I won't term these stuffs as "lying" . Instead, I would say it's all about "manipulating the truth". It's because both parties have nothing to lose but gain to some degree. Man, morals are relative . It changes with the circumstances. How ethical is it for the government to lobby big businesses just to get money for campaign? How ethical is it for the lawyers to fight for a client even after knowing  s/he is a criminal? How ethical is it for the doctors to prescribe drugs for celebs?  How ethical is it to flirt with other women if you already have a gf or are married?...................................