B² the Government Shutdown

As the arctic cold lingers around Washington D.C. this week, another deep freeze settles in on Capitol Hill.

Whatever your stance, two things are true:

1. The average American doesn’t like government shutdowns; and
2. Democrats will blame Republicans, especially since they control both houses of Congress.

So as the clock ticks and the deadline of February 27^th approaches, how should you respond to questions about the standoff?

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: “The deadline is quickly approaching. Are you willing to let DHS funding run out and, therefore, threaten the safety of the American people?”

B²: “We need to do whatever we can to make sure the Department of Homeland Security has the funding it needs to keep us safe. In order to guarantee the funding we must <insert talking point>.”

Whatever your talking point is, avoid the word “shutdown” and verbs that imply you are “forcing” this situation. And, avoid using Washington acronyms (DHS), even if your interviewer does.

Instead, emphasize that the safety of the American people is the priority and then follow up with solutions to secure the funding.