Sharp-eyed TPM Reader FG alerted me late this evening that TNR part owner Marty Peretz had spent the day engaging even more than the standard extent of self-parody and that I should go over to The Plank to investigate for myself. And I was not to be disappointed when I went to look for myself.

Marty has discovered what did Joe in: Bill Clinton.

Yes, as he notes, "When Clinton came into the state, Lieberman and Lamont were running dead even in the polls, more or less. Clinton's appearance began Lieberman's decline. Within two or three days, Lieberman was down by ten points."

And in case you're wondering, or in case you're not familiar with Marty Peretz, No, he's actually not kidding.

My pals at TNR must have gotten a kick out of that one. But, hey, Marty's the boss.

Or is one-third boss now? I can't remember.