That quote by Reagan came during his years as Governor of California. He was talking about a small group of stubborn Republicans that he called "radical conservatives'. Since the Democrats controlled the legislature, Reagan would have to deal with them first and he didn't want members of his own party attacking him from the right. That's what the quote is all about.
Ronald Reagan was a staunch conservative, as well as a practical politician. He was well known as a compromiser and a negotiator his entire political career. He compromised and negotiated as Governor and as President, but never surrendered his core principles or beliefs.
In the early 1990`s, Reagan did campaign for the Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons ban. I believe he called them "commonsensed" legislation. After fully supporting the Second Amendment his entire life, this switch by Reagan was a surpise, but understandable. After all, James Brady was his press secretary and an old friend, and Reagan was shot himself. Let's not forget, Reagan was out of office and was free to make any decision he wanted. Under the circumstances, he sided with his old friend, but his decision was deadwrong. Arnold supports an extension of the Brady Bill/Assault Weapons Ban. If PresBush signs an extension of the Brady Bill/Assault Weapons Ban this year, he will be defeated in November. Right now, it looks like a dead issue. Thank God.
Btw, if you read the post you linked to, you will notice a FReeper called holdonnow. His real name is Mark Levin, "The Great One". Conservative, Republican, lawyer, commentator and liberal basher. In a class with Ann Coulter. He makes some valid points on this issue and his analysis can be applied to Arnold. He said, "There's a difference between compromise and surrender on important domestic issues." He is right.
You're attempts to apply this Reagan quote to Arnold isn't invalid. Arnold Schwarzenegger is no Ronald Reagan. Arnold is a political liberal. Reagan was a political conservative. Arnold may admire Reagan for many reasons, but its not for Reagan's politics.
You're right for once. That means it is valid.