Unfair Practices in the Presidential Campaign?

President Clinton's strategic timing in the release of his most recent book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, has allowed him to appear on the talk show circuit to promote his book. On each program, a leaner, smooth talking Clinton not only promotes his new book, but also his wife's presidential campaign. In a period of several days, he appeared on several shows, including a full hour interview with Larry King. It seems like he is managing to get as much face time this year as he did when he was President. The altruistic subject matter of the book is heart lifting; however, no matter what his words say, the viewer can't help but be reminded of that famous quote, "I did NOT have sex with that woman!"

Regardless, the issue here is not President Clinton. The question of political fairness (an oxymoron) arises when one of the candidates has a famous, influential husband on television promoting a new book and taking advantage of that opportunity to discuss his wife's politics. In the corporate workplace, this might be construed as a conflict of interest.

In a new twist on the same theme, this morning, Mark Penn appeared on Good Morning America to promote his new book, Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes. Perhaps an interesting read, when interviewed, he mentioned that he was part of the Clinton campaign staff. The former staff consultant, adviser and pollster to President Clinton, Penn is helping to guide Senator Clinton's campaign, as well. The man that coined the phrase "soccer mom" spoke about how the trends in society will play out in Senator Clinton's constituency. Once again, his book finds a way onto the campaign trail.

What a fortunate coincidence that each of these major players in the Senator's camp just happened to release books at this critical time. The face time that both are receiving on the small screen is definitely working to the candidate's advantage. Everyone agrees that Senator Clinton's reception during personal appearances is heightened when her husband is by her side, standing arm-in-arm with her or greeting supporters, shaking hands and kissing babies. It is likely that as many people turn out to see him as his wife, the candidate. Now this effect has been increased even further. The affectionate term "Billary" best describes this phenomenon.

Since Senator Hillary can't be in two places at once, almost every time you turn on the television (for those who still watch television), you are likely to see her husband or a member of her campaign staff bolstering her image. To put it in baseball terms, for Clinton fans, this is equivalent to a grand slam! For opponents, it could be seen as a rain out. It is surprising that other Democrats have not been more vocal in their criticism of the extra exposure that their opponent is receiving, although it has been discussed by some of the "talking heads" on the Sunday morning news programs.

In contrast, Republican candidate, Fred Thompson was prohibited from appearing on one of the most popular television dramas in history, Law & Order, once he announced his candidacy for President. Needless to say, appearing in a dramatic role as a district attorney who is tough and often discusses his political ambitions is clearly different from representing himself as a candidate. The point can be made that in the program, Fred Thompson could be construed as playing himself in the show. Announcing his candidacy on the Jay Leno Show instead of appearing in the Republican debate that aired on the same night, he took advantage of the media with which he is most comfortable. A former Senator from the State of Tennessee, Thompson is no stranger to politics, but it is likely that his success on Law & Order is how most Americans identify him, especially the younger ones who don't remember him as a member of the Senate.

It will be interesting to see what impact these unorthodox and unprecedented practices have on the voters and poll numbers. This is an election like no other, for sure; especially when you add in the YouTube element and other Internet factors that will certainly reach younger voters. As in so many competitive events before this, let's just hope that the best man -- or woman -- wins!