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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.