Dear Team,
As we sail through the stormy seas of political discourse, one thing is certain: the "Biden Question" is the trusty cudgel opponents and the media will wield to knock any positive narrative off course. But fear not! The key to navigating these choppy waters is preparation, and we've got just the lifeline you need.
I am a Technical Sales Strategist by trade, not a professional political strategist. Not yet, anyway.
Suffice it to say: there are plenty of professional political strategists out there who might be drafting statements to manage The Question, but let me say that if they aren’t, they absolutely should consider points like the following. Candidates: keep the proper responses at the ready and move the conversation along.
A set of talking points and responses follows that will not only deflect the inevitable questions but turn them into opportunities to highlight your strengths. Think of these as your trusty compass and life preserver, ready to keep you afloat and on message as we head toward the midterms.
So, commit these points to memory, keep them handy, and let’s ensure we’re always steering the conversation back to what matters: accomplishments, governance and the vision for the future.
First, consider this opener when given the opportunity to provide one:
In the previous administration, we saw tremendous progress under President Biden’s leadership. His administration delivered on critical issues like economic recovery, healthcare expansion, and infrastructure development. When we supported him for a second term, we did so with the confidence that he had a capable team and a clear vision for the future.
As with any leader, age and experience come hand-in-hand, and we believed that his commitment to surrounding himself with a strong, diverse cabinet would ensure the country’s continued success. Our support was never just about one individual, but about a collective effort to move America forward.
We also trusted that if the need ever arose, the administration would act responsibly and in the best interest of the nation, utilizing all constitutional measures available to maintain stability.
This is a commitment to governance, not just politics.
As always, expect questions that are intended to derail you. Craft responses and background notes to ensure you maintain credibility in these conversations. I do this with Technical Sales Strategy engagements .. I call them "Conversation Maps". A few sample questions / responses / notes follow:
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Potential Follow-On Question
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Response
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Notes
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Why did you support Biden for a second term despite concerns about his age?
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We supported President Biden because of the concrete achievements of his first term—from revitalizing our economy to expanding healthcare access and investing in infrastructure. His leadership team was strong, and we believed in their collective ability to move the country forward.
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Highlight the administration’s successes and the broader team effort.
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How do you address concerns about perceptions of Biden’s cognitive decline?
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We recognized that aging is a natural part of life and trusted that President Biden would rely on a talented and capable cabinet. We also had faith that, if necessary, constitutional measures like the 25th Amendment would be responsibly invoked.
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Emphasize the trust in the team and the mechanisms in place for stability.
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Isn’t this just an attempt to deflect from the current administration’s issues?
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Our focus has always been on governance and ensuring the best outcomes for the American people. Comparing administrations is natural, but our commitment is to uphold strong, effective governance regardless of who is in office.
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Steer the conversation back to principles of governance and the broader party vision.
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When the opportunity arises to compare the previous administration with the current one, avoid the dreaded 'whataboutism' that is so prevalent in today's politics. It doesn't mean you must present as angelic, ignorant or even 'above the fray' .. there are always opportunities to present the previous administration’s accomplishments while subtly highlighting weaknesses of the current team. Some examples:
- We believe in surrounding our leaders with a team that brings expertise and proven results, not just loyalty. The strength of an administration is reflected in the caliber of its advisors.
- It’s essential to have a team that challenges the leader and brings diverse perspectives. Without that, you risk decisions that don’t serve the broader public interest.
- Our approach has always been to put the most qualified individuals in key positions, ensuring that the administration is guided by competence over mere allegiance.
These statements keep a positive tone by focusing on the value of expertise and diverse viewpoints, while drawing a subtle contrast with the current administration team.
So there you have it.. the beginnings of your survival kit for the upcoming political tempest. Whether you print these points out and tuck them under your pillow for osmosis-level memorization or get them embroidered on a decorative cushion fora constant reminder, just make sure they’re always within reach. After all, a well-prepared candidate is a formidable force!
Now go forth, armed with these pearls of wisdom, and let’s keep the conversation on the real issues that matter. And hey, a little humor never hurt anyone—except maybe opposition talking points!
