I can't imagine a better background from which to grasp world problems. But why is Mac willing to give up weekends sampling the cultural delights of the Livonia Mall to lead the free world?

Actually, the old bulls in the GOP wanted him to run for the U.S. Senate instead, something that would make much more sense. But even though he could have had the nomination almost for the asking, the congressman wanted no part of that race.

Why? Simple. Sen. Debbie Stabenow would have beaten him like a drum, and he'd be forced to work for a living again, perhaps helping retired auto workers make out their wills.

He doesn't have a hamster's chance of getting the GOP nomination, and in his lucid moments, probably knows this. So why is he running? Simple: It will help him get on TV a lot, for free, sometimes even on real news networks, not just Fox.

McCotter will get some national recognition and maybe even some money, and whenever the GOP does get back in power, he may get some kind of important job, maybe even a talk show.

In any event, you can bet your last lug nut his presidential campaign will fold long before the deadline to file for re-election to his newly gerrymandered seat in Congress. Ain't democracy grand?

Recognize Detroit for what it really is — the counties of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb.

> Email Jack Lessenberry