There is an email traveling around from a "someone" talk show host who was contacted by Arnold's Camp - but he didn't want to submit to the Arnold interrogation tactics. Here is the context of the email:
An unknown talk show host offers this transaction from his conversation with the Arnold Press Consultant attempting to set up an interview...
Today, in response to a request for interview, "we need to know what your personal party affiliation is, what your program's "slant" on Arnold, "are you a conservative talk show host?" "Have you ever talked to Tom McClintock....?"
What would your slant be on Arnold in an interview? I said EXCUSE ME? We are not interested. Thank you for your call. "You mean...you won't interview Arnold?" "Uh, not at this time, thank you."
I know this seems like "Urban Legend", but it caused the LA Times to call me tonight and ask if this is the way it went down for me too. Someone is trying to sour talk show hosts who interview Arnold Schwarzenegger...or we have some radio management people jealous of 'small, podunk radio stations getting the interview before the "Big News/Talk Stations" in the market...hmmm.
Let me set the record straight, I was contacted by Rob Stutzman of the Schwarzenegger campaign. Rob asked if I had time for Arnold in the morning. I said I would make the time. He asked for a later hour of the show, like 8:30AM - I said no problem. Rob asked for no callers, just an interview with me and Arnold 'this time'. I agreed.
Before we ended the conversation, Rob asked what I wanted to know, I assumed he was implying from Arnold. I said I want to tackle Arnold's announced fiscal conservative agenda - I want to make sure he is what he says he is when addressing the budget and the finances of California. Rob said, "no problem, I'll have him call you during the news at 8:30AM".
That is it folks, I submitted no questions and offered none of my questions - I had none at the time, I was picking up my daughter from school! The next time we talked was when Rob greeted me at 8:31AM during the news with Arnold on the phone ready to go. Before we went on the air I asked how long I had and Stutzman stated, "take your time...we have time to talk right now".
No controlled interview here folks. I have never done so and I never will!
........I asked how long I had and Stutzman stated, "take your time...we have time to talk right now".
OK let me get this straight, no callers, but we have plenty of time to talk with the host now that we know what's on the host's mind....
Sounds to me like Arnold has not fully completed his prep classes.
As your first caller after Arnold fled the scene I would have loved to have asked him a question or two...so would Tom McClintock if he ever gets the chance to debate.