off message
Straying from script
Off message describes speech or behavior that deviates from an official position or agreed-upon talking points.
Politicians and spokespeople go off message when they say something that contradicts or distracts from their party's or organization's intended narrative: The senator's comments about immigration were off message.
The opposite is on message.
Rapid rotation around axis
- talking pointsPrepared discussion themes
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- rhetoricArt of persuasive language
- platformRaised flat structure
partisan · pundit · spokesperson · press secretary · damage control · media strategy · party line · caucus
Strong negative reaction
- uproarNoisy public disturbance
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
- furorIntense public excitement
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
outrage · damage control · retraction · apology · clarification · walkback · cleanup · correction
Foolish, costly mistake
- slipMinor error or misstep
- faux pasSocial misstep or indiscretion
- misstepError in action or judgment
- flubClumsy error
blooper · goof · botch · lapse · clanger · howler · indiscretion · impropriety
Lack of steady pattern
- discrepancyDifference between expected and actual
- deviationDeparture from expected path
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
dissonance · mismatch · incongruity · variance · disparity · conflict · disconnect · mixed signals
spin
Rapid rotation around axis
- talking pointsPrepared discussion themes
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- rhetoricArt of persuasive language
platform · partisan · pundit · spokesperson · press secretary · damage control · media strategy · party line · caucus · whip
backlash
Strong negative reaction
- uproarNoisy public disturbance
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
- furorIntense public excitement
scandal · outrage · damage control · retraction · apology · clarification · walkback · cleanup · correction · backpedaling
blunder
Foolish, costly mistake
flub · blooper · goof · botch · lapse · clanger · howler · indiscretion · impropriety · misstatement
inconsistency
Lack of steady pattern
- discrepancyDifference between expected and actual
- deviationDeparture from expected path
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
contradiction · dissonance · mismatch · incongruity · variance · disparity · conflict · disconnect · mixed signals · crossed wires
off messageon message
Adhering to approved talking points
on point · toeing the line · disciplined · coordinated · aligned
off messagedisciplined
Having strict self-control
scripted · controlled · rehearsed · coordinated · polished
off, message, messages, messaging, messenger, messengers, messaged