Here’s a story we picked off the web highlighting a very funny use of political PR and spin relating to the great-great uncle of U.S. Senator Harry Reid.
Judy Wallman, who is a a professional genealogy researcher in California was doing some personal work on her family tree when she discovered that Congressman Harry Reid’s great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889.
Judy and Harry Reid both share this common ancestor.The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory and on the back of the picture that Judy managed to obtain during her research was this inscription:
‘Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.’
Judy then went on to email Congressman Harry Reid with this information on their great-great uncle. Low and behold, Harry Reid’s staff sent back the following biography based on Remus Reid for inclusion in her genealogy research:
“Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honour when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed.”
Job done!!!
Tags: political pr, positive pr, spin
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