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.