Candidates

To the political candidates about news stories, there are a few simple rules. Really, very basic, simple, easy-to-remember rules. And they are?

If you don't know, ask first. Learn. Understand.

It's the old adage, "Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt"

To that end here's what you do not do.

Don't say anything until you know enough to issue a statement, give a response or answer a question.

Don't criticize and especially condemn until you have all the best, truthful information available, and then only say it relative to that information.

Do not say more than you know for sure.

Do not attack anyone until you can prove your criticism.

Do not attack the President until you know more than the President.

Do not make off-hand comments you won't stand behind when read in print or seen in replay.

In other words, don't say anything until you know it's true. It's not rocket science. It's called common sense.