As a training ground for the nation's future leaders, Harvard's Kennedy School of Government (KSG) seeks to provide its students with the tools to achieve success in public life.

Like it or not, a comprehensive political education these days entails lessons in the art of media manipulation.

While students study the interaction of press and public policy in its classrooms, the Kennedy School itself engages in real-life public relations efforts.

As a venue for political speeches and a center for both domestic and foreign policy research, the institution often generates its own publicity.

Its place in the public eye is now more prominent than it has ever been, at least partly because cable networks and Internet news sources have increased the demand for pundits and commentators.

Just a few months ago, MSNBC hosted a live town meeting on the Clinton scandal from the Kennedy School's ARCO Forum of Public Policy.

Weeks later, the Institute of Politics hosted a panel on the Cold War in conjunction with a CNN documentary series.

Throughout this fall's election season, the Kennedy School has focused panel discussions and "Brown Bag Lunch" events on campaign issues. Local candidates have made their presence felt, appearing at a variety of KSG gatherings to win support and round up volunteers.

Policy-Making in Action

This fall's guests may have taken their cue from political figures who gained national attention by appearing at the KSG in the past.

Among the leaders who have taken advantage of the Kennedy School soapbox is U.S. Senator Daniel P. Moynihan (D-NY).

Last spring, Moynihan delivered a forum address previewing tenets of a Social Security reform bill he introduced in the legislature two days later.

"The speech was widely publicized, and we got very good exposure," says Michael T. Waterman, a spokesperson for the senator.

In addition to earning Moynihan national headlines, the positive coverage contributed to popular support for his policy ideas, according to Waterman.

"Now a bi-partisan group has formed in support of the principles he outlined in the speech," Waterman says.

Holly T. Sargent, the school's associate dean for external affairs, cites the Moynihan event as a satisfying media experience.