An occasional report on the bizarre and incredible

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is attempting to redefine democracy—and the meaning of special interest. Schwarzenegger campaigned on ridding Sacramento policymaking of special interests. But the only special interest he is flouting is the working- and middle-class Americans who pool their collective contributions for political and legislative action.

During Schwarzenegger’s multi-state fundraising tour in March, Campbell Brown of NBC’s Today show, asked: “Taking special interests out of politics was a huge part of your campaign, and yet the reason you are here in New York is to be part of a massive fundraising effort—$50 million is what you’re going for. Who are you taking money from if it’s not special interests?”

Schwarzenegger’s response: “I don’t really look at exactly who is giving money. I mean there’s people who give small contributions and big contributions. The key thing is, is to include the people of California and to include the people of the whole nation. And the reason why I go around the whole nation is because the kind of reform that we create will have an impact all over the country.”

When Brown pointed out that the fundraising events were “big-money fundraisers” attended by business and Wall Street people as well as lobbyists working for organizations with deep pockets, Schwarzenegger’s response: “What’s wrong with that?”

Sounds like Schwarzenegger doesn’t know the meaning of hypocrite, either.

From New York, Schwarzenegger traveled to Washington, D.C., for another high-dollar fundraiser: $5,000 bought a seat at the luncheon. Contributions of $22,300 bought a seat at the “Business Roundtable” with the governor, following the luncheon and a photo opportunity with him. The contribution form stated: “Corporate and general PAC contributions are permissible. Contributions from single-issue trade associations and public employee union PACs will not be accepted.” (The same language pops up when visitors to the Californians for Schwarzenegger Web site click the “contribute online now” option.)

In the nation’s capital, Schwarzenegger was greeted by 200 labor activists, including AFT staff, who turned out despite a freezing snow shower and 30-mph wind gusts, to form a looping protest line.