Today while visiting the World Trade Center site in New York City, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that another devastating terrorist attack "remains very real." With the 10-year anniversary of the Trade Center and Pentagon attacks just days away, we were wondering if this comms strategy of straight talk is really good for the American psyche right now.
Gary Wells, senior managing director at Dix & Eaton, thinks Panetta sent precisely the right message to the American public. "The essence of the best communications in any crisis is to explain what is being done to ensure that it never happens again," says Wells. "Mr. Panetta makes clear that this is the responsibility of all of us. That is, our leaders, and ourselves."
What do you think? Is Panetta creating an unnecessary "fear factor," or is his honesty to be admired?
Sdc. Panetta is sending exactly the right message. He’s telling it like it is. The alternative would be to “softsoap” the situation, which would be counterproductive and possibly detrimental.