Schwarzenegger Would "Do Damage" to Republican Party Suggests Political Analyst

LifeSite.net ^ | August 28, 2003

[srweaver]

You said: But California is already, and has been for decades, a social sewer, thanks to the then Governor Jerry Brown and the Democratic legislature enshrining perversions as rights within the California Constitution. An Arnold or a Tom or a Richard is not going to change that reality one bit. What we in California need right now is fiscal responsibility in Sacramento, not ideological purity.

It seems to me that every gun grabbing, homosexuality promoting, morals deteriorating bit of legislation that comes from the Democratic controlled legislature has to be SIGNED by the Governor to become law. There are many of these bills coming to the Governor’s desk. I think an Arnold or a Richard will sign many of them that a Tom would not sign.

Some of us think morals and decency are more important than money, though they are not as disconnected as some might think.

[chimera]

On the contrary, a McClintock governorship would in essence (IMHO) break the current liberal media lock on the frame of reference by which the California government's fiscal and social agenda is described to voters. McClintock would have the bully pulpit and would also wield the veto and line item veto power with gusto.

I was alluding to the "bully pulpit" with my mention of leadership. A governor who can present new ideas and practical solutions in an appealing and dynamic manner could have considerable influence on reluctant or undecided legislators.

Veto power is fine as far as it goes but to build a constructive record of opposition to years of 'Rat control will require positive initiatives as well. If the new governor is a non-Rat, he'll have to forge some kind of coalition with the Republicans that are there plus Rats who could be convinced to try something different (i.e., the FR-hated "moderates").

While McClintock's positions aligned more closely with my opinions on the issues, I don't think he's as electable in California as Arnold, given the current demographics and recent voting trends. Remember, we're talking about a state where Gore slaughtered Bush in 2000. While there is widespread discontent with the Rat Davis, I'm not sure it will be enough to pull the state over to a conservative like McClintock, especially if there are alternatives. That doesn't provide the optimum solution from a conservative viewpoint, but it is likely the reality of the situation, IMO. Of course, as a non-resident, maybe some would be tempted to reply to this post with the proverbial STFU, or whatever.

[Penner]

One reason to vote for Arnie. McC hasn't a chance.

Another reason: McC hasn't a chance.

[jmstein7]

"CRUZ CONTROL!"

Help EXPOSE BUSTAMANTE. Check out the thread below:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/973285/posts

[montag813]

Social liberalism is incompatible with fiscal conservatism.

America is incompatible with Aztlan. Vote Schwazenegger!

[chimera]

And bring back the losers that puppetmaster Planned Barrenhood Wilson USED to keep employed to wreck California and the GOP???????

Well, hopefully not, but it would be my guess and perhaps (faint) hope that someone like Arnold might be inclined to give the pro-life side a fairer hearing than a dyed-in-the-wool liberal Rat abortion pimp like Bustedmental or Davis.

Do you honestly think a pro-life mainstream conservative is electable in present-day California, given its recent trends and current demographics? This is a serious question and I hope you will provide a thoughtful and non-emotional opinion. Never having lived there I have no idea as to how a pro-life conservative candidate would do in a general elction.

[Cultural Jihad]

Feel free to vote for Tom just to see Cruz elected. It's really a simple matter of addition and subtraction.

[AmericanInTokyo]

I can perhaps understand CONSERVATIVE FReeper disgust of moderate/liberal Schwarzenegger, but for the life of me, I cannot comprehend CONSERVATIVE FReeper HATRED of CONSERVATIVE TOM McCLINTOCK. What happened to PRINCIPLES? Things that define our very political being? Out the window, I guess. Barf.

It is the most reprehensible and saddening thing I have seen on this Forum. Ever.

[GatekeeperBookman]

"You seem closed to the idea of personal redemption"

You seem to assume a great deal.

When has this person renounced his real past? Why did he wait for these things to explode in his face? I say he has no idea what he is up to-hence his clumsy trick announcement on the TV. No plan in hand, hasty picking of disparate & pecular advisors-at the last minute, his bad news from the past comes blowing out-all this looks pretty clumsy-but I am not a judge of the fellow-just his campaign & the public acceptance of him.

I really post only so others might consider what a dummy might be thinking. I am a just a dummy. I have no knowledge of the Kennedy family, how our political system has become perverted ( never read The Selling of the President ), or what really may be happening in America today. My family sucess means nothing. My wife tells me when & for what to vote. I won't give him ( or anyone ) a second chance. I am just a dummy-like The Arnold & some of his slavish supporters. You see, I am too stupid to even know what the word scoff means. What time is the new Terminator film showing? does anyone know what this stuff is about his past?

[Avoiding_Sulla]

Dear BlackElk;

What good does making the case of standing for true conservative principles do if the those who THINK that only a RINO can win will not vote? What of all those who wiil REMAIN deluded into thinking that only a "moderate conservative" can win, and will waste their vote on the media-promoted Statist-controlled candidate, because you have failed to make your strongest case?

I do not understand you. Why do you spend so much of your time pounding the table? Why not play to your strengths that are available in the evidence, counselor?

Why do you not convince wavering conservatives that RINO pols like Schwarzennegger-marionettier Wilson is a Statist every bit as dangerous to them as Leftist-needy Doofus or cruzing Leftist-racist Bustamante?

McClintock, in his platform that gets almost no press, threatens Wilson's buddies with his promise to cancel multi-billion dollar energy contracts. Think man! As McClintock says, Davis couldn't very well cancel those contracts on the basis of collusion -- even if he wanted to -- because that would implicate Doofus in the collusion.

The Leftist/Statist axis has rarely been more obvious. The RINOs DID NOT WANT THIS RECALL. Why not? Follow the money!

It will be a sorry situation if you take the next question either as reason to attack me or to ignore the question. But I've gotta ask.

Are you avoiding the Statist connection and argument because of your social-conservative allies, the Neo-Cons? Am I wrong, or are not the former Leftists mostly avowed, Statists? I.e., seeking total control through influencing every aspect of life thru economics? I suspect you, of all poeple, understand this description for such professors: Mammonites.

Please forgive me if my aroused suspicions are misplaced, or if I've slandered your allies in my ignorance. But, if I am right, I am warning you as a friend who loves your energy to argue for a cause I support but who is concerned for your soul. If you are avoiding making the Statist connection to Arnie's friends -- a case I have every confidence you have the ability to make -- because of your loyalty to the Neo-Cons for backing your social causes, perhaps you should reconsider any deference you have for them in view of the truth in my tagline.

sincerely,

-Av

[SteveH]

Veto power is fine as far as it goes but to build a constructive record of opposition to years of 'Rat control will require positive initiatives as well. If the new governor is a non-Rat, he'll have to forge some kind of coalition with the Republicans that are there plus Rats who could be convinced to try something different (i.e., the FR-hated "moderates").

Yes.

While McClintock's positions aligned more closely with my opinions on the issues, I don't think he's as electable in California as Arnold, given the current demographics and recent voting trends. Remember, we're talking about a state where Gore slaughtered Bush in 2000. While there is widespread discontent with the Rat Davis, I'm not sure it will be enough to pull the state over to a conservative like McClintock, especially if there are alternatives. That doesn't provide the optimum solution from a conservative viewpoint, but it is likely the reality of the situation, IMO.

Yeah but there were other problems in 2002. There was apparently some early animosity or distancing between Simon and Bush early in the election season; Simon never won Bush's complete support. Simon himself made some major mistakes in the campaign. None of this helped Simon although he almost got elected in spite of everything. Note that McClintock got more votes than Simon; so I think that would still be evidence that McClintock could do it if he got a straight shot.

Of course, as a non-resident, maybe some would be tempted to reply to this post with the proverbial STFU, or whatever.

Not from me (at least not yet). I think it is interesting to get many perspectives on the issue, and also the direction California takes has a noticeable impact on the rest of the country, so...

The biggest problems with McClintock so far have been lack of media coverage, and most recently, the failure to get his candidate statement on the ballot.

[BlackElk]

Arnold can campaign until he bleeds for Dubya but his policies would so cuisinart the GOP as to make his support utterly useless. We will elect Dubya without California next year as in 2000 because the RINO dominated GOP out there is invertebrate. You will be thanking flyover country for doing the necessary work for you.

Pray tell how were you "betrayed" by Deukmejian? Do you really think you will not be stabbed by Arnold and particularly by his puppetmasters Wilson and Buffett. It does not matter whether Bustamante wins if the alternatives are only Doofus and Schwarzenkennedy. Disastrous policy is disastrous policy is disastrous policy. A vote for McClintock is, well, a vote for McClintock.

If California retains Doofus or elects Bustamante, California retains Doofus or elects Bustamante. Neither result is any worse than electing Arnold. RINOs have no right to Republican votes. Republicans have no obligation (and no business) voting for RINO disasters to replace and ameliorate the voter punishment of Demonrat disasters. If your state is being ruined, let the Demonrats ruin it and take the blame. Why have the GOP share or accept the entire blame as it will when Mr. Dilletante (Jesse Ventura lite) leaves the scene (if, as is unlikely, he is ever elected)?

Arnold is a useless Demonrat in GOP drag and about as Republican as his wife's Uncle Teddy.

[Maelstrom]

Actually, that was the reason I said "Traditional Democrat" so as to differentiate between the whackjobs currently running California and normal Democrats.

Y'all are so happy to move Left so you can call yourselves "winners".

I'm sorry, it just isn't so...when you adopt and pursue your opponent's less radical agendas, you've LOST.

[GatekeeperBookman]

Arnold has just blasted every talk show in the nation with his wonderful 'positions' on homosexuals, abortion ( baby killing ) & some funny ideas about the Bill of Rights. I really do believe he means what he says. He has serious moral problems. He does not accept our tennants of personal freedom & responsibility-he is just a bad chioce for this very high post. His wife must need to instruct him in HER religion. But I don't know any thing about this. I can't vote in California & likely am too closed-minded.

[Maelstrom]

"Who's NY's gov?"

Pataki...a liberal Republican. He and Giuliani do not often see eye-to-eye. Neither is particularly conservative.

"What is Rudy's reputation around the nation?"

I know the reality of Rudy. He didn't help Republicans here in NY. He did reduce crime by using an iron fist and incarcerating an unprecedented number of prisoners, and fining anyone else. He isn't blameless for the current NY practice of jailing people who use a firearm in self-defense.

"What's the likelihood that Dems will have to shell out big bucks to defend NY (and Calif., if Arnold's elected)?"

Damn near to zero. I'm pretty sure they'll need less than last election cycle.

You might not realize it but New York is chasing California down the tubes. Actually, I'd say we're a little farther along, but so many people voted with their feet, they're no longer as powerful a state, electorally, as to be noticed.

[MrNatural]

..You seem to assume a great deal..

Perhaps too much. I am here for discussion, not to insult others. Sorry if my comments offended you. It was not intentional.

[ElkGroveDan]

If Arnold wins, fiscal and social conservatives will find themselves mysterioulsy shut out of the Governor's mansion. They will shake their heads and wonder why, since they worked so hard for his election.

The same thing happened to those of us who worked hard to elect Wilson in 1990. It wasn't good enough for them to be able to lock us out, they left the premises to hunt us down. They destroyed the party's grassroots and made endless mischief in Republican primaries. We are still trying to recover from the damage they did.

[Maelstrom]

Don't be ridiculous.

Arnold is to the right of Riordan.