How To Backpedal, Spin, and Dodge

If pressed, explain indignantly that your words or actions were “taken out of context.”

Be audacious! Explain your flip-flopping with an authoritative, “I was for it before I was against it”—as if changing your mind was the result of measured thinking, not political expediency or plain indecisiveness.

Use nonsensical double-talk to explain that you didn’t contradict yourself. “Surely everyone can consider that that might something that we haven’t, which is to say misunderstanding that of course might never have occurred.” See?

Argue that you have remained steadfast—sadly, it’s the times that have changed.

Someone has dared to point out your inconsistencies? Don’t waste your time defending yourself – spend it on the offense instead, attacking your accuser’s integrity.

Cite an extenuating circumstance. You were distracted, tired, tricked, sick, upset, low on blood sugar, high on cold medicine.

Further muddy the waters by splitting semantic hairs—like mulling over what the meaning of “is” is.

Put some of the blame for your gaffe on not having all the facts. Blame someone for not providing you with those facts—or blame the fact themselves.

Continue to backpedal, spin, and dodge until a new scandal takes center stage.