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B²: All the hysteria

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President Trump has occupied the Oval Office for 17 days and the hysteria only seems to be increasing.

Is this our new normal? Hard to say. The riots at UC Berkeley don’t inspire confidence to the contrary.

But amidst the hysteria, it’s important to remember that one of the things that makes America great is the ability to PEACEFULLY protest. And for every $100,000 in damages reported, there are a far greater number of peaceful protests to notice.

So how do you respond to a mainstream media that wants to direct your attention to the latest dumpster fire?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here’s this week’s likely question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “The riots at UC Berkeley have caused $100,000 in damages. Is this the new normal we can come to expect during the Trump presidency?”

B²: “No. What happened at UC Berkeley is outrageous and should be condemned, but it’s important to uphold the right to protest peacefully as it gives voice to the opposition. <Insert talking point about freedom of speech and the importance of listening to those you disagree with>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, uphold the right to peaceably assemble as an effective means to show disagreement. Both sides seem to agree that what happened at UC Berkeley should be condemned and does nothing to bridge the gap, so there’s your common ground to start. But if you’re interested in upping your talking point game, immediately pivot to the importance of peaceful protests as a good and necessary part of what makes America great.

B²: CNBC vs. the GOP

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If there was any doubt the mainstream media leans left, last week’s GOP debate proved it. Barbs thrown by the moderators, including a question to Rubio about whether he hates his day job and the comparison of Trump to a comic book character, left both GOP supporters and some left-leaning news outlets criticizing CNBC.

In response, candidates called out the moderators on the spot (enter Ted Cruz), or called out the mainstream media as a whole (hello Marco Rubio), as it was clear the questions strayed from substantive policy discussion to personal attack.

But what the GOP candidates succeeded in doing on Wednesday night may just be a one-hit wonder. Why? It was them vs. the moderators, and everyone watching knew it – the questions were unfair, a few called it like it was, and the audience rejoiced. But, what if you’re attacked personally and it isn’t so obvious? What if you don’t have a two-hour window to still explain your talking points?

In that case (which is where most of us find ourselves), it’s best to quickly acknowledge the question as incorrect and then B² (block and bridge) away from the bias to articulate your message so that you control the narrative. But how do you do that?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is an example of an unfair question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “People have said that your organization is just a political front. Isn’t that true?”

B²: “Not at all. The only time I hear that narrative is when a lack of information exists about who we are and who we fight for. The <insert organization or campaign name> is about… <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, know that it’s a better use of your answer time to stay on message. The audience knows if/when a host is attacking a guest and you don’t want to sound like you’re whining…that’s never attractive. Instead, quickly acknowledge that you disagree with the question but then B² (block and bridge) to your answer.

If handled correctly, not only will the audience see through the bias but you’ll gain extra points by keeping your cool and championing your message anyway.