B²: Trade Deal

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before….

What do you get when Senate Republicans stand with President Obama, while many in his own party publicly criticize him, to convince a Republican-controlled House to vote against some conservatives wary of deals that may give the president more authority? Well, you get a D.C. battle at its finest.

Even though the Senate passed the “fast-track” trade deal (Trans-Pacific Partnership) last week, there are more messaging hurdles ahead since the House plans to vote early next month. In other words, it’s about to get stickier than D.C.’s summer humidity.

Do you know how to talk about trade deals without stepping into any messaging traps?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “Do you support the Trans-Pacific Partnership that the Senate passed last week?”

B²: “I’m pro-trade because we know it leads to more economic growth, which benefits all Americans. The way we get there is to <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next – whether to support the current bill and therefore the President, or to raise concerns about the question of executive authority – do focus on the benefits of trade, which we agree leads to more economic prosperity for all.