Terminator for Governor

[BeyondGotham]

From AOL news:

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 6) - Arnold Schwarzenegger ended the suspense Wednesday and said he would run in California's recall election, awarding Republicans his marquee value in their campaign to oust Gov. Gray Davis. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein had earlier ruled out a run, labeling the election ''more and more like a carnival every day.''

Schwarzenegger's announcement came as a surprise; advisers had said in recent days that he was leaning putting his name on the Oct. 7 election ballot because of opposition from his wife, journalist Maria Shriver.

He announced the decision during a taping of ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,'' calling it the toughest he's made since deciding to get a bikini wax in 1978.

''The politicians are fiddling, fumbling and failing,'' he said. ''The man that is failing the people more than anyone is Gray Davis. 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.''

''I want to clean up Sacramento,'' he added.

Political commentator Arianna Huffington declared Wednesday that she would run as an independent, one of the only other well-known names in the race so far. Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, a moderate Republican, has said he would enter the race if Schwarzenegger, 56, did not.

Polls have shown Riordan would be a stronger candidate than Schwarzenegger in the recall election. Riordan's spokeswoman said the former mayor was deliberating with his family and that no announcement was scheduled before Friday.

Feinstein's decision not to run gave a big boost to Davis, while frustrating some Democrats who wanted her to run to ensure the governorship would remain in the party's hands if Davis lost.

''After thinking a great deal about this recall, its implications for the future, and its misguided nature, I have decided that I will not place my name on the ballot,'' Feinstein said in a statement.

''I deeply believe the recall is a terrible mistake and will bring to the depth and breadth of California instability and uncertainty, which will be detrimental to our economic recovery and decision-making,'' she said.

The recall election is yet another setback for Davis, who has seen his popularity plummet as the state grapples with a record $38 billion budget deficit.

It also is the latest force to bedevil Californians, who in recent years have endured an energy crisis, the collapse of the dot-com economy and a federally mandated cutback in one of the state's main water supplies. Residents now face the prospect of higher car taxes and college fees to close the state's budget gap.

Davis is the first California governor to face a recall and would be only the second governor nationwide to be removed from office if the effort succeeds.

Analysts from both parties believed the governor's chances for survival would have dramatically diminished if Feinstein, who tops polls as California's most popular politician, was on the ballot as an alternative.

Her decision came a day after a strong endorsement for Davis from the AFL-CIO. Both developments were key victories for the governor, whose support from fellow party members had appeared to be weakening.

''I'm very pleased with Sen. Feinstein's announcement,'' Davis told San Francisco radio station KGO-AM.

''To the extent that Democrats get in the race, it makes it look like a normal election, and legitimates what is really an effort by the right wing to steal back an election they couldn't win last November,'' he said. ''I think at the end of the day people will realize that the party is better served rallying around its sitting governor.''

Some party members still thought otherwise.

''I want to back the strongest candidate and it's important that we coalesce around one, and now I'm appealing to the leaders, the folks whose pay grade is one or two notches up from mine, to figure out who our strongest candidate is and lead us in coalescing behind that candidate,'' said Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., who had supported a Feinstein candidacy.

One possibility was U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, who had supported a Feinstein candidacy and said she might run if Feinstein didn't.

''I have a feeling something will be decided tomorrow probably one way or the other,'' said Sanchez's spokeswoman, Carrie Brooks.

Members of California's congressional delegation discussed the matter in a conference call Wednesday, with the majority leaning toward finding a consensus candidate, said a source familiar with the discussion who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Huffington, the ex-wife of former Republican Congressman Michael Huffington, announced her candidacy at a news conference in Los Angeles.

''I'm not, to say the least, a conventional candidate. But these are not conventional times,'' she said. ''And if we keep electing the same kind of politicians who got us into the same kind of mess funded by the same kind of special interests, we'll never get out of this mess.''

Michael Huffington also has taken out papers, but has not indicated whether he will enter the race.

The ballot also is likely to include several conservative Republicans. U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, who funded the recall, is a declared candidate, and state Sen. Tom McClintock filed papers Tuesday. Businessman Bill Simon, who lost to Davis in November, also is expected to run.

[JDuncan]

I think that Ahnold should "Rhunnn!" and that the other candidates should "Ghet out of here!".

[EinBebop]

I actually support Arnold for governor, and here's why...

1) He's smarter than many people will choose to give him credit for.

2) California needs a leader more than a politician right now. In 99% of the circumstances, I would not vote for a non-politician, because I think part of being a politician is knowing how to compromise. But the situation here is beyond compromise. California needs someone to rally behind, someone who will stand up to the Assembly and demand that the problems here be fixed, or they will not be sitting after the next election.

Of course, the thread question here is, WILL he get elected?

Again, I answer yes. Because, sadly, this campaign has turned into a circus. I mean, hell, Arnold's running against Larry Flynt and Gary Coleman. And everyone's going to want to be a part. People who wouldn't have voted in this special election otherwise will come out to vote for their favorite sideshow. I do feel badly for real politicians like Darrel Issa and Tom McClintock, who deserve serious consideration. But Arnold's got everything going for him. He's a sideshow. But unlike the other sideshows, a lot of people know that he's a little more.

Issa's going to be hosting a two-hour radio show on my local station, filling in for a popular local talk host who will be out. I'll try to listen and see what he has to say about Arnold, and post it here.

The only other thing that really bugs me is that everyone's going for the Terminator jokes, but I have yet to see one reference to Arnold as the "Running Man". Has everyone forgotten that movie?

[The Penguin]

This topic might be better suited for the Cafe, but since Schwarzenegger is a part of the entertainment world we'll leave it here unless we start getting way to "politicy." ;)

I think Arnold can do it. Watching him tonight I agree with Ein that he a lot smarter than people give him credit for and California does need a leader-type character. I'm not up on this stuff like he is, but it all makes sense.

A Republican winning in California isn't something that seems to happen very often from what little I know and who better than a big name movie star who also happens to have plans to take the office from Davis. If Schwarzenegger can't do it I will be very surprised.

[Meow]

The only other thing that really bugs me is that everyone's going for the Terminator jokes, but I have yet to see one reference to Arnold as the "Running Man". Has everyone forgotten that movie? Yea the Terminator jokes are pretty lame. It's only funny when Arnold does it.

I'm kind of torn on this decision. I think Arnold would make a great governor, but if he does run and win (which he will) he's obviously not going to have time to make films anymore. He even said that if he ran, he'd walk away from the movie business. I was hoping for a sequel to "True Lies". As far as I know, they had the script ready and everything. It's his life, and he can live it however he wants, but I can't help but be a little sad. :(

Oh well, I guess there's more important things to take care of right now than movies. I hope he wins, and I'll be very surprised if he doesn't. I'm rooting for him. Of course, I'm not a California resident, nor am I old enough to vote, so I guess it doesn't matter if I'm rooting for him....

[TimTwoFace]

I hope he wins. It'll keep him from making even more horrible movies. :p

(OK, I haven't seen T3 yet, but most of the other movies he's done for the last half decade...ugh.)

-Tim
(Alright everyone...chill.)

[Chris Wood]

Arnold addresses Governor Davis:
I'm here to make your life a living hell. Prepare for a bitter harvest. Winter has come at last. I will blanket the city in endless winter. First Sacramento, and then the world.

I say go Arnold! How cool would that be to have the Terminator for governor? Even though I don't live anywhere near California I'd vote for him twice. There's no problem too big for him. Heck, he even kicked Satan's butt.

[Corrado]

I wonder what Arnold's campaign slogan is going to be?

[EinBebop]

"I'm not into politics. I'm into survival." - Ben Richards, The Running Man

"My mission is to protect you." - The Terminator, T2

"Come with me if you want to live!" - The Terminator, T2

"Anger is more useful than despair." - The Terminator, T3

[Boy Wonder]

Gray is still strong in the voter's race which leaves me to believe that Arnold will either win OR lose.

[EinBebop]

Gray is still strong in the voter's race which leaves me to believe that Arnold will either win OR lose."How do you think the Cowboys are going to do in the Superbowl this year?" "Well, Dennis, I think the Cowboys could win, but only if they don't lose." :p

[Wanted]

Did'ja hear the news?

[Bubblegum Girl]

Yeah, a celebrity is running for govenor. What next? A teenage pop star running for president?

[Shnay]

A Republican winning in California isn't something that seems to happen very often from what little I know and who better than a big name movie star who also happens to have plans to take the office from Davis.

Arnold's going to have big appeal with moderates and people who aren't really into politics. I agree with everyone, I think he could definitely pull it off.

Should he be elected? Heck, I don't know. I really don't know much of anything about his politics, or the politics of his opponents (well, I know a little about Flint's politics, but that's about it).

[LightAngel]

The only other thing that really bugs me is that everyone's going for the Terminator jokes, but I have yet to see one reference to Arnold as the "Running Man". Has everyone forgotten that movie?
Actually, there's an article on Cinescape that uses the "Running Man" pun. Somebody had to I guess. I don't know, its just hard to picture an actor this famous running an entire state. I realize he must be a very intelligent man, and probably is capeable of doing the job, its just hard to envision for some reason.

[Chris Wood]

More soundbites from candidate Arnold:

"Consider this a divorce, Governor Davis."

"You're one ugly Governor."

"You set us up! It was bulls***, all of it!"

"Oh, you think you're bad, huh? You're a f***ing choir boy compared to me! A CHOIR BOY!"

"Davis: Just tell me what you want.
Arnold: I'll tell you what I want. I want you to go to Hell."

[EinBebop]

Despite my own approval, I'm very surprised at how much support Arnold is getting from more hardline conservatives who I thought would be put off some of his more liberal viewpoints. But the general concensus seems to be that he is going to do more good than bad, and even though I haven't heard this word used specifically, he has character. People believe that he is a sincere man who really wants what's best for California, who cannot be bought by the special interests that he claims are running the California political engine. His interviews both last night and today when he was picking up his running papers were great, IMO.

As an aside, Arnold apparently has a cameo in the Rock/Sean William Scott movie coming out this fall, as well as "Around the World in 80 days" which looks like a Jackie Chan movie where stars play small roles everywhere he goes. Arnold himself plays a Turkish prince.

[Conekiller]

I wonder what Arnold's campaign slogan is going to be?

"Ehvry Bahdee, GHET DAHWN!!"

"THE'YA IS NO BAHTHROOM!"

"Sure, I killed people, but they were all bad."

god, I wish I lived in California just so I could vote for him! the more non-politicians we have in office the better, and having Arnold as governor is just icing on the cake!

[The Guitar Slayer]

Shhh. Don't give them any ideas, or else I'm heading to Canada!

[Singin' Stray Cat]

I'm not surprised. This isn't the first time a celebrity's run for governor. (Don't tell me you've all forgotten about Jesse Ventura already!)

What would surprise me, though, is if Arnold won AND did a good job. :shrug: It's possible, I s'pose. Even though he's had no political experience, I would say that, judging from his announcement on the Tonight Show last night, he's got the promise-making speech part down pat.

Well...time to sit back and see how this unfolds...

[Bubblegum Girl]

Shhh. Don't give them any ideas, or else I'm heading to Canada!

I've never been in Canada before. I wonder what's it like?

[SilverKnight]

He should win. Hell, it worked for Ronald Regan. :D

Of course, the thread question here is, WILL he get elected?

Again, I answer yes. Because, sadly, this campaign has turned into a circus.This is California we're talking about. It's always a circus. But then, I live on the east coast, so what do I know? :D

[Chris Wood]

He should win. Hell, it worked for Ronald Regan. :D
:D

Don't even try to compare Ahnuld with that nitwit. The Terminator doesn't need fancy-shmancy "Star Wars" technology to whip the Commies.

[sl4]

I can see it now.....

Governator III: This Time It's Personal (Based on a quasi-true story).

Coming soon to a theater near you.

[Failure]

Hey Y'all, we figured it was redundant to have 2 of the same threads going on, so in case you're wondering what happened, the Arnold for Election thread in the Entertainment board has been merged with its doppelganger on the Cafe.

[EightOh]

GARY COLEMAN FOR GOVERNOR!

Seriously. Wouldn't that be awesome? I mean, hell, I don't live there... :D

Coleman's views on things like decriminalization of pot actually seem rather reasonable, though, in my opinion.

[Roger Smith]

If you think carefully Politicans are careless bastards who thinks for themself and rich people a good governor would be a movie star that started from the low or a citizen because they feel what the citizens did

[Chris Wood]

More campaign soundbites:

Davis: Yeah?
Arnold: [over phone] You've just been erased.

Arnold: You're a funny man, Davis, I like you. That's why I'm going to kill you last.

Arnold: Davis is pretty smart, but he's a child, and when it comes to the day of the contest, I am his father. He comes to me for advice. So it's not that hard for me to give him the wrong advice.

[Joe Wagner]

Don't even try to compare Ahnuld with that nitwit. The Terminator doesn't need fancy-shmancy "Star Wars" technology to whip the Commies.

Let's not start trying to smear one of the greatest Presidents of the USA in a thread where we should be talking about the political aspirations of one Arnold Schwarzenegger.

That said - I am hopeful that Arnold will win the Governorship of California as Gray Davis has proven to be completely ineffective at leading the state, a state that has more debt then the other 49 states combined! Having lived in California numerous times and having been born in Sacramento this has a particular relevance to me as I think Arnold could do an amazing job with the state and really attract people back to the state as well as fix their failing education system.

While there are many issues where Arnold and I would disagree (I'm a conservative he's more moderate) I would still cast my vote to support him as the new Governor of California if I was still living in the state.

For all of you California citizens - remember, Vote Arnold for Governor!

-Joe!

[EinBebop]

From the August 7 Late Show with David Letterman, the “Top Ten Arnold Schwarzenegger Campaign Promises.”

10. "To do for politics what I did for acting"

9. "Combine the intelligence of George Bush with the sexual appetite of Clinton"

8. "A heaping tablespoon of Joe Weider's 'Dynamic Body Shaper' in every pot"

7. "Every freeway gets a dedicated car chase lane"

6. "Seek advice from elder political statesmen like Jesse Ventura"

5. "Crack down on schools graduating students who can't bench-press 180 pounds"

4. "Solemnly swear to support the Constitution of Gold's Gym"

3. "Goofiest-named governor since Pataki"

2. "Raise the minimum age for dating Demi Moore"

1. "Speak directly to the voters in clear, honest, broken English"

[Meow]

Ah, Letterman's just jealous cause Arnold made his big announcement on The Tonite Show. :p

Some of those are kinda funny though.

EDIT: Where's the people who think that Arnold shouldn't run? I'm for it, but I think it's kind of weird that nobody has said they think it's a bad idea. Besides him having no experience what's the problem? I realize experience is a pretty big factor, but he has a lot of other redeeming qualities. Experience isn't the only thing that matters here. California's in trouble now; he doesn't have time to go to "Governor School". It isn't like he's going to be making all the decisions by himself anyway. He'll have advisors. I don't know much about politics or California's situation for that matter, (besides the obvious fact that they're in debt) but Arnold's someone the people can relate to. He wasn't born rich; he worked hard to get where he is today. He's honest, smart, likeable, and regardless of what some people seem to believe, I think he does have a plan...or at least will have one soon. It isn't like this was a spontanious decision. He's been thinking about running for governor for quite some time.

[Chris Wood]

Let's not start trying to smear one of the greatest Presidents of the USA in a thread where we should be talking about the political aspirations of one Arnold Schwarzenegger.
-Joe!

Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha! Ah, that was a good one. Anyway, I was merely defending Arnold's honor.


How should Arnold handle a debate with Davis?:

A. Run him through with a pipe?

B. Drop him off a cliff?

C. Launch him with a Sidewinder missile?

D. Freeze him solid?

E. Chop him in half?

F. Drive him insane with terrible one-liners?

F. High explosives?

G. Make him watch Hercules in New York 100 times?

H. Other?

[Tienshin]

He has been thinking of possibly running for office for a few years now. Sometimes a shakeup can do good things for the system. So I am for it since I dont think this is just some ego bnosting experiment.

[The Detective]

First Jesse Ventura and now Arnold. What's next, The Rock for president? Oh wait I can see it now if he gets defeated, "I'll be back!" It would be funny if Gary Coleman won though. :p

[Majin_Megabyte]

It would be funny if Gary Coleman won though. :p

I would like to see Gary Coleman to win this, But I know Aronld will win this campaign. But I also think If Gailigar would win this would be funny as heck.

[EinBebop]

I :rolleyes:'ed when I heard that Gallagher was running, but if you actually remember his comedy routines from 15 or so years ago, you remember that he was all about mocking the absurdity of the world; he was a guy who stayed up on current events and would be a far more viable choice than all the other clowns campaigning to wear the big red nose. :p

[Nick Biped]

Personally, I don't know how well Ah-nold would do as a governor (I'm not too sure about his politics, except that's he's a moderate conservative (is that an oxymoron?)). But, hey, if Jesse Ventura could do it (and I think he did reasonably well), then I'm sure Schwarzenegger could too. I don't think he could worse than Gray Davis seems to've done. And it isn't like Arnold woke up one morning and said, "Hey, I'm gonna try running for governor!". From what I know, he's been thinking about this for awhile.

So, yeah, good luck to him. It'd be kinda neat to see him in office. :)

As a side note, I'm finding this whole recall awfully amusing, with practically everyone and their uncle running for governor. I'm not sure if that's really a good thing, since it's looking more and more like a circus, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it entertaining. I can just see Gary Coleman in a political debate:

Davis: "My opponent's platform is built on false promises, hypocrisy, and outrageous double-speak."

Coleman: "Whatchu talkin' bout, Davis?"

*audience laughs*

I'm not saying he'd do that, but, well, it'd be funny if he did. :D

[BrendaBat]

*REGISTERED CALIFORNIA VOTER HERE!* :D

I saw Arnold's recent apperance on The Tonight Show and I was impressed. He was a lot more articulate and politically savvy than I expected him to be. I also saw the re-run of his Larry King interview from the late 1990s, so I know that he didn't just decide to run on a whim.
However, I'm not going to vote for Arnold because I've decided to run for govornor of California! VOTE FOR ME, FELLOW CALIFORNIANS! (j/k) :D

Seriously, I plan to research as many of the candidates as I can before I cast my vote. I want to be objective and vote for the most qualified person, regardless of celebrity.

Oy vey, I still can't believe that Gary Colman and Gallager are running. I LOVE living in this crazy state!! :D :D

Like, California totally rules, dudes! 'Fer sure! :p

[Lucky Bob]

As usual, I must give my opinion.

First off, Gary Coleman. Unfortunately, the guy's political ambitions are a bit short-sighted. However, the question on everybody's mind is, if he pulls out of the race, who's gonna bail him out THIS time?

Larry Flynt is a fine, upstanding citizen with deep religious convictions. Recently, he endorsed a prayer meeting calling for the untimely death of Bill O'Reilly. Surprisingly, Tom Daschle hasn't threatened to filibuster the Senate now that such a radical religious activist is trying to obtain a governmental position.

Arianna Huffington is in the race, although her candidacy has been deservedly overlooked. According to the Contra Costa Times: "Despite labeling the recall 'a right-wing power grab,' she will vote to oust Davis because it's 'a stunning opportunity for a progressive independent candidate to prevail.' Later she said that she won't actively campaign for the recall effort." Translation, "power grabs" are a good thing if you decide to run, but don't get too excited about it. She is most known for her campaign against SUV's. She claims that driving SUVs supports terrorists, though nobody can seem to debate her claims since she has disconnected the phone in her private jet.

And now, the new kid that everyone's talking about: "Ahnuld." I, personally, support this guy. Who better to lead a state where nobody speaks english? Still, in all seriousness, this guy is not a conservative by any stretch. In fact, I think his campaign is best summed up in this famous quote from Kindergarten Cop: "I'm da party pooper." There's still hope, though. Reagan was a lib at one time, if I'm not mistaken. Jesse Ventura, another celeb, has made some pretty good decisions in office, as well. Maybe it takes the reality of being in a leadership position that makes people wise up.

Oh, and to those who are trying to "defend Arnie's honor" by insulting Reagan's Star Wars shield, I'll remind you of that the next time you use "Bush" and "North Korea" in the same sentence.

Back to Schwarzenegger's campaign. If Californian voting records are any indication, he'll win in a walkover. Sonny Bono would testify to that.

Some might say that this whole recall/election has turned into a three-ring circus. Maybe so. But then, so has California. (Sorry, Ein! ;) ) The Lord of the Rings seems to be Gray Davis, and it might be him who's orchestrating some of this. You may recall that a few weeks ago, he met with state legislators who promised to perpetuate a budget crisis in case a Republican governor took office. Trouble was, they left the microphone running, thereby broadcasting every word of the meeting to the press from the time they started, to the time where Davis showed his remarkable grasp of english profanity when somebody told him "Smile! You're on candid microphone!" So, now that THAT strategy is out the window, Davis could be calling in a few favors to make this election as stupid as possible.

*ring* "Yeah, hi, Larry. This is Gray. Remember that chick I set you up with for the prom? Yeah, the one with fat knees who looked like Benjamin Franklin. Aww, come on, it was just a date! Well, could you do ME a favor?"

It could happen...

[Chris Wood]

Oh, and to those who are trying to "defend Arnie's honor" by insulting Reagan's Star Wars shield, I'll remind you of that the next time you use "Bush" and "North Korea" in the same sentence.

Er........completely unable to understand this statement. Sorry.

[Barb Gordon]

So how many people at these forums are actually California residents, like myself? Those are the opinions I'm most eager to read, personally.

I'm stoked about this, it's just so Californian to have an actor running for Govenor. Personally I can't stand Davis, and I just want to see him booted as soon as possible. Anyone would be better than him right now, and I would be pleased enough with Arnold taking his place. I still need to look over his proposals for what he'd do, given the position, but based on just opinion, I want Arnold to win. From the moment I saw him giving some of his speeches on tv I thought, wow, he could really pull this off. He's got a great presence about him, and looks great in a suit. I do think he could handle this job, and handle it well. People like him, we know the camera loves him, and hopefully his plans for the state are good ones.

Coleman scares me, as does that porn star *rolls eyes*. But well, it's Californiam it's Hollywood, you've got to expect all the freaks and weirdos to strut their stuff when given the opportunity. But they'll be gone and forgotten when the real compaigning starts. Right now I'm more interested in what the Democrats are offering. They seem to be shooting themselves in the foot right now. Besides Davis running to keep his post, the other Democrats they have running aren't big names, or the best of what they have to offer, so far. I would think they'd be wanting to try their hardest to keep a Democrat in the seat. It'll be a big hurt for them to lose California....not that I'd mind since I'm a Republican :D

~Barb

[EinBebop]

The deadline for filing is 5pm pacific time today, about 2 1/2 hours from the time I'm typing this. Then we'll know exactly who and how many people we've got in this thing. As of 1:11 pm, 23 of the 474 people who took out papers were confirmed. Several others had declared candidacy but had yet to be verified.

[Shnay]

The question is, when people look at him, will they see a serious politician? Or the man who battled Sinbad for a Turboman doll?


http://www.crankycritic.com/archive/posters/jinglealltheway.jpg

[Barb Gordon]

I love that movie! Wow, I think remembering that and fun and adorable that film is makes me like him even more!

Turboman is cool, don't mess with him :p Remember, not only was he fighting to get that doll, he WAS Turboman. I want a superhero as govenor!

~Barb

[EinBebop]

Although we don't have the complete list yet, more than 125 people are said to have qualified for the ballot. Here are a few of Arnold's opponents, from sfgate.com:

[Larry] Flynt entered, along with a Sacramento bail bondsman and the owner of a discount cigarette chain.

B.E. Smith, 56, who served two years in prison for growing marijuana, said he entered the governor's race to campaign against victimless crimes. "As governor, I will pardon all victimless crime convictions, and I'll release them from prison," said Smith, who lives in the northwest corner of Trinity County.

Mathilda Karel Spak, 100, said her age shouldn't hamper her chances of winning the election. "I've made plans until 105," the centenarian said. "Then I'll take things easy."

Porn actress Mary Carey, wearing a low-cut black dress, said she would install a Webcam in the governor's mansion.

[Wanted]

WTF happened to my thread? It was merged?! Why did this happen and who did it? I made this thread and who added that poll? The mods messed up my thread?! Someone has made me angry and look like I wasn't the first to post here?! BeyondGotham, what the dillio? This is some MFed piece of S***!

Just read and rant along with me> Post 12 is post 1> Post 13 is post 2!

[Jaguar]

Screw this, I'm running for governor.

[Shnay]

Has there been any mention of talk of election reform in California? I can't imagine citizens are happy with this mess. Amused, yes, but happy?

[RZetlin]

I believe Arnold will win:

The reasons:

-His fame
-Arnold's wife Maria Shriver is related the Kennedy family
-George Bush supports him (http://sify.com/news/international/fullstory.php?id=13221931)

[The Landstander]

WTF happened to my thread? It was merged?! Why did this happen and who did it? I made this thread and who added that poll? The mods messed up my thread?! Someone has made me angry and look like I wasn't the first to post here?! BeyondGotham, what the dillio? This is some MFed piece of S***!Dude, chill. The same topic existed both in the Entertainment Board and the Cafe Board, which is pretty unneccessary, so someone took the liberty to merge the two threads. Sheesh. :rolleyes:

[Majin_Megabyte]

Even I don't live in Califorina I want Gary Coleman to win. Because after I seen what he said on Fox News last night, and today. He got an good chance to win in my opion. If Gailgar,Ayajena, or Marry Carry win I be laughing for months ahead of now.

[EinBebop]

Has there been any mention of talk of election reform in California? I can't imagine citizens are happy with this mess. Amused, yes, but happy?It required signatures from 12% of the voters to make this happen, and we got nearly twice that number. This is the will of the citizens, despite what the opposition would have you believe.

[Chris Wood]

Now, although I've been a big Arnold supporter since several days ago, this Mary Carey chick is coming on strong. I can't wait to see her press the flesh on the campaign trail.

[Barb Gordon]

Toonmaster please relax. When two similar threads are done, they are normally merged. Another one existed before yours, and so a mod merged yours with the first one. Also, your thread wasn't even in the proper forum for the discussion. So just calm down and watch your language please. It's no big deal, this thing happens all the time.

~Barb

[Shnay]

It required signatures from 12% of the voters to make this happen, and we got nearly twice that number. This is the will of the citizens, despite what the opposition would have you believe.
I was talking about how easy it is to allow someone to run, not the recall election. Although, I really don't know the policies of other states, so this might be normal.

[EinBebop]

I was talking about how easy it is to allow someone to run, not the recall election.Now that I'm in agreement with you on. Minimum number of signatures should've been at least 1000, not 65. That would've weeded some of these people out.

[Barb Gordon]

I agree. It's way too easy to get on the ballot/run for govenor. That's a very small amount of signatures. Heck, I know we needed at least 100 signatures in High School when we wanted to run for ASB or something! You could get 65 people easily with all your family members and friends.

~Barb

[Meow]

Have you guys heard that nonsense about Arnold not allowing his wife to wear pants? Man, they're really reaching for stuff now.

Even if that is true, I'm sure it just pertains to public appearances. He probably just wants her to look nice, and I'm absolutely positive that it is a joint decision...as in they both agree. Everyone's always talking about how Maria has her own strong opinions, and that she doesn't let people push her around. I've read in interviews that that's one of the reasons why Arnold loves her. He doesn't want to be with someone who'd let him walk all over her. Arnold cares very much about what his wife thinks. He didn't even want to run for Governor until he had her support. I don't know about you guys, but I had certainly never heard anything about him being sexist.

Anyways sorry if that is considered off-topic; I just thought I'd mention it cause apparently it's the latest pathetic attempt to slander Arnold's good name. :rolleyes: Like I said, they're really reaching for stuff...but then again it's kind of hard to make someone who has donated millions to charity look bad.

And yes I agree; it is too easy to run. No wonder everyone's calling this race a circus.

[EinBebop]

No, the really good stuff is how certain media people keep bringing up that he's the "son of a Nazi". Never mentioning the fact that he rejected his father and didn't even go to his funeral, and has supported one Jewish history museum for years.

[JLApe]

Not to mention loads of dirt on alleged past infidelities and flings. :yawn:

[Shnay]

No, the really good stuff is how certain media people keep bringing up that he's the "son of a Nazi". Never mentioning the fact that he rejected his father and didn't even go to his funeral, and has supported one Jewish history museum for years.

I actually hadn't heard any of that (both about his father, and what he ended up doing). It's pretty interesting, really.

Yesterday, CNN was making a huge deal about how he hasn't addressed any issues yet. They brought on political strategists who said that there really isn't any need to. They said that Arnold (usually, I'd use the candidate's last name, but his is a toughy) is seen as a political outsider, and that appeals to people. Some say that this will be the height of his campaign, and once he starts talking politics, he may lose a lot more supporters than he gains. Something to watch for.

[EinBebop]

Yesterday, CNN was making a huge deal about how he hasn't addressed any issues yet. The only frontrunning candidate that has that I know of is Tom McClintock.

[wonderfly]

I saw Arnold smoking a joint on CNN today! It was from a video of him during his body building days...(not that I mind if he smoked marijuana, it's in the past, and it seems more and more that everyone in the 70's and 80's smoked marijuana).

But the press is going to drag Arnold through the mud.

Take what Katie Couric had to say the day after he announced his candidacy:

"Let me ask you about his, his baggage, if you will. He's admitted smoking marijuana, using steroids during his body-building career. He's the son of a Nazi Party member. He said he was prejudiced before overcoming those feelings by working with the Simon Weisenthal Center in Los Angeles and the Dean of the Center said an investigation of Schwarzenegger's late father, conducted at the actor's request, found no evidence of war crimes. Through his publicist he's denied allegations published in Premiere magazine in March 2001, that he sexually harassed women and committed infidelity. All those things, are they gonna be front and center, Darry, if you, do you think in this campaign?"

And then a couple days later, when a more conservative Republican canidate was on the Today show, and that person said they plan on going after the dirty stuff on Arnold, she blasted them for "playing dirty". Maybe she should look in the mirror.

[Meow]

I would be very surprised if Arnold cheated on Maria. He has admitted to womanizing, (he regrets it) but I can't imagine him doing such a thing now that he's married. I guess it's possible, but that's niether here nor there. It doesn't matter what he did, what matters is what he's doing now. He's a human being and as such is entitled to make mistakes. You can dig up dirt on just about anybody if you look hard enough. My own mother who is the most honest and trustworthy person I know did a lot of inappropriate things during her youth. I've done things I'm not proud of myself. Live and learn.

The only frontrunning candidate that has that I know of is Tom McClintock. Yea, funny how everyone's making a big deal about Arnold not going into specifics. What about the other candidates? I was watching the news the other day, and this woman was accusing Arnold of lieing during an interview. I think someone asked him if he (Arnold) was going to make his tax returns available to the public, (Forgive my ignorance, but why does the public even need to know what he paid in taxes?) and Arnold responded by saying he couldn't hear the question. Then they ran out of time, and the interview ended. This woman made a big deal about it, saying that pretending you couldn't hear the question was "the oldest trick in the book" blah blah blah. Right, Miss thing, whatever you say. If Arnold did want to avoid answering that question (why would he?) then WHY did he make what he's paid in taxes over the past few years available (on the news) the very next day?

P.S I just bought a shirt that says "The Governator" on it. It's so cool looking. I'm gonna wear it to school.

[Chris Wood]

Wait a minute. Forget about Arnie. My vote goes to Mary Carey. Damn, she'd make a fine governor. I'd love to discuss the issues with her in a casual setting. Say.....my place.

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20030809/capt.sge.ozl65.090803023323.photo00.default-275x384.jpg

[EinBebop]

Arnold's Films Likely to Be Kept Off Air (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A51101-2003Aug12?language=printer)
(edited for the good stuff; click on the link to read the whole article)

LOS ANGELES - Arnold Schwarzenegger's foray into California's gubernatorial recall election poses a dilemma for broadcasters who might be tempted to show his films during the race: Doing so would allow rival candidates to demand equal time.

For that reason, broadcasters in California will likely not air Schwarzenegger movies such as "Total Recall" and the "Terminator" or a repeat of a "Diff'rent Strokes" episode with Gary Coleman for the next few months.

Cable channels are not covered by the Federal Communications Commission's equal-time provision, which in the past kept reruns of "Death Valley Days" off the air while Ronald Reagan ran for president. A repeat of a "Saturday Night Live" episode featuring Don Novello, aka Father Guido Sarducci, on cable, for instance, would not trigger the provision. (BTW, Father Guido Sarducci IS a candidate in this recall election as well, in case you haven't heard. :) -Ein)

...

Equal time is not automatic. Candidates must file a request within seven days, and the provision makes exceptions for appearances on news programs, interview programs such as "Meet the Press," documentaries or spot coverage of news events.

The FCC has ruled in the past that shows such as "Entertainment Tonight" and "Access Hollywood," which are likely to devote a lot of air time to the celebrity aspect of the election, qualify as news shows.

The number of candidates in California's recall race makes equal-time concerns even more thorny. The one candidate with questionable standing? Gray Davis.

California's recall statute does not recognize Davis as a candidate in the recall election, but the FCC most likely would, based on a previous ruling.

...

In 1972, NBC aired a Doris Day movie in which comedian Pat Paulsen appeared for 30 seconds. Because Paulsen had launched a satiric presidential campaign, he was ruled a legitimate candidate. Two Republican candidates requested and got 30 seconds in the same time slot as a result.

[EinBebop]

Hey... anyone got any candidate websites? Post 'em if you got 'em!

Audie Bock (http://www.audiebock.com/) - Former California Assemblywoman; changes parties with every campaign. Currently a Democrat.

Larry Flynt (http://www.larryflynt.com/) - Needs no introduction, Democrat.

Joe Guzzardi (http://www.americanpatrol.com/CALIFORNIA/ELECTION/2004/GUZZARDI/GuzzardiForGovernor030725.html) - newspaper columnist, Democrat.

Georgy Russell (http://www.georgyforgov.com/) - A cute, unemployed software engineer. Support her campaign by buying a "Georgy for Governor" thong. Democrat.

Ivan Hall (http://www.ivanhall.com/) - Owns a denture manufacturing company. Green.

Peter Camejo (http://www.votecamejo.org/) - Was the Green party candidate in the last gubernatorial election.

Mary Carey (http://www.marycareyforgovernor.com/) - Believes that taxing breast implants will result in huge... revenues. You MUST go read her entire platform! Independent.

Arianna Huffington (http://www.ariannaforgov.com/) - Well-known columnist; actively crusading against SUV's. Independent.

Dale Ogden (http://www.dalefogden.org/) Most boring site ever. Are all libertarians this boring?

Gallagher (http://www.gallaghersmash.com/) - "If you are against gay sex, then let gay people get married, that kills the sex everytime!" Independent.

Tom McClintock (http://www.tommcclintock.com/) - State Senator who actually has a PLAN for fixing the problems. (That doesn't involve breast implants). Republican.

Liz Swaney (http://www.lizforgov.com/AboutLiz.html) - 19-year old Berkley student. Okay, she has a plan, too.

Arnold Schwarzeneggar (http://www.joinarnold.com/) - What? You didn't know he had a site? :) Republican.

[Joe Wagner]

It's interesting that a lot of the media outlets have decided to attack Arnold for his past yet Arnold has already admitted to everything that he knows was wrong - he didn't say that "he didn't inhale", he understands the risks of doing steroids and has even overcome his own past prejudices. Not only that but he is a primary example of what an immigrant can do in America if they have the determination to persue their dreams and he also understands many of the struggles that immigrants face - perfect in a California setting that is home for millions of immigrants from around the world. Honestly I think that the fact Arnold came out and confronted many of these issues really demonstrates the strength of his character - he accepted responsibility for the actions that he did engage in and also dismissed other claims against his character. Personally, I have far more respect for the person that is willing to admit to their own flaws then I do for someone that will lie to the public in hopes of gaining power at the cost of their dignity.

-Joe!

[Chris Wood]

After reading Mary Carey's platform, I have to say that this election is in the bag. I don't know about the female vote, but no male could fail to be compelled by her campaign promises.

The only liability I can see is the "all-natural" claim, which is likely to be challenged in debates.

[RZetlin]

Since California is in economic trouble I think this should get people to vote for Arnold.

Warren Buffett to Be Aide in Schwarzenegger Race (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&ncid=536&e=8&u=/ap/20030813/ap_on_el_gu/schwarzenegger_buffett_6)

[EinBebop]

An odd thought that struck me today:

Have you noticed that when you hear people questioning that Arnold is too liberal to carry a conservative vote, it's usually NOT a conservative making the observation?

If Arnold is so liberal, why even run a Democrat? Why doesn't the left keep their mouth shut, embrace him, and brag later how they got one over on us?

I liked Arnold all the more today when it struck me just how much the left seems to dislike him. ;)

[EinBebop]

Ann Coulter's (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/anncoulter/ac20030814.shtml) columns always make me smile. Perhaps this will do the same for you. (Left the meaty parts in; click the link for the full column).

The Democrats' laboratory: The host organism dies
In June 2002, the liberal American Prospect magazine was hailing California as a "laboratory" for Democratic policies. With "its Democratic governor, U.S. senators, state legislature and congressional delegation," author Harold Meyerson gushed, "California is the only one of the nation's 10 largest states that is uniformly under Democratic control." In the Golden State, Meyerson said, "the next New Deal is in tryouts." (Can't you just feel the tension building?)

Just a few years before that, the impresario of this adventure in Democratic governance, Gov. Gray Davis, was being touted as presidential material – which wasn't nearly as insulting a thing to say to a politician back then as it is now. Analyst Charles Cook said Davis was "a major player in the Democratic Party," with qualities that would "serve him well should Davis try to test his national ambitions." Davis' fellow Democratic governor, Gary Locke of Washington, called Davis "truly the rising star among governors across America, and among Democrats he's so highly respected as one of the new breed of moderate, centrist Democrats." The only Davis adjective he left out was "money-grubbing."

...

California is, in fact, a perfect petri dish of Democratic policies. This is what happens when you let Democrats govern: You get a state – or as it's now known, a "job-free zone" – with a $38 billion deficit, which is larger than the budgets of 48 states. There are reports that Argentina and the Congo are sending their fiscal policy experts to Sacramento to help stabilize the situation. California's credit rating has been slashed to junk-bond status, and citizens are advised to stock up for the not-too-far-off day when cigarettes and Botox become the hard currency of choice. At this stage, we couldn't give California back to Mexico.

Democrats governed their petri dish as they always govern. They buy the votes of government workers with taxpayer-funded jobs, salaries and benefits – and then turn around and accuse the productive class of "greed" for wanting their taxes cut. This has worked so well nationally that more people in America now work for the government than work in any sort of manufacturing job.

...

Davis bought himself re-election and is now the most hated officeholder in America. The people of California are willing to plunge their state into humiliation and chaos just to get rid of him. The fact that Arianna Huffington hasn't been laughed off a stage yet is a pretty good gauge of the public's frustration with Davis.

And yet, Bill and Hillary Clinton and the rest of the Democratic Party think Gray Davis is doing a super job. Democrats have denounced the recall – a genuine citizens' revolt – as a "circus." According to recent polls, two out of three people in this overwhelmingly Democratic state want Davis out, and still the recall is being called a "Republican power grab."

Most touchingly, Democrats claim to be shocked at the exorbitant cost of a recall election. They were not such penny-pinchers when contemplating Enron-style pensions for school crossing guards. Nor did their fiscal conservatism kick in when Davis announced this week that he would sign legislation providing "intolerance and hatred control training" for all California schoolteachers. Yeah, this is the guy who wants another crack at straightening out the budget.

...

Either Schwarzenegger will dismantle the government employees' Versailles Palace, or California will continue to be a laboratory for failed liberal policies.

[Shnay]

Coulter's columns make me do a lot of things, but smile is not one of them, I'm afraid. :(

[JLApe]

Coulter's columns make me do a lot of things, but smile is not one of them, I'm afraid. :(Which is why she's still single. :elle:

[Lucky Bob]

Which is why she's still single. :elle:

She is? What's her phone number? :D

[supermonkey]

Perhaps Arnold could get elected in this vote and then recalled later for being the son of a Nazi and a former drug user ;)

[Lucky Bob]

Perhaps Arnold could get elected in this vote and then recalled later for being the son of a Nazi and a former drug user ;)

But that would affect about 98% of the other candidates, wouldn't it?

[Chris Wood]

She is? What's her phone number? :D

Forget it. She's a man (well, pretty close anyway).

[Lucky Bob]

Forget it. She's a man (well, pretty close anyway).Vision test #205,623,845: "Who's da man?"

http://www.lp.org/lpnews/pict/0111/Coulter.jpg
(Woman)

http://ak1.aka.eonline.com/7/1480/1218/0001/www.eonline.com/Features/Features/Tube2001/Qa/Images/qajg.jpg
(Woman)

http://www.rte.ie/news/2000/1213/clintonh.jpg
(Erm...something.)

I rest my case.

[EinBebop]

Vision test #205,623,845: "Who's da man?"
http://www.lp.org/lpnews/pict/0111/Coulter.jpgI don't think Desslar was referring to her looks so much as he was intimidated by her agressive nature. ;)

[Chris Wood]

I don't think Desslar was referring to her looks so much as he was intimidated by her agressive nature. ;)

Um, basically correct, except replace "intimidated" with "nauseated" and "aggressive" with "right-wing extremist"

Seriously, how many hard-core conservative babes are there? Those two things just don't go together.

[EinBebop]

Line up the Republican babes in Congress against the Democratic *cough* babes, and the Repubs win hands down! :anime:

This subject could be a really fun thread if someone wanted to start a new one on this topic. But it's really not a fair debate, because...

http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2000/11.30/photos/spots/reno-170.jpg

...the average has been dragged way down. In the interest of a fun debate, I'd be willing to pretend we were unsure of gender in this case and disqualify Janet from consideration.

[Chris Wood]

Line up the Republican babes in Congress against the Democratic *cough* babes, and the Repubs win hands down! :anime:

This subject could be a really fun thread if someone wanted to start a new one on this topic. But it's really not a fair debate, because...

http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2000/11.30/photos/spots/reno-170.jpg

...the average has been dragged way down. In the interest of a fun debate, I'd be willing to pretend we were unsure of gender in this case and disqualify Janet from consideration.

Dude, there ain't no babes in Congress, or on political talk shows. You have to be a hardcore pitbull to get that far. Thus my remark about Coulter.

Oh, and there were already enough ugly hags on this page without you posting that monstrosity.

[EinBebop]

Dude, there ain't no babes in Congress, or on political talk shows. You have to be a hardcore pitbull to get that far.There are attractive women in both arenas, and on both sides of the political spectrum. I really do think you have issues with confident, agressive women!

[Chris Wood]

There are attractive women in both arenas, and on both sides of the political spectrum. I really do think you have issues with confident, agressive women!

Mostly I have issues with right-wing women. As I said, most babes don't lean that way. Mary Carey? Does she look like a conservative?
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/nm/20030812/mdf335107.jpg
Nope, she's an Independent, which is yet another reason to like her.

Confidence is cool. Manliness is unappealing. But to each their own. I'm not one to judge others. I'm sure Janet Reno has her fans.

[Lucky Bob]

Mostly I have issues with right-wing women. As I said, most babes don't lean that way. Mary Carey? Does she look like a conservative?
Nope, she's an Independent, which is yet another reason to like her.

Confidence is cool. Manliness is unappealing. But to each their own. I'm not one to judge others. I'm sure Janet Reno has her fans.

Ah! You only like women who are beautiful bimbos! That's an offensive stereotype! :p

[Chris Wood]

Ah! You only like women who are beautiful bimbos! That's an offensive stereotype! :p

Well, you got me there. We all have our vices, right?

Actually "bimbo" is going a bit far. Mary is a candidate for governor of California, a position that only our nation's sharpest minds can hope to aspire to. Gary Coleman has a 200 IQ after all.

[JLApe]

Women, such as Katie Couric and Julia Roberts, can be confident, aggressive and attractive. Coulter's type of "confident aggressive" is not attractive. It doesn't matter which side of the political spectrum she's on. Her kind of confidence can win the admiration and respect of fans, peers and political opponents, but not prospective life partners. Her beauty, as far as I can tell, is only skin deep.

[Chris Wood]

Women, such as Katie Couric and Julia Roberts, can be confident, aggressive and attractive. Coulter's type of "confident aggressive" is not attractive. It doesn't matter which side of the political spectrum she's on. Her kind of confidence can win the admiration and respect of fans, peers and political opponents, but not prospective life partners. Her beauty, as far as I can tell, is only skin deep.

Well there we go. Spoken much better than I could have.

[FinchyNate]

I think Luckybob should run for Vice-Governor.

[The Dork Knight]

Anyone here see the Arnold "interviews" on Conan O'Brian? I've never laughed so hard in my life...

- The Dork Knight

[JDuncan]

Anyone here see the Arnold "interviews" on Conan O'Brian? I've never laughed so hard in my life...

- The Dork Knight
You will laugh harder when you see Terminator 3: Rhise of the Machines!
"I am the Governer, we had the election last night, you missed it."

[The Dork Knight]

I beat all the other canidates lost since they were...

Flumoxing
Floundering
and....
FONDUING!

Classic Conan...

- The Dork Knight

[Chris Wood]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/nm/20030815/mdf338062.jpg

Daammmmn, Willis!