B²: Cough, Cough

/1,483 Comments/in , , /by

It doesn’t take a visit to WebMD to figure out that something is wrong with Hillary Clinton.

Despite the muddled and changing responses Clinton’s campaign has offered to explain her mysterious illness (illnesses?), one thing is certain – her health is now a news cycle of its own.

You will likely field questions about pneumonia, overheating, and/or seizures when asked by the media to address the 2016 political landscape, but don’t give in. You’re not a doctor, so don’t give a diagnosis.

If you have policy matters to discuss, DMG promises you can avoid sacrificing your interview time to address Clinton’s health concerns. How?

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 voters should continue to worry about Hillary Clinton’s health getting in the way of her ability to perform presidential duties?”

B²: “It’s obvious Secretary Clinton is under the weather, so I first want to wish her a quick recovery. Voters do/don’t have a right to be concerned because… <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next – to approach Hillary’s health issues as a cover up or pivot to a policy unrelated to pneumonia – always show sympathy first by wishing her to better health.

Meeting emotion with emotion will not only prevent you from looking insensitive to the fact that she is struggling, but will give you credibility to bridge to what you want to talk about.

After all, despite the dozen Saturdays you’ve devoted to binge-worthy medical shows like Grey’s Anatomy, ER, or Scrubs, it’s best if you realize others may be more qualified than you to address bronchial issues.

B²: Aleppogate

/1,563 Comments/in , , /by

Everyone and their mother has chimed in on Gary Johnson’s very sincere inquiry: “And what is Aleppo?”

Some quickly rushed to his defense: 1) claiming Trump didn’t understand Brexit and/or 2) pointing out Johnson’s authenticity in not trying to cover up what he didn’t know. Others find it appalling that a man running for President of the United States didn’t recognize the center of the refugee crisis.

Regardless of your take on the Gary Johnson fiasco, we want to analyze the mistake and recommend a way forward for him and for you (if you should find yourself in a similar situation).

So, here’s what we can learn:

Admit when you’re wrong (ahem, Hillary Clinton). If you found Johnson’s question refreshing, you’re not alone. His sincere and forthright response demonstrated humility and transparency – rare qualities among politicians these days.

That said, he could’ve handled it better. So, for Gary Johnson, and everyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation, we have a suggestion or two.

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 you don’t understand or haven’t been briefed on>?”

B²: “Whether it’s Aleppo or any other issue, we have to be thoughtful and approach with leadership. One way to do so is…<insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, give a vague answer hoping for further clarification OR admit the issue is outside your frame of reference. Both responses guarantee no harm, no foul.

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.