In a PR News article on September 8, 2016, CommCore CEO Andy Gilman provides a short list of statements that can be used to answer journalists’ tough questions similar to the Aleppo-type questions from MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” interview with Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson.
“I am not familiar with the specifics of that question, but what I can say about the subject is…”
“I want to give you the best information on that subject, so I’ll need to check on the details. In general…”
“If you don’t mind, let me respond with the question that our customers (clients) have been asking.”
“I’m sure our competitors would like to know the answer, so I won’t go into too much detail. What I can share is…”
“That question is one of litigation (or personnel records), so I can’t answer with the specifics. What I can say about the issue is…”
“I’m not familiar with the data you mention in the question. Here’s the data I do know…”
“You are the first person to let me know about the situation. I would like to respond, but first I need you to share what you know.” (The goal here is to buy think time to formulate a response).