Blog

Topic: Public and Governmental Affairs
  • Jun08
    Justin Ohlemiller

    Time for Weiner to Wave the White Flag

    by Justin Ohlemiller in Public and Governmental Affairs, Public Relations, 0 comments

    As a professional PR consultant, it’s in my blood to believe there are few (if any) situations that can’t be managed effectively through communications strategy. So as I watched the Anthony Weiner debacle this week, I asked myself “Can he survive this scandal? And if so, how?”

    In a CBSnews.com post, Political Analyst John Dickerson argued that Weiner can recover from this mess, but he has to “go away . . . stop being a distraction” and “stop being a punch line.”

    My question for Mr. Dickerson: Have you ever seen Anthony Weiner at work (and I don’t mean in that way)?!

    Weiner has never... read on

  • Mar25
    Justin Ohlemiller

    Keep it real—bag the stiff in the suit

    by Justin Ohlemiller in Public and Governmental Affairs, Public Relations, 0 comments

    It’s one of the most common scenes in the world of public affairs.  A new policy or idea is being touted, so the public official or government agency turns to their not-so-secret weapon . . . some PR stiff in a suit.

    How do I know this? Because I was that PR stiff.

    In my previous career as a spokesperson for a mayor and a member of Congress, I was trotted out on literally hundreds of occasions to sell policy positions or pump up accomplishments of the office.

    Every agency, public office or company has to have the ability to effectively explain decisions and policies to a broader... read on

  • Feb24
    Justin Ohlemiller

    Mr. President, government can be a solution—It just takes a few TrendyMinds

    by Justin Ohlemiller in Public and Governmental Affairs, 0 comments

    Former President Ronald Reagan once said, “Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem."

    The quote itself, which has become a rallying cry for the Tea Party movement, is certainly one example of how Reagan shaped his legacy as “The Great Communicator.” The memorable phrase resonates to this day because it embodies a common, centuries-old theme—skepticism and dislike for all-things-government.

    Despite the fact Reagan’s quote is brilliant from a tactical and political communications standpoint, it overlooks the importance of government and oversimplifies what... read on