In my public relations class we talk about P.T. Barnum (full name: Phineas Taylor Barnum). We all know him as the Barnum from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Yet, he was so much more. Folks in public relations like to claim him as “one of their own.” Advertisers, promoters, and marketers all do the same. He was also a politician and served in the Connecticut legislature. Ultimately, this amazing businessman was known as a “harmless deceiver” with regard to his relentless promotion and career as a showman. Maybe it’s because I’m reading—and loving–Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, or maybe it’s because I talk about P.T. Barnum in…