Help me, I'm melting!
Posted on 09/11/2003 1:09:52 AM PDT by kattracks
In a candid talk with NewsMax.com, U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., Arnold Schwarzenegger’s longtime friend, emphasizes what he perceives as the real significance of the unique recall race in that embattled, cash-strapped state:
“The liberal Democrats here represent a real Tammany Hall,” he grieves. “Davis and Bustamante are the puppeteers of the liberal left machine.”
Rohrabacher goes on to explain to NewsMax that he and his fellow Republican U.S. House members in California are by circumstance “immersed” in California politics:
“We know that we must find a way to grow the party in California. Arnold is opening up the dialogue. He is showing a lot of folks that’s its cool to be a Republican in the state. He’s attractive to young Hispanics.”
When asked by NewsMax if his touted 20-year friendship wasn’t coloring his enthusiasm, he admits: “I would call it an acquaintance relationship rather than friendship. I would not really be comfortable in calling him up socially.”
“We’ve talked more on substantive issues rather than personal matters,” Rohrabacher adds. “He has been to my house in Washington for dinner; we’ve had breakfast together in California. He’s been out to my district. I was on the movie set with him – ‘Terminator II.’”
Rohrabacher admits that his affinity for Arnold comes not so much from long acquaintance but rather “from my calculation of what’s good for California.”
“Arnold’s not perfect, but he’s our best choice as a governor with a good conservative philosophy. I agree with him 75 to 80 percent of the time,” he adds.
So why not support steadfast Republican state senator Tom McClintock, Schwarzenegger’s competitor in the race?
Backing the Front-Runner
“I agree with Tom’s viewpoints 100 percent – whereas I disagree with Arnold, as I say, about 25 percent of the time on issues. However, a vote for McClintock will only result in the Davis regime in California continuing.”
You’ve been accused of being an apologist for Mr. Schwarzenegger on your various appearances on Fox and CNN. For instance, you explained Arnold’s reticence to debate to Fox recently:
“By going on talk radio shows and by going out and meeting the people, he actually gets more of a dialogue, and people get to know what he feels more than he does by lining up with six or seven other people.
“When he came to my city in Huntington Beach, for example, he met with about 20 different businessmen just there for an hour, listening to their points of view and having a back-and-forth. That’s much more valuable time than, for example, lining up with these eight other candidates.”
How do you feel about this apologist label?
“I accept that; there’s a good reason for that,” the congressman replies. Rohrabacher goes on to talk about Warren Buffett’s “stupid” comments on California’s Proposition 13 (that puts a ceiling on property taxes), from which he quickly advised the star to distance himself.
“Arnold has substantial convictions,” Rohrabacher continues. “It’s not gotten a lot of play in the press, but about four years ago he agreed to back my school voucher initiative. Now, granted, his support has now gone to more a choice among public schools …
“With Arnold it’s all about his good gut instincts. I know Arnold; he’s not about finding new ways to tax citizens.”
How about other Republican members of the U.S. House from California?
“Don’t know of anyone that has endorsed McClintock. Everyone I know is behind Arnold.”
Disavowing any polls that indicate that the momentum for the recall itself is waning, Rohrabacher steadfastly maintains it’s still at about 60 percent in favor. “The recall will win handily,” he notes with conviction.
As to Arnold’s personal momentum: “One-third of Californians support him right off.” The challenge is to “go higher” by attracting the McClintock supporters, for instance. “They have to come on.”
Arnold’s appeal is not coming from the details but from his basic approach, Rohrabacher instructs. “He’s clearly not a big-government man. He’s unabashedly pro-business, a low-tax guy. As to the details, they will get worked out as things go along – after he is in the governor’s mansion.”
Meanwhile, Rohrabacher, the self-admitted apologist, says he hasn’t bothered to defend Arnold about the current crop of womanizing charges: “No one cares about his formerly wild personal life before getting married.”
Editor's Note:
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Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
California Governor's Race
Help me, I'm melting!
Perhaps you have genuine frustration, but venting it on Arnold supporters will do you no good, and may do some harm by alienating the very people you are trying to convince. I know I respond better to thoughtful people who make their own position know, comment about some news or theme, and then leave me alone to make up my own mind.
And there is no reason to turn every post into a campaign speech, we know how the McClintock supporters feel, that is not something that is hidden here.
As you are new, I am just giving you some pointers from over the years, do not mean to lecture or talk down or whatever. You are under attack, some of these thoughts may help.
Well, we definitely do disagree on that. I have changed political opinions at times without being challenged. I don't need people to tell me "the truth." People fighting with me tend to make me dig in my heels and dislike them. Maybe I'm unusual that way.
I think the media plays into this politics-of-confrontation theory. I can't stand the talking head shows with people fighting each other and playing one-upsmanship. It's part of the whole breakdown in civility that disturbs me, but it must be a good way to generate ratings else they wouldn't do it.
Well, there you go. I think many folks resent being asked directly to "justify themselves." That is what causes a lot of hurt feelings. Generally, I think the better way to see how people "justify themselves" is to look at the arguments they make in support of their candidates. There, they reveal their justifications. There are plenty of those everywhere on this forum, you can't make a move without tripping over them.
Good luck here, I am hopefully you will be a valuable contributor as you join us in supporting President Bush's re-election next year. ;)
The Whigs and the Federalists are the predecessors of the GOP. Both went under when they refused to pay attention to the issues of the general public in favor of the monetary desires of their respective elites. If you like, you can also try to explain in terms of ISSUES not horse races, why McClintock, in your estimation is a Whig.
I would challenge and even dare you to find one shred of evidence that I've ever posted anything on DU. I've been a Republican for over 20+ years and have faithfully voted the Republican ticket when there were true conservatives running. What I have never done is to abdicate my personal responsibility to stand for what is RIGHT, both morally and politically, unlike you and your fellow sell-outs.
I don't know how old you are, but I'm willing to bet your mother doesn't know you play on the computer.
Put up or shut up.
***Ash Alert!!!***
ahh yesss... the good ole days...
;)
OK, if longevity is pedigree, look at how long I've been here. Now, let me ask you the questions, since you will answer from a LONG-TIME member...right?
How is he not a liberal?
Don't dodge this like you dodged ambrose's questions. How is he not a liberal? Is his support for killing babies proof that he's not a liberal? His refusal to promise not to raise taxes? His opposition to proposition 54? Do those things prove he's not a liberal?
How is he not a liberal?
Now let me add...he has a Campaign advisor, Bonnie Reiss, she has long promoted liberal environmentalism through the entertainment industry, as well as the ENTIRE Klu Kennedy Klan working for him...do you see THIS as a problem, or a bonus?
Also he's squishy, if not downright HOSTILE, to ANY Illegal Infiltrator reforms, or cutting off the flow of MexiCali tax $$$ to the Illegals.
Are these the position that MexiCali Conservatives are supposed to jump for joy over?
Breathlessly waiting for your answers...
GRACIAS, TOMAS.
I feel very sorry for the people of CA. It will take a lot of pain to fix the bussiness exodus. If R-nold or McClintock wins they would likely face recall within a year. I don't think either one can win. If McClintock quits the race the right wing will not bother to vote and Davis will not be removed. If R-Nold quit the race the center will not vote for McClintock and Cruz wins. This was a lose lose situation from the start and Republicans should wake up to the fact that Davis and the rat party in CA are smarter politicians than any CA Republicans like Issa and Simon. The Republican party will succeed without CA, because it has too. The Stupid party is dead in CA. Nothing but a bunch of fruitcakes running the show in CA.
Oh, you think you are big enough to make me, you little wimp? Come on. Come over here and make me. I dare you. - Pete Stark
That "fruitcake" thing was priceless ;-)
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