[EllaMinnow]

This type of social conservative--guys doing what they think is right because they think it is right--is precisely the sort of man that President Bush has shown incredible skill in using to make America better. Our Texan President, our proudly Cowboy President, does not demand that anyone agree with him on every issue. In fact, such silly boys can be skimmed off the corporate boards of a hundred big companies.

[DoctorZIn]

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[dangus]

"I AM VERY LIBERAL ON SOCIAL ISSUES"-- ARNOLD SCHWARTZENEGGER

[Princeliberty]

Arnold is not a phony?! Neither is Bill Clinton
or Jesse Jackson I take it.

Arnold can't even take a position without it
being written out for him after lots of polling.

Arnold all about Hollywood and it fakeness.

By the way, you can live however you wish but
if you are pro-abortion, pro special rights for gays
etc... you are not a social conservative.
Being a social conservative is believing the right
thing and living it!

So neither Carter nor Arnold are social conservatives.

Even Arnold says he is a social liberal!

[x]

Yes and no. It's possible to be a social or cultural conservative without being a determined free marketeer. There have been Democrats who were social conservatives, particularly in the rank and file.

One could respond that big government and the welfare state inevitably threaten traditional cultural values. But it's also been argued that globalization, commercialism, and corporate power likewise threaten social and cultural traditions.

The question of just what "social conservatism" is, has to be a live question, not a matter of partisan dogma. British debates over just how "socially conservative" Thatcher and Blair are reflect the complexities of the topic.

And a tolerant respect for those traditions that make it possible for us to work together and keep society going also has to be included in "social conservatism." The author has a laudable respect for institutional traditions and social concord that many who are more activist and determined in their political views neglect.

But being "social conservative" has to mean more than being a good mixer or a faithful spouse. Someone who is "personally opposed to abortion" but committed to a "woman's right to choose" isn't really a social conservative, as the word is understood in contemporary America. Someone who encourages or winks at immorality can't be a "social conservative" according to the established understanding either.

It's not necessary to persecute those whose practices deviate from the norm. I wouldn't regard that as a part of "social conservativism." But one does have to uphold moral standards in one's own life and recognize their importance in the public sphere.

There are personally decent and personally corrupt figures in public life. The former are preferable by far. But some of our recent social troubles can be attributed to personally moral people who failed to uphold public standards.

Our language ought to reflect the fact that in addition to the public morality of fiscal integrity and the purely private morality of one's own sexual conduct, there are social and familial mores that public figures ought to promote, encourage and defend. The author's language doesn't recognize this sphere.

Arnold may be a decent guy and a good family man, but calling him a "social conservative" tends to rob the expression of meaning. things a little, one can imagine John Kerry or Hillary Clinton qualifying as "social conservative" under the author's definition, and when you reach that point, there's no point in using the expression at all.

[RnMomof7]

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a social conservative, despite much rhetoric to the contrary

LOL ohh yea

Strong supporter of the second amendment. (Aug 29)
Support Brady Bill; assault weapon ban; safety locks. (Aug 29)
Close the gun show loophole. (Aug 28)
I'm for gun control; I'm a peace-loving guy. (Aug 18)

Favors: Domestic partnership

Strongly Favors: Supports gay rights, including adoption rights

Strongly Favors: Supports current family planning programs

Favors: Pro-choice; not a cultural conservative

[fightu4it]

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a Social Conservative

Hands down, the stupidist statement I have ever seen here on FR.

[ladyinred]

I must say that after listening to him on a talk show this morning from Sacramento, I am more impressed than I was before. McClintock was scheduled right after him and the hosts decided ahead of time with Tom to ambush Arnold with a question about debating. Arnold handled himself very well after being blindsided by Tom. He is able to maintain his dignity and control under fire. The media left out his response that they were debating in just a few days reporting only that he declined. He was a perfect gentleman.

[Tamzee]

Thanks for the great article, ma'am... hope your injuries are healing well?

Looks like this was quite the brawl ;-)

[EGPWS]

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a Social Conservative

Brought to you by the people who see 2 political forces in this country..."The Far Right Wing fanatics" and "The level headed Centrists"!

[MrLeRoy]

even when Giuliani supports abortion or Powell supports affirmative action, they can do so looking you straight in the eye with a polygraph examiner unable to detect a hint of spin in their answers.

Honest about baby-killing = social conservative? Not on this planet.