We’re now used to watching U.S. President Donald Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt get into verbal sparring matches with members of the media, but she’s not alone. The recent Canadian election campaign highlighted how politicians of different political stripes are also pushing back and standing up to reporting they think is offside, or questions they think are unfair.

Prime Minister Mark Carney went on the offensive against a Globe and Mail article alleging he met with a “pro-Beijing” group by responding at a news conference that “I’m sorry, but you can’t believe everything you read in the Globe and Mail.” He firmly provided his position and context, as well as stood behind one of his candidates who was also linked to the topic. He also told a Globe reporter to “check your sources before you write things like that.”

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre already had a long-standing reputation for his style of engaging with reporters, including the famous apple eating example. But, Carney has shown more than once that he too has no fear in pushing back. In another example, a reporter tried to nail down a yes/no answer from him by saying “I’ll take that as a no then?” With Carney responding, “No, you’ll take that as a very comprehensive answer to your question.” (scroll to the end of the linked video)

🔵 The Takeaway

In media training we discuss how interviewees must clearly and firmly respond to things they disagree with or are not true – this includes any unchecked assertions or assumptions. This is particularly important in today’s environment where false narratives can take hold and situations can quicky get out of control.

At the same time, you’ve got to keep your cool and always take the high road. While digs and jabs might feel good and help you feel like you’re getting your point across, you need to be aware that three things might happen – the dig won’t make it to air, if it does there’s a risk you’ll look unfavourable, or it might tick off a sensitive reporter or publication that you have to deal with down the road.