[Lpk-execomm] Fwd: Recommended Communications Decorum for Official LP Accounts from LP National

[ken.moellman at lpky.org]

FYI --

Apr 28, 2025 11:47:39 Brian McWilliams <brian.mcwilliams at lp.org>:


Good Morning! If you aren't familiar with me, I'm Brian McWilliams, the LNC Communications Director. 

This is not an Obama-style “Dear Colleague” letter, but a request and recommendation for communications from official Libertarian Party accounts. 

We at National embrace different styles of communication and strategy. We understand that not every affiliate has the same goals as National. As Communications Director, with a deep background in public relations, I appreciate seeing these different styles play out in the “marketplace of ideas.” It’s one of our unique points of difference, and no one wants that to change. 

As the third party, pitting against a two-party programmed populace, political structure, and media, we have to find ways to punch-up, and out, to draw attention. Sometimes that means being controversial. Sometimes that means being opportunistic. However, one attention-getting move that I am asking you to please avoid is in direct, personal attacks from official accounts that use slurs that are irresistible for mainstream media, or social media trolls, to amplify. 

We are free speech absolutists. I want to make that clear. And this is not a directive, but an ask. 

Please do not engage in this manner. Not only are you giving the people on the receiving end exactly what they want, but because of the amplification effect it becomes a problem for other states, local affiliates, candidates in every race, and of course for us at National. 

It is difficult enough to garner positive media / social coverage in our position as the underdog. We have momentum now, more than ever, as government theft, debt, waste, and abuse are brought to the forefront. Ending that abuse is what needs to be what we’re known for. Not click-bait headlines from flippant social media interactions. 

If we want to be taken seriously, we have to interact professionally. That doesn't mean to stop being edgy, aggressive, contentious, controversial, or funny. Just please don’t give them what they want, by using words we all know will trigger a predictable reaction. 

I’m happy to discuss this with any of you. I can be reached at _brian.mcwilliams at lp.org_ to set a time to chat. 

Thanks for your consideration.

In Liberty,
Brian McWilliams

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Brian McWilliams
Communications Director, Libertarian National Committee