The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Michael Zuckerman and David Gergen.

CNN: Inouye: Man of courage, humanity, dignity

"Business is a terrible nursery for politicians, " says Michael Zuckerman, a professor of U.S. history at the University of Pennsylvania.

FORBES: When Entrepreneurs Try Politics

For Winebaum, who had spent his career reporting to Mortimer Zuckerman and Michael Eisner, it was an opportunity to get out from under the corporate shadow and, with any luck, cash in on the Internet lottery.

FORBES: The Eparty's Over