"Every presidential election where there is nothing preventing me from becoming involved, I think it's my duty to do so," Fried says. "I support [George W. Bush], I want to help him and I hope he'll become the next president."

For other Faculty members, however, getting involved in this year's election was a somewhat less obvious decision.

Bursztajn, for example, co-directs the Program in Psychiatry and Law at the Harvard Medical School but has never advised a campaign before. A Princeton graduate, Bursztajn says he has long admired Bill Bradley, and was eager to join the campaign once asked.

"There are two reasons I went to Princeton--Albert Einstein and Bill Bradley," Bursztajn says. "I have always admired [Bradley's] love for the history of ideas….He's an individual with a mind of his own."

The Harvard Mystique

While most of the Faculty members advising this year's candidates earned their roles through previous experience in politics, they say their positions at Harvard have been both an asset and a liability.

While Edley has an extensive experience in politics, he says his position at Harvard gains him added esteem within the Gore campaign.

"Having tenure makes it easier to give forthright and, at times, blunt advice," Edley says. "I think that having an independent base and expertise is not only useful, but respected."