Schwarzenegger for governor - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Dooby · 08-07-2003, 08:30 AM

Schwarzenegger says he's running for governor

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) --Vowing to "bring California back to what it once was," film star Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Wednesday that he will run for governor on a reform platform to battle special interests and "clean house" in Sacramento.

Appearing on NBC's "The Tonight Show," Schwarzenegger accused state politicians of "fiddling, fumbling and failing." The actor who turned the Terminator into an American icon also took specific and unflinching aim at embattled Democratic Gov. Gray Davis, whom he hopes to replace in the October 7 recall ballot.

"The man who is failing the people more than anyone is Gray Davis," he said. "He is failing them terribly, and this is why he needs to be recalled, and this is why I am going to run for governor of the state of California."

"This man has to go," he said.

At a news conference shortly after the taping, Schwarzenegger said he feels "very strongly that we have some serious problems in this state."

"We have businesses leaving here every day. We have people leaving the state every day. We see a budget that is the biggest budget deficit that we've ever had in the history of California," he said. "We just see things declining and declining and declining, and the biggest problem we have is that California is being run now by special interests."

"I will go to Sacramento, and I will clean house," Schwarzenegger said.

Schwarzenegger says wife will support him
Prior to the taping, Schwarzenegger, 56, had been widely expected to say that he had decided not to run, which had become the conventional political wisdom after weeks of speculation. He described the decision to jump in the race as "very difficult" and said he carefully weighed the possible impact on his family.

"I came to the conclusion that even though there are great sacrifices to make, I felt in the end it is my duty to jump in the race," he told reporters after the "Tonight Show" taping. "I'm the most unique candidate because I'm an outsider."

He also said that he would not have run if his wife, TV newswoman Maria Shriver, a member of the Kennedy political family, had objected.

"My wife told me that she would support me, no matter what the decision is," he said.

He joked with "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno that his candidacy will mark the first time Shriver, from the nation's most prominent Democratic political dynasty, has ever voted for a Republican.

The Austrian-born bodybuilder-turned-actor will be running in the October 7 election, in which voters will first be asked whether Davis should be recalled and will then pick a replacement to take office should the governor be tossed out.

Schwarzenegger said the recall "is a wake-up call to all the politicians across the country. People are saying, 'I'm mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore'" -- a line taken from the classic movie "Network."

Schwarzenegger's decision, and an announcement earlier Wednesday by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein that she would not be a candidate, brought some limited clarity to the chaotic race, three days before the Saturday filing deadline.

Other major Republican names expected in the race include Rep. Darrell Issa of San Diego County, who helped finance the petition effort that triggered the recall; state Sen. Tom McClintock of Ventura County; and businessman Bill Simon, who lost to Davis in the general election nine months ago.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, who was considering a bid for governor, has said he would not run if Schwarzenegger did.

So far the Secretary of State has recorded 356 official notices of candidacy. There are another 155 notices the office has received that are unofficial.

Democrat breaks ranks, says he'll run
Davis supporters, national party officials and the powerful California Labor Federation have all urged Democratic politicians to stay off the ballot, on the theory that Davis will have a better chance of uniting Democratic voters against the recall if it will result in a GOP governor.

But, breaking ranks with his boss, Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante late Wednesday announced he will put his name on the recall ballot to run for governor.

A statement from the lieutenant governor's office said:

"The Lieutenant Governor will take out his candidacy papers to place his name on the special recall election ballot as a Democratic candidate for Governor."

Bustamante has scheduled a news conference at the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters office for 10 a.m. (1 p.m. EDT) Thursday.

Some prominent Democrats in the state -- including Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Loretta Sanchez of Orange County -- have publicly suggested that someone from the party needs to run so that a Republican will not take over as governor if Davis is recalled.

Feinstein, one of the state's most popular elected officials and a long-time political rival of the governor, was the Democrat most often mentioned. But she issued a statement Wednesday saying she would not run and that the recall of Davis would be a "terrible mistake."

"This recall demonstrates that virtually anyone with $1.5 million can hire professional petition gatherers certain to produce enough signatures to force a recall of any state elected officials," she said. "This sets a terrible precedent which ought to cause us all to think very carefully." (Full story)

Sanchez has said she would consider getting into the race if Feinstein didn't run, but she has so far not announced a decision.

Arianna Huffington, Gary Coleman join race
Two other celebrity candidates joined Schwarzenegger in the field Wednesday.

TV pundit and syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington, 53, a political independent, announced Wednesday that she would run, as did Gary Coleman, 35, the diminutive child star of 1978-86 sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," who is also running as an independent.

"I'm not, to say the least, a conventional candidate," said Huffington, who was born in Greece and, like Schwarzenegger, sports a distinct accent. "But these are not conventional times. And if we keep electing the same kinds of politicians who got us into the same kinds of mess funded by the same special interests, we'll never get out of this mess."

Coleman, whose candidacy is being promoted by an Oakland newspaper as a protest of the recall process, said that he thinks Schwarzenegger will win -- and Coleman said he would vote for the Terminator.

"Now that Arnold is in the race, there is no race. Gray Davis needs to pack his bags," Coleman said. "I'm going to stay in the race, but I'm not going to campaign." (Full story)

Also considering a run is former U.S. Olympics President and former Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth. (Full story)

And the other candidates are ...
Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt also has announced his bid for the governor's office.

Flynt suggested as his slogan "Vote for a Smut-Peddler Who Cares" and said he would expand gaming regulations to allow private casinos to have slot machines, which could be taxed by the state at 30 percent.

Others who have filed with the state in order to receive campaign documents include the melon-smashing comedian Gallagher, comedian D.L. Hughley and Angelyne, a model who made herself famous in southern California by putting her picture on billboards.

Drbio · 08-07-2003, 09:26 AM

Good move IMHO. The guy may not sound like it, but he is very savvy politically. Being married to uber-democrat Maria Shriver has been an interesting side lot for years. Arnold is very active in republican politics and has been for many years.

Chiwas · 08-07-2003, 10:00 AM

I watched the show. Besides the jokes, very good certainly, Arnold said interesting things. The one I liked more was, "the politicians aren't doing their job". He was refering to California's, but I think the same about many more politicians.

Dooby · 08-07-2003, 10:30 AM

This bodes real well for Arnie. Obviously has the buzz and name ID. Chances are, he becomes the standard barer for the recall and at least gets it to a runoff. Runoff a month later will be tougher. Good chance he pulls this off. I put the odds at 1 out of 4.

The cost of this election will be astronomical.

veruca salt · 08-07-2003, 04:45 PM

So it's OK for celebrities to voice their political opinion....if it's to the right then?

Dooby · 08-07-2003, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: veruca salt
So it's OK for celebrities to voice their political opinion....if it's to the right then?

Yeah, like when Clayton Williams made that rape comment back in 1990, and it cost him the election to Ann Richards.

Or like Mel Gibson, whose new film is being condemned sight unseen.

And that is just two right wing guys off the top of my head.

Anyway, Cuban's opinion wasn't political.

Anyway, you don't think Cuban's to the right?

Anyway, Premeire magazine, among others, already did a hatchet-piece on Schwarzenegger.

Anyway, I don't think I have heard a contraversial word out of Schwarzenegger's mouth, yet.

Just an odd, odd comparison you are really stretching to make.

veruca salt · 08-07-2003, 04:59 PM

I wasn't refering to Cuban at all. I totally agree with you on your Cuban stance. I'm just a little confused as to
when it's OK for celebrities to have a political opinion, seeing as a lot thought it was wrong during the war. I'm not even
saying that you did. I just remember a lot of "they should shut up" "stick to acting" etc etc etc....

Dirk41= konsesjonen · 08-07-2003, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: veruca salt
So it's OK for celebrities to voice their political opinion....if it's to the right then?

Uhhhh...... if they are running for GOVENOR, then I guess they would have to voice their political opinion, be it right or left.

Dooby · 08-07-2003, 05:19 PM

My problem with most celebrities, is quite frankly, I think they are ignorant. Most of them have had a pitiful excuse for an education. And I think they live among a community where there really is a single point of view and as a result, they have no clue what real public opinion is.

I am not saying they aren't bright or talented or that I won't buy their art, I just don't listen to them politically. That really includes the ones on the right, including Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris (I met him at a fundraiser), 90% of the country singers.

The only distinction I draw is the war issue and I think it a fair, albeit subtle distinction. When the country is going to war, I think it is appropriate to say that it is wrong to do so, ask questions, etc. I don't think it is appropriate to do really only two things: provide comfort to the enemy; or insult america, its troops or its leadership.

Now I didn't have a problem with Steve Nash. I had a mild problem with the dixie chicks. Frankly, IMO, the "but we support the troops" statement is a copout. I never really thought you could reasonably support the troops and insult their commander in chief (who they overwhelmingly supported) or their country. As to the former, I think Sean Penn's trip to Iraq provided comfort to the enemy.

And quite honestly, I'd have less of a problem if I thought any of those people would have objected with the same veracity if it was a democratic president making the same decisions.

Anyway, Schwarzenegger is a candidate now, so his opinions are relevant. Time will tell how big a bag he has.

veruca salt · 08-07-2003, 05:26 PM

Welll...can't say fairer than that Dooby [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Dirk41= konsesjonen · 08-07-2003, 06:28 PM

I hope Arnold becomes Govinator (couldn't resist)

mavsfanforever · 08-07-2003, 07:14 PM

Isn't he from Austria?

veruca salt · 08-07-2003, 07:16 PM

Which is the only reason he's not running for president [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

FishForLunch · 08-07-2003, 08:21 PM

Arnold sounds genuine, how long before he becomes corrupted by special interests like other politicians? I dont buy the talk about him being inexperienced, he is no doubt going to get advice from qualified advisors, as long he is a good manager he will be fine. Arnold has some public service experience behind him, he is helping get after school programs funded in California.

If the drunkard Kennedy can become a senator anybody can. Only claim to fame he has is he was the brother of JFK and Mary Coppak...

FishForLunch · 08-07-2003, 09:44 PM

Outlet Pass wanted me to edit this post as the spelling of Mary Kopechne, was bothering him. He also wanted proof that Ted was JFK's brother

Quote:

A Democrat from Massachusetts, Edward Moore Kennedy was first elected to the United States Senate in 1962 to finish the term of his brother, John F. Kennedy. (JFK had become president in 1961.) "Teddy" was reelected in 1964 and then again for six additional terms, most recently being reelected in 2000. He has a reputation as a hard-working liberal on issues such as education and health care, but his personal life (stories of drinking and womanizing) has frequently been a hot topic for gossip columnists. In 1969 Kennedy was involved in a car accident in which a young woman, Mary Jo Kopechne, drowned on Chappaquiddick Island, off the coast of Massachusetts. Kennedy was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident and his sentence was suspended. Kennedy ran for president in 1980 but was defeated for the Democratic nomination by incumbent president Jimmy Carter.

Profile

Dirk41= konsesjonen · 08-07-2003, 09:52 PM

How could he be bought off? He must be worth at least a half billion

Dooby · 08-08-2003, 09:29 AM

I drove around for 2 years with a "Sonny Bono for Congress" bumber sticker on my car. Why? Because I love living in a time and country where a washed up music producer, hack tv performer and all around punchline can become a U.S. Congressman.

I need to get an "Arnold for Governor" bumper sticker.

Edit: I just realized that Gary Coleman's bumper stickers could be the same.

Dooby · 08-08-2003, 09:33 AM

BTW, the negative spin on Arnold has begun. If I read "son of a former nazi party member" one more time, I am going to wretch.

Usually Lurkin · 08-08-2003, 10:19 AM

If Arnold (Schwarzenegger) wins, will it be a 'Total Recall'.

Oh, man. hoo wee.

OutletPass · 08-08-2003, 11:22 AM

How about Rush limbaugh's "spin"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hear Me Now and Believe Me Later

August 7, 2003

Here me now and believe me later, my friends: all these conservative orgasms over Arnold Schwarzenegger are - like the "Gorbasms" liberals experienced over Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev - fake. I know that (R) next to Schwarzenegger's name excites the White House, but his own words prove he's not a conservative. I call this "The Hollywood Syndrome," and it happens every time some actor-type says anything even remotely conservative. I'm not trying to cold shower anybody here, but don't look to anyone in Hollywood to validate your political ideas.

The American Prowler's George Neumayr detailed Arnold's politics in his article "Here's Arnold!" Quote: "e spoke in generalities and banalities about his plans for the state. To the extent that he said anything, he sounded not like a fiscal conservative but a moderate Democrat. He said that he wanted businesses to come back to California so that the state government could collect enough tax revenues to provide social programs. This is the sort of obtuse comment middle-of-the-road Democrats always make, forgetting that businesses are leaving the state because they are tired of paying high taxes for those big government social programs."

More: "He has told the press he is 'very liberal' about social programs, supports abortion and homosexual adoption, and advocates 'sensible gun controls.' His entree into politics last year was a proposition Democrats endorsed because it raised state spending for what amounted to state babysitting - before-school and after-school programs that cost the state up to $455 million a year. He has complained openly about the party's conservatism.... Talk magazine described him as 'impatient' with the religious right.... e expressed disgust with the Republicans who impeached Clinton. 'That was another thing I will never forgive the Republican Party for,' he said. 'We spent one year wasting time because there was a human failure. I was ashamed to call myself a Republican during that period.'"

Does this sound like "the Next Reagan," as some people are calling Arnold? Hardly. This guy may be the next actor elected governor of California, but that's where the similarity between him and Ronaldus Magnus end.

OutletPass · 08-08-2003, 11:32 AM

"

Quote:

Outlet Pass wanted me to edit this post as the spelling of Mary Kopechne, was bothering him. He also wanted proof that Ted was JFK's brother

Actually this is what I said in the other thread, Fishbreath, it's still there...anyone can go and read it :

Quote:

I'll make this one real short...and then head out...I'm still laughing my ass of about your post (on another thread) about Ted Kennedy being the brother of JFK and Mary "Coppack".....Mercy that was a GREAT post. Better go edit it before anyone else notices. Hurry, Hurry.

Your original post said that "the Drunkard Kennedy is the brother of JFK and "Mary Coppack"...it's the claim that "Mary Coppack" was Ted's sister that made me laugh.

Three strikes and no balls...

FishForLunch · 08-08-2003, 01:46 PM

Glad you finally figured it out, that Mary Kopechne was not related by blood to Ted Kennedy. Congrats!

thebac · 08-08-2003, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Dooby
This bodes real well for Arnie. Obviously has the buzz and name ID. Chances are, he becomes the standard barer for the recall and at least gets it to a runoff. Runoff a month later will be tougher. Good chance he pulls this off. I put the odds at 1 out of 4.

The cost of this election will be astronomical.

My understanding was that there will be no runoff. Whoever receives a plurality of the votes (assuming there's a majority voting for recall) will be governor. That's a big reason Davis tries to get on the ticket because he'd be virtually guaranteed to stay in power if no Dems challenge him. If he doesn't, with such a large field of candidates, I don't think it's implausible to expect the next governor to receive less than 25% of the votes (and that's a conservative number).