Kansas Congressman Kevin Yoder had hoped to put his embarrassing skinny-dipping episode in Israel behind him with an effective media blitz on area media outlets on Monday.
The tactic of getting out ahead of the scandal was working perfectly. It was textbook PR.
The media seemed to be willing to overlook the fact that he was exposing himself on official business in a foreign country representing the United States with foreign dignitaries and their families. Most were more-than-willing to forgive him for his actions.
Yoder was doing a superb public relations job of apologizing and getting the news media to look past his indiscretions in Israel last year.
Almost.
In fact, most of the focus of the day had shifted from Yoder and focused on silly remarks by Missouri Senate candidate Tod Akin regarding “legitimate rape.” In the Kansas City media Yoder’s embarrassment was almost completely pushed aside in favor of attacks on Akin and assist long-time media favorite Claire McCaskill.
It was a great strategy for Yoder until David Letterman decided to list the “Top Ten Congressman Kevin Yoder Excuses” on his show Monday night. Letterman’s actions now have officially made the Yoder episode national news in the minds of the public. It will likely continue to be discussed for at least several more days.
Top Ten Congressman Kevin Yoder Excuses
10.”What’s the big deal, I was naked the whole trip”
9.”It was spring break; chill out”
8.”People in the Middle East are pretty easygoing about nudity”
7.”In my defense, I had been drinking heavily”
6.”Trying to take the focus off Mitt Romney’s taxes”
5.”It had been days since a congressman did something embarrassing”
4.”It’s Obama’s fault”
3.”Putting the ‘junk’ in ‘congressional junket’”
2.”I can’t swim naked, but Barney Frank can walk around like this?”
1.”That’s how we party in Kansas”
YODER’S BAD JUDGMENT
The problem with PR guys is that all they want to do is damage control. Fact is, this guy has shown bad judgment. And judgment is what we look for from our congressman.
You PR types are more into image rather than substance. Like Karl Rove. Look what we got with GWB! Buyers remorse. Rove was putting lipstick on a pig. Is what PR GUYS do? Just put on a different color paint?
Well, I am hurt!!!
There are many facets to Public Relations, but a key one is damage control. With all the social media outlets out there today there are few secrets and things that would have been hidden in the past now come to light.
Keep in mind it was the Politico blog that broke the Yoder story.
I would prefer to do media training and develop positive communications plans for clients, but I am also ready to help them when a crisis hits.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS…
How about “I thought I heard Jesus calling to me, saying ‘Come, come as you are.’”
Or “I just wanted our friends in the Arab world to know that we have nothing to hide.”
Or “I was simply trying to win a bet I’d made with Congressman Akin.”
Or “I was getting in some early practice for the Polar Plunge.”
Or “When I was growing up our family had an abridged version of the Bible – it never said anything about self-control.”
PR MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Rick, those are damned funny. Better than Letterman’s.
But…. I agree with John on this one. Yoder and his people did a very good job at admitting the indiscretion and poor judgement, apologizing profusely and providing more background to the story (whether true or not) that the sensationalism of the day was overlooking.
Contrast that to the tailspin that Akin was going through and you could clearly see how good PR can make a difference, esp to the media. It’s not always ‘lipstick on a pig’ or whitewashing. Yoder’s camp attacked head on, Akin’s “camp” slipped and fell. Of course, his comments were beyond absurd and I don’t think any “spin doctor” would be able to fix THAT mess.
just my two cents…
AKIN VS. YODER
You were wondering why Akin’s remarks were getting more news coverage than Yoder’s unfortunate swim. Having met some women who’ve been raped, I think I know why.
Akin’s unfortunate use of the word “legitimate” is demeaning to people who’ve experienced it. Arbitrarily saying that some rapes are legitimate and some aren’t is deeply insulting to those who’ve already been hurt and for those who care about them.
While Senator Scott Brown’s condemnation is certainly a political move, it’s also deeply personal. In a recent memoir, he admitted that he had been molested by a camp counselor as a boy. His stepfather also physically abused him. It’s reasonable to assume that the insensitivity of Akin’s remarks would bring back unpleasant memories. Yes, Scott running for reelection in liberal Massachusetts, but people of all political stripes would find Akin’s remarks thoughtless.
As for Yoder, his antics were inflammatory in a volatile part of the world. He embarrassed himself and the people he represents. His acts don’t, however, remind people of painful chapters in their lives that they wish they could forget.
I did like reading your thoughts on these matters because I imagine a publicist would really have to earn his or her keep in these situations.
FUNNY
Yes, Rick. Your reasons are pretty funny.