Elbow Brushing in Iowa

ABC News’ Z. Byron Wolf Reports: Ron Paul, the libertarian-minded Republican candidate for President, was late for an appearance in "radio row" – a converted multi-purpose room with chairs and tables and radio hosts broadcasting live.

When Paul’s plane landed and finally was able to sit down for an interview with Ed Schultz, former DNC chair and longtime Clinton family consigliere Terry McAuliffe came up to say "Hi."

"Hello, Terry," Paul greeted him.

The two men don’t agree on much politically. Indeed Paul falls outside the mainstream of Republicans for opposing the Iraq war. Clinton has taken some guff from some Democrats for voting in favor of giving the President the authority to invade.

But both know the value of a fundraising dollar. Sen. Hillary Clinton has raised $100 million since announcing her run for President. Paul, for his part raised nearly $20 million in the past three months.

McAuliffe seemed impressed. "Maybe you could give me some pointers he could be overheard telling Paul.

Paul told McAuliffe that his grassroots supporters, independent of the campaign, were to thank and seemed almost mystified by his fundraising success.

Later, as the two posed for an opposites attract picture, Paul joked, "I am not going to be accused of changing sides am I?"

"I doubt it," said McAuliffe.

The cold and windy weather caused problems for the Paul campaign in Iowa; the congressman’s private plane had difficulty landing.

The unavoidable tardiness is wrought havoc on Paul’s schedule, specifically an 11:30am radio interview with the Ed Schultz show.

Other campaigns may fare much worse in the cold and wind as they had planned to tour the state by plane and hold events at the airports between which they were hopping.

Paul had been out of Iowa for the past week, relying on paid media ads and a ground campaign that relies on college volunteers. He has other radio interviews planned throughout the day, a handshaking opportunity at a restaurant in Des Moines this afternoon and then a rally for veterans with Rolling Thunder co-founder John Holland at the Hotel Fort Des Moines.

Paul has been working to play up his popularity among war-weary veterans and members of the military. A study earlier in the campaign cycle showed Paul receiving more money from members of the military and any other Republican.