Posted on May 5, 2015
Dana Perino here! I'm answering your questions from my perspective as Pres. Bush's former WH press secretary. What questions do you have?
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*This discussion took place live on RallyPoint between 1:30pm and 2:30pm EST on May 6, 2015*
A note from the RallyPoint Staff:
Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary and co-host of Fox News Channel’s “The Five,” joined us for a live question and answer session right here on RallyPoint!
In her book "AND THE GOOD NEWS IS… Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side", Dana shares some of her experiences in the Bush White House, and behind the scenes at Fox News. Some focal points of the book include:
• Accompanying President Bush on Marine One on his final visit to the Navy SEALs during the last days of the Bush Administration and her unexpected conversations with some of them.
• The touching story of Dana accompanying President Bush to visit wounded warriors at Walter Reed where President Bush explained to one Marine’s daughter why they are awarding him the Purple Heart and, as he’s doing so, her father’s eyes open for the first time since the attack.
• Dana’s plea for civility, especially in political discourse and debates, and her suggestions to be more thoughtful contributors to any conversation.
For more information on her book: http://www.amazon.com/And-Good-News-Is-Lessons/dp/ [login to see]
A parting note:
"I really enjoyed my time with you guys. I never imagined this would be so much fun. I wish I could stay all day. Thank you!" - Dana Perino
A note from the RallyPoint Staff:
Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary and co-host of Fox News Channel’s “The Five,” joined us for a live question and answer session right here on RallyPoint!
In her book "AND THE GOOD NEWS IS… Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side", Dana shares some of her experiences in the Bush White House, and behind the scenes at Fox News. Some focal points of the book include:
• Accompanying President Bush on Marine One on his final visit to the Navy SEALs during the last days of the Bush Administration and her unexpected conversations with some of them.
• The touching story of Dana accompanying President Bush to visit wounded warriors at Walter Reed where President Bush explained to one Marine’s daughter why they are awarding him the Purple Heart and, as he’s doing so, her father’s eyes open for the first time since the attack.
• Dana’s plea for civility, especially in political discourse and debates, and her suggestions to be more thoughtful contributors to any conversation.
For more information on her book: http://www.amazon.com/And-Good-News-Is-Lessons/dp/ [login to see]
A parting note:
"I really enjoyed my time with you guys. I never imagined this would be so much fun. I wish I could stay all day. Thank you!" - Dana Perino
George W. Bush
Fox News Channel
Leadership
Q&A
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 77
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Dana Perino, thank you for your time in participating in this question and answer.
What techniques do you use to encourage and demonstrate civility in heated debate and argument? What do you find to be an effective balance in maintaining decorum without completely surrendering all time and conversation to your opponent?
What techniques do you use to encourage and demonstrate civility in heated debate and argument? What do you find to be an effective balance in maintaining decorum without completely surrendering all time and conversation to your opponent?
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Dana Perino
Thanks for the question and I love your profile picture - looks like a match made in Heaven.
Ok, my techniques for managing civility is to listen to their argument. Then, hopefully I'm armed with more facts, which I can present calmly. Raising voices is the fastest way for a discussion to get out of control. I also try to incorporate some of their arguments into my answers, showing them that we have common ground but also using their words to prove my point. If you're in a situation where it is excessively heated and you're in front of an audience, you can practice what I call "the look" which is a way to signal "this person is making no sense and being rude" without having to say a word. Finally, there are times that I just let it go and walk away. Often if someone wants to argue with me it is not for anything productive - if it is just going to ruin my mood, I smile, nod, and say "okey dokey, I'm going to go walk Jasper now."
Ok, my techniques for managing civility is to listen to their argument. Then, hopefully I'm armed with more facts, which I can present calmly. Raising voices is the fastest way for a discussion to get out of control. I also try to incorporate some of their arguments into my answers, showing them that we have common ground but also using their words to prove my point. If you're in a situation where it is excessively heated and you're in front of an audience, you can practice what I call "the look" which is a way to signal "this person is making no sense and being rude" without having to say a word. Finally, there are times that I just let it go and walk away. Often if someone wants to argue with me it is not for anything productive - if it is just going to ruin my mood, I smile, nod, and say "okey dokey, I'm going to go walk Jasper now."
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Capt Richard I P.
Dana Perino Thanks again for your time, for answering my questions and for the kind comment on my profile photo.
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Dana Perino
When I left the White House, I was unhappy in my career decision to join a big pr firm. I knew the moment I signed that contract that it was a bad idea, but I felt trapped. He could sense I was unhappy and he asked me why I didn't just start my own business. I had 10 reasons why I thought I needed to be a part of a big firm, but he asked me to ask myself, "What's the worst thing that could happen?" And he was right - the worst thing wasn't bad at all, and so I opened that business and got it going and just as it was successful, I got a call to be on The Five! But I'm so glad I took his advice because now I know that I could start my own business again if I needed to.
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SFC Stephen King
Dana,
I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I wish you continued success.
v/r
Stephen King
I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I wish you continued success.
v/r
Stephen King
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Capt Jeff S.
Dana, you are one of my favorites on FOX News. What I appreciate about your style is that you don't just jump into a conversation. You listen first and you think before responding and thus your comments are on point, thoughtful and measured... but you're also real. I rrreally enjoy listening to you and Charles Krauthammer, and you both have very interesting life stories.
V/R
Jeff Schwager
P.S. Give my regards to Jasper. : )
V/R
Jeff Schwager
P.S. Give my regards to Jasper. : )
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President Bush seems to be following through with bike rides and other activities to honor and stay in touch with veterans. Did you see that when you served with him in the White House, Dana Perino? Was he sincerely concerned about veterans and veteran issues?
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Dana Perino
Every. Single. Day. No matter what he was going, no matter the speech topic, in his mind he was always thinking "are we getting them what they need...are we preventing another terror attack." My most moving story in the book is a story about his visit to wounded warriors at Walter Reed. And I just thought of something else - I think it was July 4, 2007 or 2008 and he was going to Camp Lejeune for an event. The advance team had everyone in place WAY too early and it was SO HOT...well he was pretty fired because the troops had been standing in the hot sun in the heat waiting for him. Boy do I remember that. I stood out of his way that day!
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