this might become an interesting test case as to how today's media affects the federal campaigning process.

I'm not sure I see it the same as you, but it's an interesting question.

Obviously the announcement was meant to be broadcast nationally after midnight.  You're saying that doesn't fly cause of the studio audience?  What if the audience hasn't been there?  Just Jay and the crew of the crew?  What if he had announced to Joan Embry and the lady with a yam shaped like Bob Hope in the green room five minutes to being on stage?

Are there definitions and standards that define what a "campaign announcement" must entail?