom of my heart is that I’m a fair judge. I can’t guarantee you more than that, but I can promise you absolutely nothing less.”

*He did tell Senator Franken, “I’m not God.” But we’re over it.

4. He stayed on message – it’s about the law; IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE LAW.

Judge Gorsuch decided in the minority opinion in what is known as the Frozen Trucker Case and Democrats really, really disagree.

Franken: “I don’t think you’d want to be on the road with him, would you judge?”

Gorsuch: “Senator, um,”

Franken: “You would or not? It’s a really easy: ‘Yes’ or ‘no?'”

Gorsuch: “It might be fair to ask whether TransAm’s decision was a wise or kind one. But it’s not our job to answer questions like that. Our only task is to decide whether the decision was an illegal one.”

5. He was comfortable to admit he didn’t know the answer.

Klobacher: (asks for his opinion of cameras in the courtroom)

Gorsuch: “That’s a very important question…I come to it with an open mind. It’s not a question that I confess I’ve given a great deal of thought to.”

6. He got mad on purpose.

Leahy: (citing a Republican congressman’s desire for a Gorsuch confirmation so he would “uphold Trump’s Muslim ban”)

Gorsuch (with raised voice): “Senator, he has no idea how I’d rule on that case, and, senator, I’m not going to say anything here that would give anybody any idea how I’d rule in any case like that that could come before the Supreme Court.”

Again, you may never face this line of questioning and the stakes will likely be lower, but Judge Gorsuch’s ability to communicate his message and intentions is A++.

If he can do this after hours of questioning, you can do this in a three to five minute interview. It’s possible, and we believe in you.

TUESDAY TIP: Sunglasses in a TV interview. Yay or nay?

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NAY. ALWAYS NAY. But let us explain…

Temps are rising, days are getting longer, and we’re finally moving outdoors – both personally and professionally.

What do we mean?

The possibility of a TV interview outside is a real and present danger in the coming months, and so we want you to be prepared. Over the next few weeks, we’ll highlight what to do and what NOT to do in front of the camera in the great outdoors.

Today’s focus is your eyes. Specifically, what NOT to do.

Q: “Can I wear sunglasses in TV interviews outside?”

A: “No. And here’s why…”

Obviously, this is an extreme example, but it proves our point. Though we understand that the sun (or any bright light) can be distracting, resist the temptation to keep those cool aviators on when the camera is rolling.

We know that wearing sunglasses makes your experience better, but it makes the viewer’s experience worse. We want to be able to make eye contact with someone, or watch people make eye contact with each other. It’s how we judge people’s character and the validity of their statements.

Leave the sunglasses at home, grin and bear it. And if the bright rays prove intolerable, ask the camera crew to move you to the shade.

B²: Repeal and Replace is here!

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Stop us if you’ve heard this before…”Obamacare needs to be repealed and replaced!”

Oh, that’s right. It’s the drumbeat we’ve heard for the past seven years, and last night House Republicans finally delivered.

Officially, leadership has dubbed it the American Health Care Act. Unofficially, some conservative members have nicknamed it ObamaCare Lite and ObamaCare 2.0. But, what’s in a name?

The version released last night is a rough draft to be marked up by a couple committees (Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means) before a full House vote in a couple weeks, which means…THIS WILL BE TOPIC #1 ON MOST REPORTERS’ SHORT LISTS.

You can bet that the more time this process takes, the less forgiving the media will be with their coverage. Reporters will demand specific answers for infighting, delays, and projections of a timeline.

So, what’s the best response you can give?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “There seems to be disagreement among Republicans as to whether this legislation goes far enough to repeal and replace ObamaCare, what’s the likelihood the American Health Care Act will pass Congress and be signed into law?”

B²: “We now have legislation to read and respond to, which is step one. The version released last night will not be the version signed into law. Regardless of what changes the House and Senate make before they vote, solid repeal and replace legislation will include <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, focus on what good legislation will achieve. There is no need to spend 20-30 seconds voicing your frustration with the process (unless your job description says so). Talk policy and not process.

B²: Trump’s Approach

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Not one to disappoint, President Trump has given us a lot to talk about recently. Love it or hate it, we can all agree that his approach is like nothing we’ve seen, and the media desperately want to make sure you realize what a unique situation this is.

You might think the focus of your interview is tax reform. But CAUTION –  the likelihood of fielding a question about Trump’s most recent press conferences and/or rallies is more like a promise than a possibility.

So, let’s talk through how you can redirect the conversation to policy and leave the rest to the pundits.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “What do you make of Trump’s approach in his first 100 days? Do you think it’s effective?”

B²: “I’m not surprised. The same approach he took on the campaign trail is the same approach he’s taking as President, but I’ll leave it to the pundits to analyze. Instead, what I’m setting my focus on is policy. <Insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, do yourself a favor and block and bridge questions on Trump’s communication style. Unless you’re tasked with analyzing his delivery, you risk sabotaging or sacrificing your policy message in favor of personality. If policy is where our focus should be, then do your part to make sure that conversation continues!

Trump’s approach and delivery may be different than anything we’ve seen, and there is room to discuss how this difference will play out over the next four years. But save that topic of conversation for happy hour and not your Fox News hit.

Like that famous phrase “always be closing,” DMG recommends you “always talk policy.”

B²: “Does this make me look fat??”

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‘Tis that time again for all things chocolate and love and #RelationshipGoals.

But what seems like a joyous occasion can take a dark turn if you’re confronted with (and fumble) the question: “does this make me look fat??”

Yikes. Not a question anyone wants to answer honestly. So, how do you remain truthful and not devastate the asker?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, Valentine’s Day AND B² day.

Here’s this week’s likely question from your significant other and the B² (block and bridge) that keeps you off the couch and/or out of the dog house:

Q: “Does this <insert article of clothing> make me look fat?”

B²: “You are stunning. I really love that (color/style/neckline – element of clothing not related to size) on you. <Insert how beautiful she is for all the reasons>.”

Guys, wherever you take the conversation next, do not pass go, do not collect $200, DO NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION. It’s a trap. You actually can’t answer this question as presented and win. You have to block and bridge. Don’t you dare let your ego tell you otherwise. Just accept that this is a trap and answer as we’ve instructed.

Ladies, give your guy a break and listen to what he says, not what he doesn’t say. You’ve put him in a terrible position by asking this question because he either has to lie or tell the truth, neither of which we want to hear, tbh.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

B²: All the hysteria

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President Trump has occupied the Oval Office for 17 days and the hysteria only seems to be increasing.

Is this our new normal? Hard to say. The riots at UC Berkeley don’t inspire confidence to the contrary.

But amidst the hysteria, it’s important to remember that one of the things that makes America great is the ability to PEACEFULLY protest. And for every $100,000 in damages reported, there are a far greater number of peaceful protests to notice.

So how do you respond to a mainstream media that wants to direct your attention to the latest dumpster fire?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “The riots at UC Berkeley have caused $100,000 in damages. Is this the new normal we can come to expect during the Trump presidency?”

B²: “No. What happened at UC Berkeley is outrageous and should be condemned, but it’s important to uphold the right to protest peacefully as it gives voice to the opposition. <Insert talking point about freedom of speech and the importance of listening to those you disagree with>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, uphold the right to peaceably assemble as an effective means to show disagreement. Both sides seem to agree that what happened at UC Berkeley should be condemned and does nothing to bridge the gap, so there’s your common ground to start. But if you’re interested in upping your talking point game, immediately pivot to the importance of peaceful protests as a good and necessary part of what makes America great.

B²: SCOTUS Nominee

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One week down, so many more to go.

Love him or hate him, agree or disagree, he’s wasted no time delivering on his campaign promises. And in a few short hours, he’ll do it again.

In case you haven’t heard, or checked President Trump’s Twitter feed, he plans to announce his pick for Supreme Court at 8:00 PM.

No matter who he chooses, you can bet the #1 question reporters will ask is whether Democrats should block his nominee based on Republican behavior towards Merrick Garland. Need a block and bridge for that? We thought so.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “Don’t you think Democrats have every right to block a vote since Republicans did the same thing?”

B²: “It’s not the same thing. We were in the middle of a lame duck session, and the Senate Republicans took a stand for the American people. <Insert talking point.>”

Wherever you take the conversation next, emphasize the timing and pivot to qualifications. Nominating a Supreme Court justice in a lame duck session is risky business as elected officials face few consequences and voters don’t have a say. Senate Republicans were just defending their constituents. But that lame duck session has ended and the Congress America voted for is back to work. Democrats should respect the process and move forward by examining the nominee’s qualifications.

B²: Repeal + Replace

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In a few short days, GOP lawmakers have to turn in their repeal legislation for Obamacare – dun dun duuunnnnn.

But that’s probably old news as the mainstream media can’t stop talking about it in ALL CAPS:

“REPEAL WILL LEAVE 20 MILLION PEOPLE UNINSURED!”

…or…

“WITH NO REPLACEMENT PLAN READY TO GO, THOSE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN OBAMACARE COULD EXPERIENCE A LAPSE IN COVERAGE!”

Needless to say, people are afraid. The threat of losing health insurance is scary. But like most issues, there is more to the story than these headlines suggest.

So, how can you be the voice of reason and talk about a sensitive issue like Repeal and Replace in a news cycle that expects the worst? With emotion and numbers, of course!

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 Obamacare is repealed, won’t millions be left without insurance?”

B²: “Not at all. Obamacare will be phased out, so the coverage people currently receive will continue until a new patient-centered healthcare system is established. <Insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, spin the narrative to highlight those at greater risk of losing coverage – the 25 million who currently pay out of pocket and receive no subsidies. Adding a data point about premium spikes in your state will help prove the point. We all know someone (maybe it’s you!) who has experienced rate increases and/or loss of access to their doctor. Tell these stories first and then insert a stat or two as evidence.

B²: Protests at Inauguration

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Expectations have NOT been managed for Friday’s inaugural festivities. (Thanks, MSM).

We’ve been promised lots of protests in DC and around the country by the likes of Michael Moore, Bernie Sanders, pro-marijuana activists, those leading the Women’s March, and elected officials who are choosing not to attend. The opportunities to analyze/judge/mock will be numerous…and tempting. The anticipation is almost too much.

But what if (in the name of unity!) you refrain? What if (in the name of unity!) you acknowledge the division in such a way that closes the gap rather than widens it?

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 do you make of the protests?”

B²: “I’m so glad we live in a country where people can voice their disagreement, and I hope that it’s done in a peaceful way. But Trump protestors and Trump supporters have a lot more in common than they realize. Americans, as a whole, are overwhelmingly tired of <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, choose a common ground topic. No matter your party affiliation, it’s safe to assume that most voters are tired of politics as usual, the sluggish economy, threats from abroad, etc.

We’re not asking you to turn a blind eye to the division, but focus on what issues spark agreement instead of the fanfare surrounding the disagreement. No one wins if we’re constantly trying to talk over each other, and Americans like to win.

B²: “Is half the country racist?”

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Neither candidate was ideal for many Repubs or Dems, but those who showed up at the polls had to choose someone. Americans voted, the Electoral College confirmed that vote, and now we’re days away from making it official via that ever important ceremony called Inauguration.

But division remains, most disturbingly evident in the cries of “racist!” towards Trump supporters.

True, racism does exist in this country and is deeply concerning.

True, some voters showed up in full support of everything the president-elect has said or done.

But also true? The majority of voters cast their vote for a variety of reasons. It’s unfair to assume otherwise and perpetuate the narrative that half the country is racist. Let’s be reasonable.

What if you’re asked about it? Can you pivot away from an absurd claim and point to bigger issues? Yes, yes you can. And here’s how.

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: “We’re preparing for the inauguration of Donald Trump, a man who was elected to office by racist voters. What do you think this means for the next 4 years?”

B²: “That’s unfair. Voters, whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent showed up on Election Day for a variety of reasons. For example, the issue that most influenced my vote is <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, expand on the myriad of issues weighing heavy on voters’ minds – Supreme Court, jobs, national security/ISIS, etc. You have enough material to create talking points for days.

The most important thing you have to do is refute the “racist” claim. It’s a narrative the media just can’t quit, so let’s help them. Refrain from saying what Trump voters “aren’t,” but rather quickly dismiss the generalization as absurd and/or unfair and then point to bigger issues that likely influenced the electorate.