2017 BIMBO of the Year

• Bimbo
• December 11, 2017
• by Spaeth Communications
• Share

It may be that time of year for mistletoe and holly, but it’s also time for folly…at least in language. Check out the 2017 BIMBO of the year, the president of the White House Correspondents' Association, and the runners-up. And remember, it’s a serious teaching tool. Since most of our submissions come from you, our readers, keep your eyes open and send us comments you spot. Happy reading and happy holidays!

THE 2017 WINNING BIMBO

“We are not fake news. We are not failing news organizations. And we are not the enemy of the American people,” said the president of the White House Correspondents' Association, Jeff Mason. (Without President Trump or other White House participation, the annual dinner became an exercise in self-congratulation. Bob Woodward also repeated the “We are not fake news” line. This year’s event, which has produced some live-forever moments in the past, such as when President George W. Bush appeared with an impersonator beside him, only confirmed the low opinion that many Americans have about the media.)

The Washington Post, “A different sort of White House correspondents’ dinner,” April 29, 2017

(As seen in the May 2017 BIMBO Memo)

THE RUNNERS-UP

“We are definitely not tanking,” said the New York Jets’ new CEO, Christopher Johnson, after taking over the position from his brother Woody, who is now U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. (The Jets have a 0-2 start, and it looks like reporters asked something about “tanking,” which triggered Johnson’s response and created the headline. Johnson needs some media and messaging help. He should have focused on his positive message: “I’ve been a fan of this team all my life,” and “I think you’re going to see this team get better and better and better.” His positive prediction should have been the headline. It just got overpowered by comments like “growing pains” and “not tanking.”)

New York Post, “Jets’ new boss speaks: I’m in charge, and we’re not tanking,’” Sept. 20, 2017

(As seen in the October 2017 BIMBO Memo)

“I have never provided alcohol to minors, and I have never engaged in sexual misconduct,” said Judge Roy Moore, Republican candidate for Senate in Alabama. (By now, everyone knows about this situation and has heard the Judge’s denials. It’s another example of how hard it is to refute sensational charges because the power of “bad” and volatile words is all people are talking about. Moore made the story worse when he was asked if he had ever dated a teenager when he was in his 30s and he replied, “It would’ve been out of …my customary behavior.” The reply reeks of dissembling. What should he have said? Given his electoral position, he should have announced that he is running to protect the seat and that, if elected, he will resign so the governor can make a new appointment. Josh Holmes, Sen. Mitch McConnell’s former political advisor, described Steve Bannon, who engineered Moore’s victory over Sen. Luther Strange, as “an idiot” and described politics saying, “This is not a game.” Note the quote became the headline.)

The Wall Street Journal, “Republican Feud Flares Up Over Roy Moore Sex Allegations,” Nov. 10, 2017

(As seen in the December 2017 BIMBO Memo)

The BIMBO Memo is a reminder not to repeat and deny a negative word because of how the listener hears words. When you repeat and deny a negative word, the listener is likely to overlook the denial and hear the opposite of what the speaker is trying to say. It’s named for the young woman who was caught with a high profile, but alas married man. She held a press conference and announced, “I am not a BIMBO,” thus causing everyone to think she was.