New Starring Role(Schwarzenegger Hits a Grand Slam)

The Orange County Register ^ | 9/1/2004 | Martin Wisckol & Dena Bunis

[kellynla]

From recycling much of his recall-election stump speech of a year ago to calling critics of the economy "girlie men" to asserting that "we're back" from the attack on the American way of life, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger lit up the Republican convention with his freewheeling star power Tuesday.

Delegates could hardly have been more thrilled by the prime-time show.

"This puts him over the top as a national political figure, not just an action figure," said delegate and Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle.

But the task for Schwarzenegger extended far beyond the faithful gathered at Madison Square Garden. Many expected the actor-politician to attract more television viewers than any speaker other than the president. He topped a lineup of speakers designed to attract those who might not share George W. Bush's positions against abortion, against expanded funding of stem-cell research and against further gun control.

Because he showed in running for California governor that he had mass appeal, Republicans also hope that he can motivate people to the polls who might not otherwise turn out. Part of that could come from those inspired by his rags-to-riches immigrant story – particularly immigrants themselves, who have traditionally gravitated toward Democratic candidates.

"To my fellow immigrants listening tonight, I want you to know how welcome you are in this party," he said after recounting his immigrant experience, similar to that part of the speech he gave while campaigning last year. "We Republicans admire your ambition. We encourage your dreams. We believe in your future."

[kellynla]

Eventhough I don't agree with his stands of many issues including the budget here in CA, I have to say that the governor gave an excellent speech. PERIOD!

He was dynamic, exciting, entusiastic, optomistic and patriotic. God bless him!

Semper Fi, Kelly

[kellynla]

optomistic=optimistic

[kellynla]

ping

[cymeckajax3]

I watched him last night and it's true it was a Grand Slam! He made me feel good the way Reagan did when he spoke. And that Girley Man line that was so cool. I hope as things go on he can temper some of his liberal views! We need to change our law so that Arnold can have a chance at the highest office.

[WestTexasWend]

"We need to change our law so that Arnold can have a chance at the highest office."

No. A Freeper last week had a much better plan: Arnold should run for president of the EU.

[dagar]

LMAO ... good idea though

[NRA2BFree]

Eventhough I don't agree with his stands of many issues including the budget here in CA, I have to say that the governor gave an excellent speech. PERIOD!

He was dynamic, exciting, entusiastic, optomistic and patriotic. God bless him!

I totally agree. He rocked!! He really inspired me. He needs to give motivational speeches in the schools. 8^)

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Rudy still holds the high ground....

[bushfamfan]

Arnold was great and I know a lot of conservatives will have criticism of him, but he stands with the basic economic and foreign policy principles of the Republican party and that speech was one of the best. People who come from under communism or some other ruthless dictatorship, regime tend to take foreign policy more seriously. He made Ronald Reagan proud last night.

[bjs1779]

We need to change our law so that Arnold can have a chance at the highest office.

I liked that idea at first. Then I thought about what 'if' an Islamic Bill Clinton came along? Nothing against women, but I do believe that Clinton would not of won either election IF you threw out the womens vote.

[WestTexasWend]

I thought so, too. I think he still has his Austrian citizenship, and at the rate Europe's going we're going to have to bail their refined a$$es out again within the next 20 years. Better to send Arnold over to put them in time-out than to send our troops back EVER.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Front page , above the fold on the los Angeles Times this morning:

RNC — Day 2

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses the crowd.
(Damon Winter / LAT)

August 31, 2004

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[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Schwarzenegger Wraps His Life Story Around GOP Themes

[Petronski]

Schwarzeneggar didn't just hit it out of the park, he ran
outside the stadium, found the ball, and continued to
brutally beat the ball until only a heap of twine remained.

[biblewonk]

ping

[Ceoman]

You are so right! Perfect quote!!

[kellynla]

Thanks for the link, Ernest.
I'm sure the Times is biting it's collective lips to print anything positive about the convention. LOL

[lemura]

I don't believe it - you're now an Arnold supporter? Heck, I was there at his first HB walk-a-thon and again at the campaign wrap-up at the Pier. Anyone could see that he has the ability to stir a crowd, not because he was in movies, but because of his political philosophy. What he said last night on nat'l TV was the same exact things he said during the recall.

[truthkeeper]

Even though he didn't get my vote, he was great last night and I was very proud of him. Good on you, Arnold!