2012.02.03
Did Rasoul take the Roanoke Times out of context?
Sam Rasoul
This morning I checked my Roanoke Times Facebook page only to find an interesting post from Sam Rasoul, who is challenging incumbent David Bowers to win the Democratic nomination for mayor.
That race will be decided Saturday in a firehouse primary at William Fleming High School.
As one would expect, Rasoul is working to get people out to the polls to vote for him tomorrow. So he’s written a status update that he wants people to repost. It includes information on voting in the primary, followed by a list of accolades from other people. (The entire post is reprinted below the fold.)
The first accolade comes from the Roanoke Times:
“He has shown through the campaign that he lives up to his principles…He made a real sacrifice to remain true to his ideals.” -The Roanoke Times
That drew my attention. I didn’t write that in any of my coverage. I wondered if the editorial board may have endorsed a candidate this morning. It hadn’t.
I had a theory, and a quick Google search verified it: That quote from the Roanoke Times is from the editorial board’s endorsement of Rasoul — from his race against Congressman Bob Goodlatte in 2008.
What do you think? Did Rasoul take the Roanoke Times out of context? Or is that line from three-and-a-half years ago still relevant today?
This sort of quoting isn’t necessarily all that unusual in the world of politics. Here’s an example from the presidential race, where Republican candidate Mitt Romney attacked President Barack Obama on a line about the economy: “If we keep talking about the economy, we’re going to lose.” The only problem there? Obama was actually quoting Republican opponent John McCain back in the waning days of the 2008 election.
For more on the Rasoul/Bowers race, check out our open thread on the topic, as well as our prediction contest.
– Mason Adams
Rasoul’s status update:
FRIENDS, today is reposting day! Please repost and invite your friends in the city! Please VOTE TOMORROW at William Fleming High School anytime between 9 am & 3 pm. Only takes a few minutes to complete your civic duty!
PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT SAM:
“He has shown through the campaign that he lives up to his principles…He made a real sacrifice to remain true to his ideals.” -The Roanoke Times
… …
“Sam is a highly talented and successful individual. I have always been impressed with his work ethic and concern for others. -Kevin Baker, Professor of Business Administration, Roanoke College
“Sam has the highest ethics and moral compass of anyone I know. He gives 110% to everything he does. He communicates extremely effectively with everyone on every level treating all with respect. Whatever the challenge Sam meets it, solves it and thinks out of the box to turn it into an extraordinary success.”-Valerie Garner, Freelance writer and photographer, The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
“Though taking his work very seriously, his priority is clearly people: investing in them and caring about their success personally and professionally.”-Keisha Graziadei-Shup, Co-worker and Roanoke City Resident
“Rasoul has demonstrated the ability to connect with the people. He is a leader with ideas, energy and enthusiasm”-Kemper Fant, Small Business Owner and Roanoke City Resident
“Sam Rasoul would be a better candidate for mayor because he is more representative of the changing face of Roanoke.”-Will Rye, Roanoke City Resident
“As a small business owner Sam will be a strong advocate for hard working people of Virginia.” -Wayne T. Gilchrest, Republican Member of Congress
“Rasoul, on the other hand, walks the walk. We believe he could be part of the solutions.” -The News Leader
“Rasoul believes in a positive message, which is a refreshing change in politics.”-Tempral Newbill, Father in Roanoke
If you believe in Sam, please forward this message now to your friends and ask them to support Sam donating, voting tomorrow, and spreading this message to their friends.
That’s not the only quote out of context. The Wayne Gilchrest and News Leader quotes both refer to him in 2008!
Wayne Gilchrest was a congressman who lost a primary in 2008. The fact that it refers to him as a current one is a pretty good hint.
Comment by Janet — February 3, 2012 @ 12:51 pm
I will grant you that he should have added the dates those comments came from, but it is not as if they are not the comments made. He also has pictures from his 2008 campaign on the page so I do not think anyone is being overtly misled.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — February 3, 2012 @ 6:48 pm
And for what it is worth, I told him the same thing.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — February 3, 2012 @ 6:51 pm
He’s done. Credibility is shot. If he wants a future in politics I suggest he change over to the Republicans. The GOP is more accepting of this type of misinformation. Can I change my firehouse prediction to 70% Bower, 30% Rasoul? Just kidding. However, I do find the behavior of our politicians disgusting and this is a prime example. Anything for a vote…
Comment by Cold n P — February 3, 2012 @ 10:15 pm
Well, Cold n P, he used to be a Republican. People who went to school with him could tell you that. He even voted in the 2005 Republican primary: http://notlarrysabato.typepad.com/doh/2008/04/no-thanks-sam-r.html
His father also gave money to the National Republican Congressional Committee in 2003 and 2004, not to mention Kevin Triplett in 2004.
Comment by Janet — February 3, 2012 @ 11:33 pm
Looks like I was duped. I received a request from him through Linkedin for a “work” recommendation on Dec. 4. Before I heard he was running for Mayor.
Never was it an endorsement. I just read your post here Mason and found the unread email (along with many others) I had not read.
Comment by Valerie — February 5, 2012 @ 3:40 pm
It could have been worse Valerie, I had a comment I made on Dan Casey’s blog used as an “endorsement” on “Bishop” Jackson’s website!
Comment by Sandi Saunders — February 5, 2012 @ 6:18 pm
Sandi LOVES E.W.Jackson! She even has a miniature “Jacksin Ax” on a red, white, and blue chain she wears around her neck!
That was so funny. Did they take if off the website?
Comment by belle — February 5, 2012 @ 7:32 pm
Oh yes, they took it down as soon as I sent my email.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — February 6, 2012 @ 7:50 am