Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe is heavily featured in a new book by the New York Times Magazine’s Mark Leibovich that presents a depressing profile of Washington, D.C., and its biggest figures.
Leibovich's high-profile book, This Town, showcases the political culture of Washington and, according to reviews, skewers the people who work in and around the nation's capital. A Los Angeles Times review, for instance, describes the figures Leibovich profiles as "grotesque, profoundly needy people whose egos demand constant reinforcement."
McAuliffe’s name is mentioned a whopping 57 times in the book, and he is mentioned an additional 18 times by his nickname, "The Macker," according to a tally by America Rising.
When asked why he made so much fun of McAuliffe in the book, Leibovich argued that it was not his intention.
"I would dispute that I made fun of Terry McAuliffe," Leibovich explained. "I celebrate Terry McAuliffe. I use him as an illustration of the larger culture we’re talking about."
It is no surprise that McAuliffe received such focus, as he is the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and has also been referred to as "the greatest fund-raiser in the history of the universe."
Excerpts about McAuliffe are sprinkled throughout the book, such as how McAuliffe commonly introduces himself as "Friend of Bill," in reference to his close relationship with former President Bill Clinton.
McAuliffe has been attacked by opponent Ken Cuccinelli’s campaign for being more of a Washington insider than a true Virginian.
"Of all things, the Washington Post has identified him: ‘…Terry McAuliffe is a Washington insider.’ But the Post went further and called him a Virginia outsider. And he is," Cuccinelli said.