B²: Donald Trump

Donald Trump is enjoying a wildly successful ride post-presidential declaration. We’ll see if Governor Scott Walker’s entrance into the race will shake up the poll rankings, many of which have Trump in second place.

While there’s much discussion about the reasons for the rise of the “The Donald,” what isn’t in question is the media storm caused by his comments on immigration.

He went on record saying, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best … They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.”

Though Trump is bringing an important issue to light, his chosen narrative is incendiary and will likely appear in any question you’re asked on immigration.

So how do you sidestep Trump while still offering solutions for a broken immigration system in desperate need of reform?

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: “Does Donald Trump’s popularity prove that Americans believe most immigrants are rapists and drug dealers?”

B²: “Not at all. What it proves is that people care about immigration reform and want to fix what’s broken. We can start by fixing <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you go next, keep in mind that it’s not a good idea to talk about Donald Trump when talking about immigration – not if you want to offer real solutions to an ever-increasing problem. Trump’s comments distract from the policy in question and the people affected.

Instead of focusing on name-calling, which will get you nowhere close to affecting real change, focus on solutions that help all people – both American citizens and immigrants alike.