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B²: Free Trade

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The GOP Convention is in full swing, which means this just got real.

Donald Trump is no stranger to media attention, but the next few days are especially important as he moves from presumptive to official nominee. Many wonder if his tone will change. Still others are crossing their fingers for a greater explanation of his policy positions, including his position on trade, which not only deviates from the standard Republican platform, but is now at odds with his own VP pick. #Awkward

As #MakeAmericaGreatAgain trends in Cleveland this week, how can you elevate the message of free trade without getting stuck in the mud?

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: “Donald Trump claims that America has made bad trade deals – is that true?”

B²: “That’s not accurate. While there is always room for better negotiation, free trade is a longstanding key to U.S. financial freedom as well as lifting other nations out of poverty. For example… <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, highlight the importance of free trade for America and the world. Think: big picture. Whether you want to reference the increase in jobs and American manufacturing as a result of past trade deals (like NAFTA or the WTO), or focus on possible improvements to current trade deals, remain above the fray.

B²: “Count me in”/#NeverTrump

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Since Donald Trump has become the presumptive nominee, the GOP seems stuck in a glass case of emotion.

You’ve got your “count me ins” like Governors Mike Pence and Rick Perry, your “I’m not readys” like House Speaker Paul Ryan, and your #NeverTrumps like Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Congressman Justin Amash (MI-03). All of the indecision and uncertainty makes for great television, and the media knows it.

So, unless you’re ready to commit to the Donald or change your voter registration, what is the best way to dance around the disunity?

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: “Now that Donald Trump is the presumptive nominee, will you support him in the general?”

B²: “In order to make a decision, I need him to throw fewer insults and talk more policy. One issue I’m most concerned about is <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, know that you can dance around the disunity and talk policy until you’re ready to address Trump as the presumptive nominee (which may be never, and that’s ok). As DMG teaches, re-focusing the conversation on your message and subsequent talking points is always the best move no matter the topic. Trump and the supposed schism are getting more than enough media attention, so fill the void and stick to the issues.