B²: Founding Fathers

While celebrating our nation’s birthday this past weekend, there was talk about all things Founding Fathers…as is the case every 4th of July. But several GOP hopefuls touring New Hampshire spoke about a nation so far gone that the Founding Fathers would be disgusted to the point of “rolling over in their graves” (see the Politico article by Ben Schreckinger titled “Mourn on the 4th of July”).

Referencing the Founding Fathers as a basis for where the nation is headed can be tricky. Doing so may make you sound like you’re stuck in the past with the accompanying narrative that often echoes, “the best days are behind us” – not a motivational message.

Do you know how to talk about the ideals this country was founded on while using terminology that unites instead of polarizes?

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: “Is our country headed in the right direction?”

B²: “There is no doubt there are present day struggles, but the American Dream is still possible for all if we <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, start with a message of hope, which will appeal to as broad an audience as possible. If you talk about the Founding Fathers as something lost in the past, you’ll get stuck in the past. Instead, talk about the ideals that founded a nation over 200 years ago and still inspire today. The message of “opportunity” and the “American Dream” are winners since they can expand not only your argument but your audience as well.