Martha's recipe for redemption
By Bill Schneider
CNN
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 Throngs of media were on hand Friday as Martha Stewart was released from prison. (March 05)
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(CNN) -- Getting out of jail is a good thing. But winning the political Play of the Week -- now that's really something special.
Look at the TV coverage of Martha's release and look at her polls. In 2003, when she got indicted, the public's view of Martha Stewart was 52 unfavorable to 33 percent favorable.
Now it's 53 to 32, favorable. Politicians want to know, how do you turn your image around like that?
If you want to turn a disastrous menu into a triumphant meal, you'll need a recipe for redemption like Martha's.
As in all good recipes, you'll need some stock: about 4,000 shares. Trade them for $288,000. Mix with false statements to investigators. Make sure you do this when there are a lot of corporate scandals, with other CEO's behaving badly.
Fold in a four-count conviction. Then cook slowly in jail for five months. Now here's the secret ingredient. Don't complain. Be brave.
"I'm used to all kinds of hard work, as you know," Stewart said July 16. "I'm not afraid whatsoever."
Eventually the oven door opens and -- success!
"She looked so hip and youthful with the poncho and the jeans," said Newsweek's Keith Naughton.
Although some complain, there's something missing in this recipe.
"I'm looking for a cup of conscience and a tablespoon of shame to be added to this mix," said Margaret Carlson of CNN's "The Capital Gang."
But do most people miss those extra ingredients?
Not really. Most people believe what Martha Stewart did was not seriously wrong, even if it was illegal.
Can this recipe be marketed? You bet.
The share price of Martha's company was $8.64 the day before she was sentenced last year. By the time she got out of jail, it had soared to 33.95.
"Maybe she will recommend prison. It's certainly working for her," said Harvey Levin, executive producer of "Celebrity Justice."
Advice to politicians: Clip and save Martha Stewart's recipe for redemption. File under, political Play of the Week.
Cynics in Hollywood -- and there are plenty of those -- tell the story of the actor who told his agent that Elvis had just died. "Good career move,'' the agent replied.
That's what they're saying now about Martha Stewart going to the pokey.
