Schwarzenegger Declines McClintock's On-Air Challenge to Debate

KXTV ^ | Sunday, September 14, 2003

[yonif]

Although they're not scheduled to formally debate until September 24, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom McClintock had the opportunity to engage in some verbal sparring Friday morning.

The hosts of the "Armstrong and Getty" talk radio program, which airs on KSTE-AM in Sacramento, orchestrated a surprise on-air confrontation between the two candidates. McClintock entered the studio during a telephone interview with Schwarzenegger, and the two had their first public conversation since the campaign began.

McClintock immediately took the offensive, asking Schwarzenegger to participate in a debate at the state Republican convention, which starts today and runs through Sunday. "We've got a Republican convention coming up this weekend, you and I are the two Republican candidates now left in the race, why don't we get together and discuss the major issues of this campaign?" said McClintock.

Schwarzenegger replied that he'd be "more than happy" to "get together" with the McClintock, but declined to participate in a debate.

Undeterred, McClintock repeated the challenge to engage in a public face-off on the issues. "Can we do that in a debate before the convention Saturday?" he said. "We're both going to be there."

Schwarzenegger again declined, but added that he would be more than happy to meet privately with McClintock to discuss the issues facing California.

McClintock extended the invitation to debate a third time, but Schwarzenegger again demurred. "We will talk about all those things, and we will have a great time at the Republican convention," he said, just before ending the phone call.

[Kevin Curry]

Arnold doesn't have to work for votes. He's entitled. Republican women want to have his children.

Why spoil a good thing?

[Fred Mertz]

Arnold looks good, plus he has an (r) after his name, why debate?

[joesnuffy]

Smart move, as there is no sense in removing all doubt.

[Kevin Curry]

We could sic the spelling police on you. But we won't.

This thread is harmless. It just didn't start out the way you wanted it to. The other thread is buried and forgotten, and you would just as soon see it kept swept under the rug.

[stboz]

Arnold is playing the Clinton game. He says we need a change.

Okay, a change to what? Clinton never ever did say what kind of change he would bring about.

[Brimack34]

If I were Arnold I would not debate that punk. Just go away little man I am a star.

[KellyAdmirer]

I'm glad to see the McClintock folks here busy lowering expectations for Arnold in the upcoming debate. Thanks guys! We could now use a few potshots about how he speaks with an accent, how he is an empty suit, how he isn't a real Republican, how McClintock is a better debater than Stephen Douglas, blah blah blah blah blah.....

[Roscoe]

McClintock immediately took the offensive, asking Schwarzenegger to participate in a debate at the state Republican convention

Arnold squealed in fear?

[Roscoe]

I'm glad to see the McClintock folks here busy lowering expectations for Arnold in the upcoming debate.

What debate? The cue card reading contest?

[Holden Magroin]

Arnold Schwarzenkennedy thinks the public is stupid and that he can run out the clock by just repeating a bunch of one-liners from his movies. He has refused to take a position on racial quotas, he has refused to take a no-tax pledge, and he has refused to debate. He is in favor of more homosexual rights, more gun control, more spending on feel-good social programs, more taxes, and more racial bean-counting. In short, he is Gray Davis with an Austrian accent.

Those who started this recall have forgotten why it was they started it. This recall is about changing philosophies, not parties. If Arnold is elected, it will be the liberals who will have won the recall battle.

[Happy2BMe]

Arhnuld's reluctance to debate Mac reflects fear of being exposed by what?

In this day and time, nations rise and fall on shallow integrity, surface decisions, weak values, and flawed character.

Why should Californica be any different?

[Kevin Curry]

I support McClintock, but I think he should sell his political stock before it's worthless.

To "sell his political stock" to advance a Schwarzenegger candidacy would be to sell out fundamental conservative principles for the sake of raw power.

McClintock is a better man than that.

If Arnold wants to win, let him sweat and work for the votes.

[Kevin Curry]

Let me guess: you want to have Arnold's love chiid too.

[NormsRevenge]

keyword .. Chickenegger :-\


LMAO

[Roscoe]

If Arnold wants to win, let him sweat and work for the votes.

He won't. He'll lose.

[Happy2BMe]

"He is in favor of more homosexual rights, more gun control, more spending on feel-good social programs, more taxes, and more racial bean-counting."

You just described the political fabric of 95% of every Californican.

[Kevin Curry]

That's right. He just wants the votes handed to him. He's Arnold--the bedroom fantasy of ten thousand giggling middle-aged women.