GOP Media Training: 'Never think on the air'

[Rose Siding]

http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/08/think.php

I was forwarded an interesting document (PDF) from the Research Department here at the DNC this afternoon. If you've ever watched a Republican avoid questions and say nothing meaningful in an interview, this is why: they're told to "never think on the air" and to "restate the problem without offering an opinion." You know, because opinions on problems are bad. They're also told that "some questions shouldn't be answered" because they're "beyond your scope" - meaning that you probably won't answer the way the RNC wants, so don't you dare try.

MEDIA TRAINING was provided for members and staff by appointment. Participants were questioned on camera following a briefing on media techniques and then critiqued by their peers. Some message tips include: Never think on the air; define the points you want to make in advance; lead with the positive; define what you're for, not what you're against; control the tempo; restate the problem without offering an opinion; some questions shouldn't be answered; they are hypothetical or beyond your scope.....

And if you were wondering, this message was not approved by the Republican Politburo (or even a Democratic one). We as Democrats work together on what we say, but we all still think for ourselves.

http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/08/think.php

[papau]

1. Fox cable news training no doubt uses that instruction set for its

workers.

[DBoon]

2. They aren't supposed to think off the air

or at any other time, either.

Not thinking is a necessary skill in that party.

[zbdent]

3. The sad part is, they are very good at it

So good, that they handpick the audience and give the audience members the questions to ask . . . the pResident . . .