In the Court of Public Opinion. Winning Your Case with Public Relations

President, but the truth." "Abernathy and Frank Frans have assured me you would tell only the truth. I have studied your case. I am going to give you a full and free pardon. I want you to be worthy of it." It would have been ended then. But the devil of perversity that had so often loosened my tongue whisked me to the absurd folly of replying. I had no sense of the proprieties. "Mr. President, the court that sentenced me was more guilty of violating the law than I was. Judge Hosea Townsend won the verdict from the jury by trickery." If I had suddenly gone up and slapped his face, Roosevelt would not have sprung down with more flashing indignation. A red flurry of anger scooted across his face. He scowled down at me, the even teeth showing. I thought he was going to strike me. I had said too much. I'd have given an eye to own the words again. "You have brought charges against one of my appointees." His voice was even and quiet. "You will have to substantiate this." I thought the pardon was lost. I told him the facts ...»