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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?”

: “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.

Trump’s building what? How to B² the border bill in the real world

Donald Trump made some interesting statements about border security on last night’s “On the Record.”

Video: “I build the best buildings, walls are easy. And believe me, I would build a wall that is not penetrable.”

The soundbite is making news for all the wrong reasons. While The Donald may love to take a no-holds-barred approach, his message doesn’t resonate with a broad audience. The question is, how do you realistically respond to tough questions without alienating friends and foes?

Lucky for you, it is Tuesday.  B² day.  We’re focused on the Border Bill’s potential media messaging pitfalls.

Journalists are bound to ask questions that pit colleagues against one another leading up to Wednesday’s vote. The next B² is written to help you and your boss lead the way through a thorny message trap.

Q: “This bill doesn’t seem to make anyone happy. Can there be a consensus or is this leading to another GOP debacle?”

B²: “Where we can agree is that securing our borders is essential, especially as terrorism remains an ever-growing threat, but for any bill to move forward we must <insert talking point>.”

Whatever your position, don’t take the bait and make a GOP fight the news story. Start with common ground and then insert your talking point on immigration. Finding common ground is the best way to diffuse a hostile question and take the interview back to what the interview should be about – your message.