The power of positive lunacy

Ya gotta love Terry McAuliffe. Or do you?

Terry McAuliffe, for those who aren't already familiar with him, is essentially the Clinton's chief fund-raiser, with a reputation as one of the best cash-grabbers around. He's also a former head of the DNC, and wrote a book last year ("What a Party!") in which he detailed a confrontation with Michigan Sen. Carl Levin over Michigan's moving their primary ahead of the party imposed limits.

Here's the passage from Terry's book:

"You won't deny us seats at the convention," [Levin] said.

"Carl, take it to the bank," I said. "They will not get a credential. The closest they'll get to Boston will be watching it on television. I will not let you break this entire nominating process for one state. The rules are the rules. If you want to call my bluff, Carl, you go ahead and do it."

Of course now McAuliffe is out arguing passionately that, among other things, it would be a travesty if the Michigan (and Florida) delegations aren't seated.

Note: Tim Russert wrote a book about his dad "Big Russ", and rode the hell out of it to burnish his image as an "average guy" (who makes millions a year and has a mansion on Nantucket with the other media elites like Matthews, etc.)

I know I've seen at least one previous guest on Meet the Press invoke "Big Russ" in an attempt to soften Timmy up. Apparently McAuliffe thought he'd go there, and go it one better, with cringe-worthy results.

As you watch bear in mind that "Big Russ" is very much alive.