GOP has star-power dilemma: How will party use Schwarzenegger? [Kerry vs. Arnold?]

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | June 19, 2004 | Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer

[RonDog]

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GOP has star-power dilemma
How will party use Schwarzenegger?
- Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer
Friday, June 18, 2004

With less than three months to go before the Republican National Convention in New York City, a prime-time cliffhanger is in the works over whether the Bush camp will use it or lose it -- the megawatt influence and star power of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Among the most sensitive issues is whether Schwarzenegger, a GOP marquee name, will be given a prized prime-time speaking spot at the party's presidential convention August 30-Sept. 2 at Madison Square Garden.

On the pro side: As the party's star actor, Schwarzenegger would get worldwide attention, and -- to the delight of networks -- draw millions of potential viewers to the now scripted-for-television political convention.

On the con side: The White House worries about lavishing too much attention on one Republican elected official who has shown an uncanny ability to upstage the party's star, Bush himself. A prominent role for Schwarzenegger also could anger the Republican right wing, which opposes his social views on such issues as abortion and same-sex marriage.

Ken Mehlman, campaign manager for Bush-Cheney '04, in an interview with The Chronicle, made no commitment on the specific role the Bush team expects the California governor to play, saying only that Schwarzenegger "is one of the great leaders of our party.''

Asked about talk that the White House is worried Schwarzenegger might outshine Bush at the convention, Mehlman downplayed the matter, suggesting that Schwarzenegger is one of many stars in the GOP...

[Keith]

"whether Schwarzenegger, a GOP marquee name, will be given a prized prime-time speaking spot at the party's presidential convention August 30-Sept. 2 at Madison Square Garden."

duh. I say they will...and it will be a stem-winder...

[b9]

what's a stem-winder?

[Keith]

it's a jim-dandy of a speech that gets the "faithful" all wound up...it's a watch term...but is often used in speeches.

[b9]

LOL! Thank you.
And I agree... Arnold will wind 'em up, but good.

[counterpunch]

the Republican right wing, which opposes his social views on such issues as abortion and same-sex marriage.

Arnold opposes same-sex marriage. He called on the Chronicle hometown of San Francisco to cease and desist in marrying same-sex parters.
He also famously said "I believe gay marriage should be between a man and a woman."

Likewise, while he is pro-choice, he opposes late-term abortions.

[Reagan Man]

Governor Rino has star power for some in the GOP, but he holds no influence over conservative Republican's. He's a social liberal. His liberal agenda for California is the antithesis of the conservative movement and the base of the GOP.

[Clara Lou]

I agree with you. Schwarzenegger is an American success story as an immigrant and (so far) as a politician-- and he's a Republican. It's all good. I know the Democrats wish they had such a "problem" facing them. If Arnold isn't the ideal Republican, some will have to deal with it.

[counterpunch]

Arnold is not a "social liberal".

He's what I would consider a social moderate.
A social moderate tolerates the gay pride parade. A social liberal joins in.

[Names Ash Housewares]

"Arnold will wind 'em up, but good."

I understand my Governor. I understand him because Ive been watching this guy for twenty plus years. Arnold understands show business and drama. That is why he let people think he wasnt going to run for Governor and then a BIG SURPRISE on Leno. Huge news! Smiles everywhere, and happy ending on election day. Right out of a movie. I bet he will stay quiet for a long while and let all the same type of negative buzz go on, He will let people think one thing and then....Surprise again! Big time dramatic endorsement for Bush. It will add more punch and drama to it all. Smiles everywhere, and happy ending on election day. At least for Republicans!

Hail to the King Baby.

Hail to the King Baby.

[RonDog]

On the pro side: As the party's star actor, Schwarzenegger would get worldwide attention, and -- to the delight of networks -- draw millions of potential viewers to the now scripted-for-television political convention...

When Arnold beat Gray Davis in last year's recall election, many punsters predicted that he would be a MAJOR factor in the presidential election this fall, camapigning aggressive for President Bush - in California, and across the USA.

Perhaps we can ENCOURAGE Governor Schwarzenegger to begin showing his support for President Bush NOW...

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Here is a ROUGH DRAFT of my proposed press release for next week's Kerry/Streisand protest at the Disney Concert Hall on THURSDAY...
What do YOU think about promoting this as an "Arnold vs. Kerry" event?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 21, 2004 - Los Angeles

Schwarzenegger Supporters to Confront Kerry at Streisand fundraiser (6/24)

Los Angeles - Members of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Free Republic Network (also known as the "Hollywood Resistance Force") plan to join other local supporters of President George Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on THURSDAY, June 24 at 6 p.m., as they protest Barbra Streisand, Willie Nelson, Billy Crystal and Neil Diamond outside a fundraiser for John Kerry at the Walt Disney Concert Hall - which was originally scheduled for the week President Reagan died. Carrying large signs that say, "OUR GOVERNOR can beat up YOUR (wimpy) CANDIDATE!" and "Reagan was The GIPPER, but Kerry is The FLIPPER!" they intend to contrast Kerry's image as a French-looking intellectual whose irritating tendency to "flip flop" his positions on important national issues makes him appear effeminate, with Schwarzenegger's "tough guy" persona crafted from his roles in action-adventure movies like the "Terminator."

"We support President Bush," says FRN's L.A.Chapter Vice President Ron Smith. "And, we believe that Governor Schwarzenegger shares President Reagan's gift for energizing Californians with a clear vision that will help President Bush 'terminate' Kerry's political aspirations."

"These 'Stars for Kerry' may have MUSICAL talent," Smith adds, "but POLITICALLY, they are dangerously naive. Unlike Streisand, Schwarzenegger (like Reagan before him) has had the courage to subject HIS political opinions to vigorous public debate - at the ballot box, not just at the box office. In the words of nationally-syndicated talk radio host Laura Ingraham's recent book, we believe that these "Stars for Kerry" should just 'Shut Up, and SING!'"

By harnessing the power of the Internet, the Free Republic Forum (FreeRepublic.com) gave birth to a new level of grassroots activism that demonstrates how dedicated citizens can effect change by awakening and mobilizing the vast numbers of Americans who still support the rule of law. The Free Republic Network (FreeRepublic.net) organizes, educates, and supports grassroots activists and connects national organizations with grassroots groups and activists across the country that share their common goals and beliefs.

For more information, contact RonDog

Note: The opinions of members of the Free Republic Network do NOT necessarily represent those of the management or staff of the conservative news forum FreeRepublic.com, Governor Schwarzenegger's office, the California Republican Party, or Bush/Cheney '04 - although, as Rush Limbaugh says, they SHOULD. :o)

-30-

[Reagan Man]

>>>If Arnold isn't the ideal Republican, some will have to deal with it.

Gov Rino supports driver licenses and healthcare coverage for illegal immigrants. Arnold supports abortion on demand and favors extending the assault weapons ban. Not to mention his fiscal irresponsible, but successful passage of $15 billion in additional debt for California taxpayers.

The man belongs with his librat in-laws, in the Democratic Party.

[Clara Lou]

What if he's the decisive factor in delivering California for Bush?

[nickcarraway]

He's a fiscal moderate to liberal.

[corkoman]

The Rats would LOVE to have a "problem" like this.

I feel Arnold could deliver a great address AND shock everyone by rallying everyone to core conservative beleifs and values.

Who better than another California governor who used to be an actor?

[Reagan Man]

From Arnold's own mouth. Several years back, Arnold was interviewed by Bill O'Reilly and called himself a "social liberal". I take him at his word.

Prior to the recall election, candidate Arnold made it very clear. His intention was to get the state out of the red and into the black, in order to return full funding of all of California's social wefare programs. Again, I take him at his word.

[b9]

I'm proud of my governor.

[RonDog]

See also, from:

Kerry concerts rescheduled, New York and L.A.: FReep Alert.
6/10/04 | Trteamer

Posted on 06/10/2004 7:00:38 PM PDT by Trteamer

Kerry's fundraiser concerts are coming. June 24th in L.A. and July 8th in New York City............

-- snip --

From http://www.kerryca.com/Calendar/events.asp:

Barbra Streisand Neil Diamond
Willie Nelson Billy Crystal

Please join

Ben Affleck * Warren Beatty and Annette Bening
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen * Laurie and Larry David
Benicio del Toro * Robert DeNiro *Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman
Leonardo DiCaprio * Kirsten Dunst * Rob and Michele Reiner
Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres * Dustin Hoffman * Ben Stiller

For An Evening with
John Kerry and Friends

[Reagan Man]

California isn't going for Bush. It's a nice thought, but it ain't gonna happen.

[NittanyLion]

I guess it'll depend upon whether the GOP is looking to grant a liberal a primetime slot at its own convention, or whether they're attempting to cast the party as (at least) reasonably conservative.

It certainly won't bring the base home, if that's what they're looking to accomplish. If they think moderates are needed, perhaps Arnold is a workable solution.