Instill fear. Sow uncertainty. Create doubt. Demonize.

These tactics may be the unfortunate norm for campaigning, but they are bad – if not downright irresponsible -- for governing. Yet, since day one of the Obama Presidency, the Republican playbook has not just promoted the use of such tactics … it has glorified them as the central theme of its strategy.

The latest case in point is a recent Republican National Committee powerpoint presentation – a hate-filled document that was used at the February RNC Finance Leadership Meeting.

• One slide is entitled, “The Evil Empire” and includes caricatures of President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid.
• There is a picture entitled “socialism” that has a sinister caricature of President Obama that has been made to look like “The Joker”.
• There is an unseemly caricature of Nancy Pelosi entitled, “Cruella DeVille” – the fictional villain from “The Hundred and One Dalmatians”.
• And one slide sums up the approach to be used by the RNC by asking a cynical question … “What can you sell when you do not have the White House, the House or the Senate…? … and providing an equally cynical answer: “Save the country from trending toward socialism.”

In a word, this is outrageous.

No reference to issues. No reference to values. Just a blatant attempt to raise money through fear and scorn. After all, why stand for something, if you can just debase, vilify, and belittle the highest offices in the land?

Unfortunately, this has become par for the course for today’s Republican Party. First, there were Dick Cheney’s irresponsible claims about the President’s stewardship of U.S. national security. Then there were the unprecedented displays of disrespect during the President’s addresses to Congress – first by a Republican Congressman who yelled out during a 2009 healthcare speech and then by a conservative Supreme Court Justice who broke with decorum by visibly objecting to the President’s speech. And through it all there has been a blind partisanship practiced by Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Taken together, these Republican tactics serve no purpose other than to further divide and harm the American people. They do nothing to make our country safer. They do nothing to improve our quality of life. They do nothing to make our country a better place.

This is particularly troubling in light of the many challenges that we – as a nation – are currently facing. People are scared. People are hurting. People are struggling. Yet, the national Republican response has been to breed fear, blame others, and effectively ignore the pain. For some, the 2008 campaign never ended. For some, the campaign is all that seems to matter.

Needless to say, this is no way to run a country.

Disagree with the President. Debate the President. But for all of our sakes, Republicans must start to work with the President.

And as for the media, they must start to report objectively about the Republican’s cynical game. No more blaming both parties for gridlock. No more playing both sides against each other. When the Republican leadership refers to healthcare reform as the President’s “waterloo” or uses demeaning caricatures of the President to raise money, the media must call it what it is – partisan politics at its absolute worse.

In the end, it is impossible to have “unilateral bipartisanship”. President Obama and the Democratic Leadership have continually reached out across the aisle, only to be met by a monolithic Republican opposition that refuses to find common ground and refuses to act in the common good – an opposition that would rather play politics, than do the people’s business.

This is wrong. This is disgraceful. And it urgently speaks to the need for a new Republican playbook.

The old rules no longer apply. In fact, they have not applied for quite some time.

As recent headlines made clear, crisis communications is now driven by digital media. Television. Radio. Newspapers. Rather than leading the public discussion of Tiger Woods or Toyota, these traditional – some would say increasingly archaic – mediums seem more like they are trying to catch up with the drama being played out minute-by-minute on Twitter, on Facebook, and on blogs.

To say that the news cycle moves at a frenetic pace may be an understatement. This is the new normal … and it has been for several years. In fact, shrewd companies implemented corporate social media policies years ago and have incorporated them into their daily marketing and communications activities.

This is particularly true for brands in crisis.

Gone is the focus on the evening news or the morning newspaper. Gone is the ability to craft a single, official-sounding press release. Gone is the ability to control the flow of bad information.

Jobs. Homeland security. Iraq. Afghanistan. Healthcare. Energy. Banking.

Taken together, the Obama Presidency has all the makings of a compelling story -- action, adventure, emotion, suspense, and intrigue -- but it seems to be lacking a key component: a narrative.

Despite a decidedly progressive – and I would suggest laudable – list of policy initiatives, the Obama Presidency seems to be lacking a unifying theme … an organizing principle … an overarching rationale ... a stake in the ground. To the average person, each issue is seemingly pursued for its own sake. Each issue often appears to be addressed in isolation of the others. And each issue is often spoken about in technocratic terms – generally devoid of any emotion, devoid of any interconnectedness, and devoid of any discussion of a “big picture”.

During the presidential campaign, candidate Obama tapped into something deep and visceral. Americans wanted change – new leadership, new direction, and new hope – and Obama was ready, willing and able to deliver. He spoke about change. He promised change. He embodied change. And people of all political stripes – Democrat, Republican and Independent – gravitated toward him.

The 7.0 earthquake has literally devastated that nation’s capital, Port au Prince

• At least 100,000 dead or missing people.
• Human bodies – perhaps several thousand – trapped under collapsed buildings.
• Widespread homelessness.
• Reports of no food ...no medicine…no drinkable water...and no electricity.

The situation is bleak – very bleak – for our neighbors, who have long suffered at the hands of corrupt government, endemic poverty, and ruthless weather conditions. But, as is now painfully clear, the poorest nation in the hemisphere just became a whole lot poorer. In fact, this may well be Haiti’s darkest hour.

Thus far, the international community’s response has been swift and widespread. Help is coming in many forms --- search and rescue teams ... relief organizations ... media appeals … social networking. Most notably, Facebook and Twitter have been playing an invaluable role in helping Haitians to get the message out to a world seemingly eager to help.

But this crisis is only in its beginning stages, and those of us committed to providing assistance must be prepared to stay in this for the long haul. We need to act fast – today – and we must act again tomorrow and the next day and into the foreseeable future.

For starters, here are some ways in which you can provide quick, meaningful help:

• Action Against Hunger, 877-777-1420
• American Red Cross, 800-733-2767
• AmeriCares, 800-486-4357
• CARE, 800-521-2273
• Direct Relief International, 805-964-4767
• Doctors Without Borders, 888-392-0392
• Friends of WFP, 866-929-1694
• Haiti Children, 877-424-8454
• Haitian Health Foundation, 860-886-4357
• Hope for Haiti, 239-434-7183
• International Medical Corps, 800-481-4462
• International Rescue Committee, 877-733-8433
• Meds and Food for Kids, 314-420-1634
• Operation USA, 800-678-7255
• Oxfam, 800-776-9326
• Partners in Health, 617-432-5298
• Save the Children, 800-728-3843
• UNICEF, 800-367-5437
• World Concern, 800-755-5022
• World Relief, 800-535-5433
• Yele Haiti, 212-352-0552

The U.S. Department of State has also set up two important “hotlines”:

DONATIONS: By texting "HAITI" to "90999", a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts. The charge will show up on your cell phone bill.

MISSING PERSONS: To obtain information on family members in Haiti, please call (888) 407-4747.

Money. Time. Prayers. Again, now, more than ever.

Not naïve. Not wearing rose-colored glasses. Just optimistic that America will rise to the challenges of a new decade with the same energy, same intelligence, and same drive with which it met the very difficult challenges of the past one.

In fact, in this context, the past ten years have been instructive….

Y2K. Al Gore. George Bush. Enron. Al Qaida. Anthrax. Ipods. Airport Security. Saddam Hussein. Sars. Facebook. Tsunami. Terri Schiavo. Katrina. SUVs. Gas prices. Iraq. Texting. Stem cell research. Guantanamo. SmartPhones. Lehman Brothers. Foreclosures. Barack Obama. Unemployment. Swine Flu. Afghanistan. Marriage equality. Sarah Palin.

By some measures, this was a decade unlike any other -- extreme highs, extreme lows, extreme politics, extreme weather, and extreme measures. Over the past 10 years, we have been rocked by a series of fundamental changes to the way in which we live our lives and the way in which we relate to one another.

By many measures, however, we are ending this decade as we started it. Relatively safe. Relatively strong. And extraordinarily blessed.

In fact, as we turn the corner into the second decade of the 21st century, we should step back and realize that we have a great deal for which to be grateful.

This week, in a very compelling piece in the New York Times, UCLA Professor Jared Diamond, essentially made the same argument.

In his op-ed, “Will Big Business Save the Earth” New York Times Op-Ed, Professor Diamond uses the example of three major companies – Wal-Mart, Pepsi, and Chevron – to demonstrate that sustainability can and is being promoted by some of the world’s largest companies. And he is very clear in outlining the financial reasons for their decisions to enhance fuel efficiency in their truck fleets (Wal-Mart), to conserve water (Pepsi), and to rigorously promote environmental protection (Chevron).

Professor Diamond’s piece, which is a must read, underscores a point that I think is absolutely essential to moving our economy and our nation forward: The choice between making money and making a difference is, in the end, a false choice.

In other words, it isn’t just possible for companies to “do good” while they are “doing well”, in fact it may be essential to drive real and lasting change.

HIGH unemployment. High taxes. And high budget deficits. Without question, Governor-elect Chris Christie's hands are full, and he is inheriting one of the most daunting challenges in the country.

Yet, behind every challenge — no matter how seemingly intractable — lies an opportunity, and this challenge is no exception. In fact, Christie, who was elected on a promise of economic reform, has several opportunities, ranging from an overhaul of the state tax system to a reform of state government.

There is one opportunity, however, that should be seized immediately: the opportunity to make our state the undisputed leader in the green technology revolution.

Simply stated, New Jersey should become the "sustainability state" — home to green investments, jobs, technology and services. We should be the incubator of green ideas about everything from energy efficiency in buildings — which account for about 40 percent of all energy usage in the United States — to energy efficiency in transportation. And we should have a tax structure that incentivizes sustainable businesses to move to New Jersey and create jobs in New Jersey.

My concern, however, is that there will be great pressure to put energy and other non-budget issues on the back burner — that there will be a single-minded focus on short-term budget challenges at the expense of longer term critical thinking and actions.

By now we’ve all heard that President Obama was awarded the Nobel Prize for Diplomacy. In today’s NYT the Nobel prize committee is quoted as saying that the President “has created a new international climate.”

For anyone who doubts the ability of a leader to change reputation – for the better or for the worse -- look no further than a study of the American Presidency and the ultimate brand, the United States of America. In just nine short months, President Obama has materially improved the reputation and stature of America around world. And while I won’t say we’ve completely unraveled the damage that caused the precipitous decline of our nation’s reputation in recent years, we are certainly on the right track. (Funny, that decline had a lot to do with the reputation of our leader, too.)

This is the fundamental principal of MWW Group’s philosophy about reputation management and the role of the CEO and leadership team. Indeed, the White House demonstrated many of the fundamental tenets of the MWW Group CEO EquityBuilder approach…they allow President Obama to be himself – to speak in a voice that is true, to focus on the subject about which he is truly passionate, and to engage in meaningful debate with those of opposing viewpoints. They don’t (and couldn’t even if they wanted to) avoid situations where there might be a difficult question, a tough issue or an opposing viewpoint. They embrace those as opportunities to advance their message – and demonstrate leadership.

Critics of President Obama’s selection by the Nobel Committee will be taking to the airwaves to debate whether he deserves a Nobel Prize, and asking what he had done by the time the nominations occurred to deserve such an honor. To me, this is indicative of the importance of reputation….and how the reputation of a leader, particularly during a transition, can immediately and substantively change the broader reputation of the Company, or in this case, the nation.

It boils down to a simple, obvious truth -- you can’t be a leader without an executive team that demonstrates leadership. It might not win you the Nobel Prize….but it just might do great things for your corporate reputation.

As an organization we believe that without a well-trained workforce, the promise of clean energy is unattainable. Therefore in 2009 and beyond, MWW Group will extend its partnership with Carbonfund.org and support specific, verifiable renewable energy projects that create the infrastructure and skills necessary to drive a global, clean energy economy and further reduce carbon emissions. This year MWW Group will support the Iowa Lakes Wind Energy and Turbine Program, an initiative of Iowa Lakes Community College responding to the growing demand for skilled technicians who can install, maintain, and service modern wind turbines. Information on the program can be found here: http://www.ilcc.cc.ia.us/programs_study/industrial/wind_energy_turbine/index.htm.

MWW Group remains firmly committed to doing our part to protect and preserve the environment. We challenge our peers in the industry, as well as our clients and partners, to join with us in this important work, or to adopt your own programs to help bring about a clean energy economy.

In all likelihood your organization is actively monitoring the Swine Flu crisis and like many, you’ve already communicated to your employees travel warnings, guidance on limiting exposure to the virus and procedures to follow should they feel ill.

Now, just how ready is your organization to manage the necessary communications triggered by a confirmed infection among your employees? What about a suspected infection or even a rumor?

The Centers for Disease Control and both state and local health organizations have clear guidelines for dealing with public health issues. Companies experiencing a confirmed case will be directed to identify and notify other employees, customers, etc. with whom there was likely contact. In the case of a suspected infection or a rumor, some organizations may even lean towards preemptive notification in an effort to stay ahead of the issue.

It will be extremely difficult to keep such notifications "quiet," particularly with an issue of this scale and potential impact. Internal memos quickly become public and social media platforms virtually guarantee exposure within minutes. And for organizations whose employees who interact with the public on a regular basis such as retailers, restaurants, universities, hospitals, etc., communicating through the media may be a necessary part of the response plan.

In all cases it is critically important that the communications process be handled correctly and the message be right. Downplay the incident and you appear uncaring. Overplay the incident and you start a panic. Both can have a devastating impact on an organization's reputation and business prospects.

If you are not already thinking about "what's next" you should be. Among the many things to be thinking about, a few include:

• Employee communications detailing corporate policies and advising on precautions
• Contingency planning, notification procedures and related communications associated with confirmed and/or suspected cases among employees
• Website content, social media communications and call center scripts on the issue
• Investor communications detailing risk management protocols, business impact, etc.
• Monitoring media and online sources for rumors and promptly addressing them
• Media relations support including the fielding of incoming calls
• Spokesperson training
• Tracking industry / competitor reactions to the crisis
• Working with industry associations on statements and activities related to the crisis

In the end, this points out the need for strong contingency planning by American companies and institutions…because there is always something unexpected that happens…and not being prepared is often worse than the event or disease.

I am pleased to share with you MWW Group's first annual Corporate Citizenship Report. Since 1986, MWW Group has strived to be a positive influence in the communities in which we live and work. This report highlights our recent accomplishments, outlines our focus going forward and will serve as a baseline against which we measure and report our future citizenship activities.

Through our company-wide efforts and the personal commitments of our employees nationwide, MWW Group and its employees continually strive to demonstrate citizenship in action. Through our contributions of time and financial resources to charitable organizations, our strict focus on environmental responsibility, our industry-leading employee programs and our great work on behalf of clients, the people of MWW Group can take great pride in our societal committments.

I would like to personally thank our partners in philanthropy, citizenship and sustainability for all your contributions to date and for your future efforts.

Click here to view the report

While each of us should know that anything we post on our Facebook has the potential to be seen by the entire world...so poster beware...that is materially different than Facebook taking ownership of your content, of your private information...with the right to do with it as they please. This policy was truly shocking for a company that grew organically on trust and must depend on organic growth to keep them moving forward. Did they think that people wouldn't notice or care? Or is it just inexperience, a miscalculated revenue grab or arrogance? Whatever the motive, they have created real doubt in the minds of their consumers...time will tell if it they have inflicted long term damage on themselves or if this was just a short term hick up...and kudos to them for recognizing that they had a real crises and handled it quickly and apparently competently...but, now more than ever they will have a bull’s-eye on every move and a magnifier on every policy...how they move from here will determine whether they remain an enduring brand or one that has begun to jump the shark.

The national mood, I think, is particularly eager for change. Not only a change in this administration … though certainly that … but a change in direction. We have major issues to tackle and we’re collectively tired of waiting to do so. I think you’ll see a tremendous outpouring of national energy in the coming days and months.

In that spirit, I’m proud to announce that MWW Group has issued a national call to action, to harness some of that energy in the effort to create positive change. We are calling it “100 Words for 100 Days.” We have asked for 100-word submissions from organizations and individuals across the country, either written or in video form. The submissions should answer two questions:

What change are you ready for in the first 100 days?

And what can you do to bring about this change?

The entries will be gathered at www.mww.com/change. We will review every one and will select two winners – one organizational winner and one individual.

The winning organization will receive three months’ worth of pro bono PR support from MWW Group, amounting to $30,000 worth of assistance to help them spread their message of change. The winning individual will earn a $5,000 paid internship at any of MWW Group’s offices, where we will teach them the PR skills necessary to help them achieve their goal.

The inauguration of a new President gives us all a chance to think about how we can do our part to help change our nation for the better. That’s what this campaign is about.

At MWW Group, we’re proud to do our part. We look forward to receiving these entries, and to making these promises a reality.

As it stands today, the Obama energy plan calls for investment of $150 Billion in clean technologies over the next ten years. As part of the plan the President-Elect is pledging to:

~ double energy R&D funding,
~ convert the nation’s manufacturing centers into clean technology masterpieces,
~ commercialize and deploy cellulosic ethanol,
~ expand locally-owned biofuel refineries,
~ require a national 25% renewable electricity standard by 2025, and,
~ invest $50 billion in the Clean Technologies Venture Capital Fund over the next five years.

For smart businesses ready today to take lead-steer positions on key environmental issues and help shape the national dialogue, the Obama energy plan may well represent an opportunity unlike anything seen before. That said, ‘today’ is the key part of that statement. The President-Elect is not waiting until Inauguration Day to begin and this train is warming up and about to ready the station.

Given the dollar amounts involved, the Obama Administration will first need to engage the Congress and a multitude of Federal agencies before it can turn its environmental vision into a reality. The drafting and submission of a massive new energy bill (or a series of bills) will soon commence and a spirited debate is expected in Congress as the Administration presses for passage of the legislation. Intense public interest…and public need…will mandate swift action on the Hill and the window of opportunity will quickly close for companies seeking to be a part of the process…and share part of the opportunity.

Right now, clean technology companies should be launching public and government relations campaigns if they hope to contribute to the national energy plan and create a receptive environment for putting those dollars into action. Flags must be immediately planted in Washington while the legislation is still in a conceptual state, before the drafting is finalized and while the guiding principles are being discussed by members of Congress, their staffs, and the soon-to-be-confirmed top energy officials in the Obama Administration.

The next two to three months are going to be intense. Many companies’ futures will be made and many more will miss out. For those of us who do this for a living, and who will be neck deep in the process on behalf of tomorrow’s clean technology leaders, it will no doubt be an exciting reminder of why we got into this business in the first place.

The PR News PR People Award showcases the top talent and the passionate professionals who, day in and day out, are making communications matter in the marketplace. This award highlights those who set the benchmark for PR and underscores the outstanding PR achievements of the last year.

PR News' 2008 PR People of the Year are:

	Saurabh Wahi - Brand Marketer of the Year - As Group Vice President in MWW Group’s Consumer Lifestyle Marketing practice, Saurabh has worked closely with Nikon’s internal marketing team to completely transform public perception of Nikon cameras through compelling, multi-faceted and fully integrated communications, digital media and experiential marketing campaigns.
	Michael Sacks - Account Executive of the Year - Since joining MWW Group over a year ago, Michael Sacks has earned the distinction of "go to guy" for clients and colleagues alike. His willingness to pitch in wherever he is needed and eagerness to take on new projects make him a valuable employee, teammate, and PR counselor. More importantly, he delivers unparalleled results for clients that exceed their business goals. Mike has played a vital part in programs for Samsung and Deloitte while also helping to secure new business such as the coveted Adecco account.

	Claire Koeneman received an honorable mention for the Investor Relations Professional of the Year award. Claire continues to  be a game changer for her clients’ businesses as well as someone that CEOs and CFOs across the country and the world seek out for counsel, leading Claire to be a trusted advisor to some of the leading companies in the world.
	Tracy Calabrese also accepted her award as one of PR News' 15 to Watch for PR professionals under 30 years old. Starting as an intern 4 years ago, Tracey has become a true MWW Group superstar. Her passion for PR and can-do attitude has helped her fast track her way to becoming an SAE where she now helps to manage PR programs for Samsung, one of MWW Group’s largest accounts.

Please join me in congratulating our colleagues on their prestigious and well-deserved recognition.