Messaging Memo: How to talk about Josh Stein's State of the State address

Includes talking points, social media posts and an email template you can use today

Gov. Josh Stein’s first State of the State address was a revealing moment. Even though few people actually watched it, it’s an issue worth messaging about.

For the first half of his speech, Stein struck a tone of bipartisanship. He praised Republican bills and even nodded toward accountability in government spending. It was a smart approach that, for a moment, seemed to suggest he might try a different governing style than his predecessor.

But then, Stein quickly pivoted to a familiar partisan script — attacking tax cuts and school choice. It’s worth your time to push back on that in your messaging this week.

Speaker Destin Hall did a good job of it. His response reminded people that Republican leadership has made North Carolina one of the strongest, fastest-growing states in the country.

Here’s how to respond.