The Bimbo Memo© recognizes dumb public comments made during the year. It is a reminder that repeating negative words only reinforces the negative message as well as misses the opportunity to convey the right message to the reader or listener.
What a month! President of the Spanish National Soccer Federation sets himself up for what you might predict would happen (and it did.) Elon Musk with a twisted BIMBO plus additional strange comments. National Association of Realtors CEO missed the @metoo movement.…more
What a great month of examples with lessons to learn! BIMBO comments from a Malaysian biologist about a bear and a very intellectual defense from writer Sohrab Ahmari. Wrong (really, wrong) new football slogan from the University of Texas and…more
This month we have BIMBO comments from Sen. Joe Manchin and the No Labels group, star rep Ari Emanuel, and Tyson Foods. The Limits of PR show up in Shein manufacturers, and What Not to Say from a pastor. Rep.…more
Lots of lessons this month. More BIMBO comments from Sen. Graham (defending Trump, what else?), self-inflicted verbal wounds from the PGA and a golf club manufacturer. Unbelievable example of the Wrong Thing to Say from Roseanne Barr. An example of…more
What a great month of lessons! BIMBO comments from KKR’s CFO, Rep. George Santos (sigh, again), and Andrew Tate’s lawyer. Wrong Thing to Say includes Noam Chomsky’s explanation of Jeffrey Epstein’s donation to MIT, Honeywell’s CEO on recruiting, and my…more
This is one of the fullest memos ever! More BIMBO comments from a pastor running for the Republican nomination for president, the head of Russian “child rights,” an AP headline writer on a mass shooter, the White House Press Secretary,…more
What a month chock full of material! Read on for BIMBO comments from an insect expert, a demoralized policeman, and a Texas State Senator. BIMBO comments that also illustrate why it’s a mistake to repeat your enemy’s allegations from a…more
In addition to the winning extraterrestrial-themed BIMBOs, this month features sensational What Not to Say examples from CNN’s Don Lemon, Dilbert creator Scott Adams, and Shark Tank’s Mr. Wonderful. Items of interest include an interesting visual example of statistics, what…more
A historic first! Could anyone other than Rep. George Santos be the winner and occupy both runner-up slots? Other BIMBO comments from the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, while Elon Musk gets the “why take a risk?” award (big surprise). There…more
At the end of every year, the Spaeth team evaluates the winning BIMBO comments from each month and selects the best (worst) comment of the year (check of the 2021BIMBO of the Year). We are excited to reveal the winning BIMBO…more
Interesting mix of examples to learn from: more BIMBO comments from Dr. Anthony Fauci, a New York designer, Kyrie Irving, and professional cornhole players. Wrong Thing to Say example from KFC in Germany (needed a history lesson) and a statistics…more
So much to learn from this month! We have comments from an economist discounting layoffs, ERCOT’s new CEO, and Rep. Liz Cheney. We learn What Not to Say from Kanye West, Smithfield Farms’ lawyers, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, members…more
This month we’re keeping it short and sweet! Enjoy a bite-sized BIMBO Memo as we head into colder weather. THE WINNING BIMBO He “is not a violent person; he doesn’t walk around the streets of NJ looking like Hitler,” wrote Cynthia Hughes,…more
What a full month! See comments from the Navy, Equifax, Mark Zuckerberg, a Chautauqua guide who witnessed the stabbing of Salman Rushdie, and podcaster Sam Harris. In a new and expanding section on bad and coerced apologies, examples from Alex…more
One of our most informative and funny memos. This month we have BIMBO comments from a White House economic advisor, a senior legal and policy advisor at Ipas (a global organization) and three international BIMBO comments! One of our readers…more
Maybe the best BIMBO Memo ever to demonstrate the importance of communication. We picked the “catfight” comment as the winner so we can all smile and feel morally superior. The Jussie Smollett comment came in second– with apologies for the…more
Really hard to pick a winner this month. We ultimately chose the altercation between Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher because it was so jam packed. Note the North Carolina primary winner because we think most readers didn’t see it. Stiff…more
One of the best months ever! BIMBOs from Meta’s spokeswoman, a gubernatorial candidate, a Buddhist climate scientist, a congressional nominee, Elon Musk (naturally) and an oil company CEO. Clemson’s Dabo Swinney doesn’t get the analogy quite right, but we have…more
This month we have BIMBO comments from a serial killer, a Russian, and a very toney magazine editor. Wrong Thing to Say examples from a Republican congressional candidate (do they have a lock on this category?) and Kim Kardashian. Yet…more
People must have been on their best behavior this month. Still, a few BIMBO comments to learn from and one attached to a real “mug shot”. You can decide what you think the visual represents. And lastly, an example of…more
This month we have BIMBO comments from Pentagon press secretary John Kirby, the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister, and two examples showing why it’s a mistake to ignore the questions. We also have an executive that fired 900 people via Zoom,…more
At the end of every year, the Spaeth team evaluates the winning BIMBO comments from each month and selects the best (worst) comment of the year (check out the 2020 BIMBO of the Year). We are excited to reveal the winning BIMBO…more
What a full month! BIMBO comments from alleged musician Sophia Urista, Congressman Paul Gosar and Gov. Gavin Newsom, but VP Harris gets unfairly tagged with a BIMBO. Too much truth from Milwaukee County DA John Chisholm. An example of why…more
What a month! Is there more in the air? We had a record-breaking number of submissions. See BIMBOs from the founder of Elio Motors and a government virologist (not Dr. Fauci), plus examples of the really Wrong Thing to Say…more
This month’s BIMBOs come from a Republican member of Congress (Sylvster Stallone’s not worried), a celebrity architect, and are rounded out by missed opportunities from World Rugby and the maker of McDonald’s McFlurry machine. Other examples include bad optics of…more
Lots of material this month. Click through for the astonishingly full list of comments about the evacuation in Afghanistan and the saga of resigned New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. See BIMBOs from Rudy Giuliani, a passenger on Frontier Airlines who…more
This month we have several examples to learn from—see BIMBO comments from Megyn Kelly and the brother of a senior White House counselor. Negative words from (surprise) former President Trump and what former Attorney General Barr should have said. We…more
This month’s memo features a new addition and a special request. In the Full BIMBO there is an example of truth versus facts plus an expanded Wrong Thing to Say category starring a new definition of personhood, a new alleged…more
This is one of our most interesting BIMBO Memos, which ends with a personal plea for your comments and reaction. Included is a BIMBO comment from an advisor to New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang, a great example of…more
This month our memo includes BIMBO comments from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Michigan Gov. Whitmer and a frozen-yogurt store. NBC News anchor Lester Holt and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky say the wrong things, and…more
This month’s winning BIMBO comment was a close race between the British royal family and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but the royals won. Among others, you’ll read additional BIMBO comments from White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Rep. Ted Lieu and…more
This month, we feature BIMBO comments from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Time Magazine Correspondent Molly Ball, Sen. Ben Sasse, Elon Musk, the former CEO of one of the largest shoe companies in Pakistan, Johnny Manziel, White House Press Secretary…more
What a treat! This is one of the richest BIMBO Memos we’ve ever compiled. Below are BIMBO comments from the co-leader of PwC’s national tax office, Fox News anchor Bret Baier, President Biden’s Press Secretary Jen Psaki and the about-to-be-ousted…more
At the end of every year, the Spaeth team evaluates the winning BIMBO comments from each month and selects the best (worst) comment of the year (check out the 2019 BIMBO of the Year). This year, we solicited YOUR opinion on…more
At the end of every year, the Spaeth team evaluates the winning BIMBO comments from each month and selects the best (worst) comment of the year (check out the 2019 BIMBO of the Year). This year, we want YOUR opinion…more
After Thanksgiving, we’re all stuffed…enjoy a bite-sized BIMBO Memo this month! THE WINNER “We’re not some demonic cult like we’re portrayed to be,” said Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., when commenting on his recent 20-point loss to Republican Tommy Tuberville. (Jones…more
This month ahead of election day, we have examples that include a range of leaders spanning the political aisle from Sen. Lindsey Graham to former First Lady Michelle Obama. We also have misquotes from Robert Downey Jr. and the Wrong…more
This month brought BIMBO comments from the International Association of Fire Fighters, a restaurant in China and an adviser supporting J.C. Penney shareholders. You’ll also find examples of the improper use of statistics and examples of the Wrong Thing To…more
This month brought BIMBO comments from FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn, a Texas judge, a member of the DNC and an Austin City Council member. You’ll also find examples of a really Wrong Thing To Say from Former Liberty University…more
A great teaching month! We have BIMBO comments from the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Dr. Anthony Fauci and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Examples of the Wrong Thing to Say from a Republican…more
We feature BIMBO comments this month from the White House press secretary, China and Iran. Examples of the power of communication and Wrong Thing to Say come from companies in the payday lending industry and CrossFit. You’ll also read several…more
We feature BIMBO comments this month from a European Union diplomat who still gets an A for honesty and a White House official. You’ll also read examples of the Wrong Thing To Say from New York City’s health commissioner, Trump’s…more
Just as the world has seemingly turned upside down, we’re flipping the order of this month’s BIMBO Memo. This is a one-time format change. Due to the severity of the COVID-19 situation, we chose to highlight critically-important communication lessons. LESSON…more
This month’s memo features a variety of BIMBO comments delivered by officials attempting to quell the fears of and instill confidence in the public, we also feature a classic BIMBO comment from a spokesperson for a Chicago-based rent-a-bank and a…more
There are a few juicy BIMBO comments this month and one of our winners features a bad word and a shocking picture. Other BIMBO comments come from the Japanese Ministry of Justice, a Dallas businessman, Mitt Romney and Delta’s CEO.…more
There are a variety of classic BIMBO comments this month, examples of statistics, the power of bad words from an article about Southwest Airlines– and we solicit your opinion of our analysis– and The New York Times Columnist Paul Krugman…more
2019 BIMBO OF THE YEAR “The man was not operating a harem, or a sex cult, or holding people hostage or anything like that,” said Steven Greenberg, lawyer for singer R. Kelly who is the subject of a six-part Lifetime docuseries…more
We have BIMBO comments this month from a super liberal Texas politician who gets points for honesty and former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford who does not, as well as an example from a CEO who needs a better understanding…more
BIMBO comments from an anguished woman that provide insight into a difficult issue, filmmaker Michael Moore, writer of iconic song “American Pie,” Don McLean, conservative Jonah Goldberg and Former Rep. Charlie Dent. Examples of the power of words from Sen.…more
We have BIMBO comments from a former New York Times editor, former South Carolina Governor (and, apparently, Republican candidate for president) Mark Sanford, Cory Booker’s campaign manager plus Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. Examples of the Power of Words…more
What a month! BIMBOs from the IRS’s National Taxpayer Advocate, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the owner of a company that tracks its workers’ every move (scary), a world-famous canoe athlete and a lawyer for a plaintiff suing CNN’s Don Lemon. You’ll…more
BIMBOs from a general nominated for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a Colorado state representative on the state’s experience with legal pot, the Association of National Advertisers and a past BIMBO that’s become all too relevant from accused…more
This month features BIMBO comments from Chinese company Huawei, Former Vice President (and current presidential candidate) Joe Biden, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and anti-vax doctor Andrew Wakefield. We also explore an interesting examination of how a number inadvertently became the…more
In this BIMBO Memo, you’ll learn how not to handle a political crisis and read about a Muslim school counting on the fact that Americans don’t speak Arabic. There are also several examples of the power of what we call…more
BIMBOs from DC luminary lawyer Greg Craig, former aide to Hillary Clinton Neera Tanden, Twitter and Facebook spokespersons and an anti-gun activist group. A New York restauranteur hopeful learned the power of a word. A basketball player got good advice…more
Is it just me, or does it seem as if the 2020 campaign season has already started? See contributions from Maryland's governor (and yes, potential 2020 presidential candidate) plus most of the other presidential candidates (with a special shake of…more
Great examples to learn from this month. BIMBOs from the founder of Chinese company Huawei Technologies Co., Sen. Thom Tillis and an internet hoaxster. Examples of the “Wrong Thing to Say” from former executive editor of The New York Times…more
Examples galore! This edition of the BIMBO Memo features one of the largest compilations of examples to date. In the Memo, you’ll find BIMBOs from former Governor of South Carolina and outgoing Congressman Mark Sanford, Johnson & Johnson, former FBI…more
2018 BIMBO OF THE YEAR “Alien abduction doesn’t define me,” read headlines from Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera, Republican primary candidate for a Florida U.S. House of Representatives seat. “It has nothing to do with what I have done. It happened when I was…more
BIMBOs are an international issue and our top three winners this month are all Brits. Joining them are BIMBO nominees ranging from infamous lawyer Michael Avanetti, a Dallas real estate developer, the owner of a small toy store and the…more
This month, BIMBOs from Sen. Claire McCaskill, former Google executive Andy Rubin, a Georgia Democrat, a mother mad at President Emmanuel Macron, a mob-justifying comment from a director at the University of Minnesota and, even, a historical BIMBO from 1937.…more
Lots of material this month. Additional BIMBOs from author Max Boot, White House senior staff, Michael Avenatti, a UK reality TV star, former president Barack Obama and more. Examples of the power of bad words include those from Elon Musk,…more
Lots of material this month! Additional BIMBOs from the CEO of MoviePass, Meghan Markle’s father, a teacher at Dallas’ St. Mark’s school (this one is scary), a Boston Globe editorial writer, a senior director at The Catholic Health Association, the…more
Lots of interesting and good teaching examples this month, including BIMBO comments from Lesley Stahl in the developing story about sexual harassment at CBS (and an example of how not to write a statement) and Whoopi Goldberg. You’ll also find…more
This month we have great examples of the “Wrong Thing To Say” from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Roseanne Barr (of course), agent David Sloane, Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen, a Dallas pastor, Rudy Giuliani and more. You’ll…more
This month we have BIMBOs from -- of course Roseanne Barr -- the lawyers for travel and convenience store chain Buc-ee’s, GOP Senate candidate Joe Arpaio, the House Agriculture Committee and the Mayor of Pittsfield. You’ll also find examples of…more
This month we have BIMBOs from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, two councilmen – one in Texas and another in D.C. – and, even, two ads from a wealth management firm. See also an example…more
This month there are more good and bad examples in all sorts of categories – misuse of statistics, employees as ambassadors and more! THE WINNING BIMBO “The special counsel is not an unguided missile,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein fending…more
Dilbert Wins! Other BIMBOs from a Plano, Texas Councilman, several members of the administration, a brouhaha over journalistic ethics, a homeless advocate versus the Queen’s Windsor Castle, the woman who allowed her husband to drown and a new kind of…more
I love this job. This month we have a newly dubbed “stealth” BIMBO from California’s Gov. Jerry Brown, plus additional BIMBOs from the Homeland Security Secretary, provocateur author Michael Wolff, the former athletic director at Michigan State University as well…more
Happy New Year! With each new year comes new public relations blunders, and we hope this Memo continues to serve as a healthy reminder of what NOT to say! This year, we challenge each of you to add developing your…more
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…more
Lots of BIMBOs and examples of “wrong thing to say,” but click through to good examples (for a change) and some interesting ones to learn from. Start off with BIMBOs from a lawyer commenting on universities hiding endowment funds overseas…more
Lots of material this month. We have BIMBOs from Attorney General Sessions, a doctor working on chronic brain disease, fired coach Rick Pitino, two young entrepreneurs with a great idea but undisciplined mouths, the Taliban’s spokesman and a grieving young…more
This might be the largest batch of examples in our history! We have BIMBOs from a New York Times analyst, a non-underwear-wearing waitress, Vladimir Putin, an Italian politician, Hillary Clinton, Australian actress Rebel Wilson, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a border…more
Another month of rich examples! We have BIMBOs from the self-described co-founder of the Satanic Temple, a Berkley administrator, Houston pastor Joel Osteen, a creepy London businessman and a county official from the Rio Grande Valley with an example of…more
We’re living in a target rich environment, and this month the BIMBOs keep coming. We dive into the power of a negative word with examples from Silicon Valley venture capitalist Dave McClure, New York City Council candidate Thomas Lopez-Pierre, the…more
This month we have BIMBOs from a trucking association, Deputy Attorney General Ron Rosenstein, an executive for a Korean manufacturing company, Republican congressional candidate Karen Handel, and former Irving (Texas) Mayor Herb Gears. Uber and Lyft also make the cut.…more
This month our top two BIMBOs are international, demonstrating the global temptation to repeat and deny negatives. Additional BIMBOs from a Preakness trainer, a Harvard graduate and an Arizona sheriff. A BIMBO plus a great prop from West Virginia’s governor…more
What a month! We have BIMBOs from Rep. Devin Nunes, rapper Ja Rule, former Obama adviser Susan Rice, Speaker Paul Ryan and an Idaho county prosecutor. We have examples of The Wrong Thing to Say from Press Secretary Sean Spicer,…more
No April Fools here, we really did have this many BIMBOs! Throughout all our different categories we have running themes: executives, those in the political sphere and Twitter examples dominate this month. We also offer leadership advice, our favorite video…more
There are many useful examples this month! More BIMBO comments and examples from all levels of American politics as well as an Italian prosecutor, the usually perfect Bill Kristol and the never perfect Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sen. Rand Paul does a…more
Lots of examples in this memo! Additional BIMBOs from the general secretary of Britain’s largest trade union, an IBM executive, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) unintentionally revealing the Democrats’ underlying problems, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler, former Gov. Jeb Bush, a…more
Is the election over? Although we still have some lingering campaign BIMBOs, we hope you enjoy a respite from the red and blue. Additional BIMBOs from legendary hedge fund founder Ray Dalio, San Francisco 49ers quarterback and resident kneeler Colin…more
You may have caught Merrie on Facebook Live at the Newseum last week. ICYMI, it’s a great introduction to this new technology and a reminder of the ways your audiences are now seeking to engage. We don’t have as many…more
Another banner month for verbal blunders! BIMBOs from Fed Chairman Yellen, Michigan Football Coach Jim Harbaugh, an Emory ethnobotanist and Maine Governor LePage. Wrong Thing to Say features the colorful Philippines president with the addition of an A+ response by…more
Summer is officially winding down, but our BIMBO comments continue to ramp up. This month we have Russian fans and a Russian businessman, the CEO of Microsoft and a New York lawyer--to name a few. A German diver gave us…more
What a month! We’ve got quite a few comments. See BIMBOs from Martha Stewart, Japanese Prime Minister Abe and President Obama. Examples of The Wrong Thing To Say from Rep. Hank Johnson, U.K. Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom and the White…more
Another month, another set of BIMBO comments. We have comments regarding an expansion to the Panama Canal and quips from President Obama and football player Dion Jordan. Examples of Wrong Thing to Say from the always inappropriate Martin Shkreli, @TheDailyShow,…more
What a month! 2016 has offered too many campaign BIMBOs to count and this month’s section is all about the Donald. We’ve got more BIMBO comments from a former Lyft driver in Austin, an infantry recruit and a biologist creating…more
This month’s memo is huge, it’s tremendous, it’s the best ever….. Ok, ok I’m channeling our perpetual BIMBO Donald Trump, but we’ve got a great campaign section yet again. Additional gaffes come from President Obama, the Department of Energy spokesperson…more
April showers bring—another predictable month of campaign comments! There’s even a special section for those of you who are political junkies—which might be all of us this election season. Additional BIMBOs from Richard Simmons’ press agent, Michigan’s Attorney General, President…more
What a bounty this month! Martin Shkreli returns as the winner with a bonus—his lawyer. The two runners-up illustrate the Wrong Thing to Say. Additional BIMBOs come from Yoko Ono and Germany’s finance minister. More Wrong Thing to Say examples from…more
Wow! What a winter! Even though we’re combining two months after the holidays, we had more submissions than ever before. Our top honor goes to Donald Trump for “refusing to call” Megyn Kelly a “bimbo.” You can’t make this stuff…more
You might think that common sense would keep people from saying things like our winning BIMBOs for 2015, but it doesn’t. In fact, our natural habits are frequently dangerous. The BIMBO award is just an opportunity for us to remind…more
It’s time to wrap up another year of BIMBO comments! We hope this month gives you some timely advice in advance of the holiday season. Getting excited for Christmas? Kentucky Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo thinks Jesus was a…more
What a full month of BIMBOs and blunders! We bundled the presidential campaigns separately and see additional BIMBOs from the co-founder of a “Yelp for People” app to an attorney for a coal company CEO. We have examples of “Wrong…more
This has been a delightful month for communication controversy! We have so many BIMBOs from former Secretary of State Clinton’s campaign that she gets a whole section, which includes comments from her defenders like Joe Trippi. Other nominees come from…more
This month’s Memo is a little different. The official “winner” is presidential candidate Donald Trump, but not for the reason you might think; it’s because of what he could have accomplished. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s campaign contributed a…more
We have examples galore this month! Politicians provide a good range, along with comments from Rachel Dolezal (who won’t go away), Ford Motor Company, Jerry Jones (we’re sorry, we love the Cowboys!) and the tech industry. Wrong Thing to Say…more
