🚨 Crisis Management, 📈Trends, 🎹Music
1 Big Thing: What High-Stakes Advocacy Campaigns Can Learn from President Biden's Second Term Crisis
Trade associations, coalitions, corporations, and non-profits can glean valuable insights from President Biden's current predicament regarding his potential second term, especially in the aftermath of his contentious debate with former President Donald Trump and calls for him to drop out of the race. This situation serves as a textbook example of a crisis spiraling out of control.
Why It Matters: Since the June debate, we have witnessed a poorly managed crisis characterized by a chaotic narrative and a lack of timely response. These factors contribute to exacerbating the crisis, offering crucial lessons for high-stakes advocacy campaigns
The Big Picture: Managing or leading a high-stakes advocacy campaign requires a concerted, deliberative effort that proactively stay ahead with your narrative and amplify your key messages. In any high-stakes advocacy campaign, much like a political campaign, you must be prepared for a crisis when something doesn't break your way. Here's six principles that should guide you.
Control Your Narrative: A key element in any crisis is controlling the narrative. President Biden and his team allowed competing narratives to dominate the conversation and define the terms of the debate as to whether President Biden should drop out of the race. Effective crisis management requires taking immediate control of the story and acknowledging the problem, ensuring that the public receives clear and consistent information from the start.
Have Your Facts Lined Up: Accurate information is the foundation of credibility. During the crisis, there were several instances where conflicting facts in the press were presented, undermining the administration's credibility and their control of the situation. Having a well-organized set of facts ready for dissemination can prevent misinformation and build trust with the public and stakeholders.
Mobilize Your Surrogates: Surrogates, such as allies, spokespeople, and influential supporters, are vital in spreading the message and defending the narrative. The Biden team was slow in mobilizing these key figures, resulting in a lack of unified support. A swift and coordinated effort to engage surrogates can bolster the main message and reach a wider audience.
Have Your Key Messages Ready: Clear, concise key messages are essential in any crisis communication strategy. The Biden administration struggled to deliver a coherent message, often appearing reactive rather than proactive. Preparing key messages in advance allows for immediate and consistent communication, reducing the chances of mixed signals.
Amplify Your Messages Across All Mediums: In today's media landscape, it's crucial to utilize all available platforms to amplify key messages. The administration failed to effectively leverage social media, traditional media, and other communication channels, missing opportunities to shape public perception. A multi-platform approach ensures that the message reaches diverse audiences quickly and effectively.
Be Prepared for the Worst: Crisis management requires planning for worst-case scenarios. The Biden team seemed unprepared for the rapid escalation of the crisis, lacking contingency plans and response strategies. Anticipating potential developments and having flexible plans in place can help manage and mitigate the impact of unexpected events.
The Bottom Line: Be prepared and plan. Let Resilient Partners help you shape your next high-stakes advocacy campaign or manage your next crisis.
2. 5 Things We’re Watching
The Supreme Court Overturns Chevron: In an effort to curtail the power of federal agencies, the Supreme Court struck down the Chevron Doctrine. Read more here and our previous insights on how this Supreme Court case brought together an unlikely coalition of supporters.
Trump Picks Vance as VP: Former President Donald Trump selected Ohio Senator JD Vance as a vice-presidential nominee. You can read more here.
PROVE It Act Introduced: The bipartisan PROVE It Act was introduced in Congress, calling for the Department of Energy to conduct a comprehensive study comparing the emissions intensity of certain goods produced in the United States to the emissions of those same goods produced in other countries. Read more here.
Recycling Labeling Bill: A federal recycling labeling bill is being drafted in Congress by Senator Jeff Merkley, calling for clearer labeling on packaging. Read more here.
Cap on Rent: President Biden has proposed a nationwide cap on rent to lower housing costs. Read more here.
3. 1 Fun Thing: The “Unstoppable” Dan Orlando
A few months ago, we featured Dan Orlando on the Resilient Insights Podcast. His hit song, “Music in My Head,” is the Resilient Insights Podcast’s theme song.
Dan was recently featured in his hometown newspaper. Check it out here.