INTERACTIVE SOUND
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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
Maybe they are just insane.
Wouldn't you love it if the interviewer immediately put Rohrbacher on the spot and asked: "What are the positions on which you agree with Schwarzenegger 75 to 80 percent of the time, Congressman Rohrbacher? Be specific."
He'd freeze up like a deer in headlights. I've asked this question over and over and over again on this forum, and the Arnold Groupies either ignore the question or lash out with personal attacks against either Senator McClintock or myself. Amazing.
You are dying of thirst. You can get a half gallon of water easily. Instead you get no water at all and die because you insisted on a full gallon of water or nothing.
Hey, I don't think much of Schwarzenegger, as personally I am to the Right of McClintock. I think McClintock is a Whig fool.
People are so dumb that they think politics is about what they LIKE!!! About what they WANT!!! Get over it! Grow up! Take reality seriously!
Nice anology.
It gets even worse when someone is trying to poison the half gallon that you do have available.
What 25% do you disagree with? I can't find even 10% on which I can agree with him on.
How can anyone honestly say that they agree with Tom's viewpoints 100% but only disagree with 25% of Arnold's?
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(To over simplify!)
Bears repeating.
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