Bird-Dogging Tactics For Political Activists A Guide To Influencing Candidates And Public Officials

Bird-dogging is a political advocacy tactic used by activists to hold candidates and public officials accountable by asking direct questions about their positions on specific issues. The term originates from hunting, where a bird-dog tracks birds and stays on their scent. In a political context, it refers to the practice of intentionally and persistently seeking out political figures at public events to question them and document their responses. This strategy is employed at the national, state, and local levels, with a particular emphasis on election seasons when candidates are more accessible and public appearances are frequent. The primary objectives are to get candidates on the record about important issues, influence their opinions, and generate media coverage to inform the broader public.

The effectiveness of bird-dogging is often amplified when conducted by a coordinated team rather than a single individual. A group of five to ten or more people can be recruited to be on call, ready to respond to bird-dogging opportunities on short notice. This team approach allows for greater presence at events and increases the likelihood of successfully posing a question. Finding opportunities for bird-dogging can sometimes be challenging, especially when elections are not imminent and politicians may make fewer public appearances. However, information about public appearances can typically be found by checking a politician’s website, reading local newspapers, conducting online searches, or directly calling their office. For members of Congress, the most opportune times for bird-dogging are often during congressional recesses, as politicians are more likely to be in their home districts holding town halls and other public events.

Understanding the Bird-Dogging Process

The bird-dogging process involves several key steps, from preparation to follow-up. The initial phase is research and preparation. Activists must first identify the candidate or official they wish to question. If the candidate’s schedule is not publicly listed on their campaign website, a direct call to their campaign office is a recommended next step. Thorough research is essential to understand the candidate’s existing positions on relevant issues. This knowledge helps in formulating a precise and effective question. The question itself must be carefully prepared: it should be brief, fact-based, and direct. It is advisable to practice asking the question until it can be delivered confidently without relying on notes. Preparing a potential follow-up question is also a useful tactic to maintain the engagement if the initial answer is evasive.

Execution at the event requires strategic planning. Arriving early is crucial to secure a favorable position, such as being close enough for the candidate to see and potentially call on you. If a formal question-and-answer session is planned, activists should raise their hands early, as most people hesitate to be the first to ask. When asking the question, it is important to speak slowly and clearly so that the candidate, other attendees, and any present media can understand what is being said. If there is no designated Q&A period, activists may need to get creative to get in the candidate’s path. This could involve positioning themselves along a route the candidate will take or even asking for a selfie as a way to initiate an interaction before posing the question.

Documentation is a critical component of bird-dogging. The goal is not just to get an answer but to create a public record. Activists should take detailed notes on the candidate’s response. Additionally, taking videos and photographs of the interaction is highly encouraged. This visual evidence can be powerful for sharing on social media and providing to news outlets. After the event, the team should share the bird-dogging content online and with media contacts to maximize its reach. A post-event debrief is also important for the team to discuss what went well, what could be improved, and to acknowledge their collective effort in holding the candidate accountable.

Crafting Effective Bird-Dogging Questions

The quality of the question posed is fundamental to the success of a bird-dogging effort. According to the American Friends Service Committee, a good bird-dogging question has several defining characteristics. It should focus on a single, specific issue to avoid confusion and ensure clarity. The question must be concise, respecting the limited time available. It should be designed to put the candidate on the spot, compelling them to take a clear stance rather than offering a vague or non-committal answer. Finally, the question should be formulated in a way that informs the listeners, including reporters and other voters, about the issue and the candidate’s position.

To enhance the impact of a question, making it personal is highly effective. Anecdotes from one’s own life, relevant local facts, or references to the candidate’s own voting record and past quotes can make the question more compelling and harder to dismiss. Conversely, there are several types of questions and phrasing to avoid. Softball questions, such as “What do you think about…?”, are generally ineffective as they do not demand a specific commitment. Questions that cover multiple issues at once, are overly rambling, excessively long, or packed with technical jargon and unfamiliar acronyms should also be avoided, as they can dilute the core message and make it difficult for the candidate and audience to grasp the central point.

Strategic Application and Visual Aids

Bird-dogging is described as a “fairly pressure-oriented tactic” and is most appropriate for a campaign phase when activists are prepared to create some friction and turn up the heat on a target. It is not an introductory tactic but one used when seeking to force a public commitment or reveal a stance a candidate might prefer to keep private. To maximize impact, activists can incorporate visual aids and props. Placards, t-shirts, costumes, and other props can draw attention to the cause, help attract media coverage, and may even serve to disarm the target momentarily. Planning the use of such visuals beforehand is part of the preparation stage. For example, if a team does not get an opportunity to ask a question, high-impact visuals can still ensure the group’s presence and message are noted by the media and other attendees.

The communication strategy for the team on the day of the event is also a key consideration. Team members should have a plan for how to stay in touch during the event. Roles can be assigned among the team, such as who will be the primary question-asker, who will record video and take photos, who will serve as a spokesperson for any media inquiries, and who is responsible for tracking the candidate’s movements. At the event, seating or standing positions should be strategic. Separating the team members throughout the venue increases the chances that someone will be in a position to ask a question. If the opportunity to ask a question arises, the designated person should be ready to act immediately.

The Broader Impact of Bird-Dogging

Bird-dogging serves multiple functions within a political advocacy campaign. Its most direct function is to force candidates to articulate their positions on issues that matter to the community. By asking direct questions, activists can cut through polished campaign rhetoric and get a clearer sense of a candidate’s true priorities and commitments. This information is invaluable for voters making informed decisions at the ballot box. The process of getting a candidate on the record can also influence their future behavior. A public statement made in response to a bird-dogging question can be used later to hold the candidate accountable if they are elected and their actions contradict their stated position.

Another significant outcome of bird-dogging is its ability to generate media coverage. Political reporters are often present at candidate events and are looking for compelling story angles. A well-asked question and a candidate’s unscripted response can become a news story, amplifying the activists’ message far beyond the immediate audience at the event. This media attention can shape public discourse and bring important, yet perhaps overlooked, issues into the spotlight. In some instances, bird-dogging efforts have been coordinated with more elaborate actions, such as mobile billboards that follow politicians, to create sustained pressure and media interest. The tactic is not limited to in-person events, though that is the most common format. It is a versatile tool for public accountability.

Conclusion

Bird-dogging is a structured and persistent political tactic designed to ensure that candidates and public officials are transparent about their positions on key issues. It involves meticulous preparation, including researching the candidate, identifying event opportunities, and crafting concise, direct questions. The execution of the tactic requires both individual courage and team coordination, with a focus on securing opportunities to ask questions and thoroughly documenting the interaction for public dissemination. The use of visual aids and a clear communication plan can further enhance its effectiveness. By getting officials on the record, bird-dogging empowers voters with critical information, fosters political accountability, and can influence the broader public conversation through media coverage. It is a tactic that leverages direct engagement to ensure that the concerns of the community are heard and addressed by those seeking or holding public office.

Sources

1. OpenDemocracyAction - Bird-Dogging
2. MoveOn - Bird-Dogging: What is it and how to do it?
3. AFSC - Your Guide to Bird-Dogging
4. Commons Library - Tactics: Bird-Dogging