Arnold steals show in California debate

Washington Times ^ | Thursday, September 25, 2003 | By James G. Lakely

[JohnHuang2]

Arnold Schwarzenegger flexed his muscles last night in his first California recall election debate, accusing Democratic Lt. Gov. Cruz M. Bustamante of "pulling the wool over people's eyes" and telling liberal columnist Arianna Huffington that "you need a little more decaf."

[JohnHuang2]

Thursday, September 25, 2003

Quote of the Day by Neets

[Russell Scott]

Arnold had three rail guns, two pulse rifles, and seven flash grenades. Man it was cool.

[kingu]

Tom won the debate hands down.

[Jalapeno]

I saw a live thread on DU that reported the "Green" guy won...

[KellyAdmirer]

I am watching the debate again, and Mr. Pitney's comments match my own thoughts. Arnold got very good responses to his one-liners, and the crazy leftists looked bad taking their cheap shots at him. The wild-eyed Camejo and hyper Huffington just made him look more stately. McClintock did a good job, but seemed to disappear at times during the debate. Arnold stood his ground and pretty much wrapped it up.

[novacation]

bttt

[Reagan Man]

Tom McClintock was clearly the winner, with Arnold an okay second. Bustamonte, Huffington and Camejo bringing up the rear.

Everyone going gaga over Arnold's performance last night, should take a time out and remember, he's still a liberal Republican with extreme social liberal viewpoints. And Arnold still hasn't answered questions over serious concerns raised by conservative Republicans. One debate shouldn't have convinced anyone that Arnold is the right man for the job of governor.

[pogo101]

Tom was the best of the five, but Arnold was second.

And let me just say that I REALLY CONSCIOUSLY strove to filter out my political preferences in saying that.

[nutmeg]

ping!

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent ‘miscellaneous’ ping list.

[Diplomat]

Prediction:

Yes 62%
No 38%

Arnold 41
Busta 28
McClintock 18
Arrianna 5
Peter 2
field 6

[DoughtyOne]

A certain group of people aren't going to like this, but Schwarzenegger won this debate. The job for the other players was to K.O. Schwarzenegger. They didn't do it.

Schwarzenegger provided adequate or better answers to each question. The idea that he was going to be blown out just vaporized. The canidates had their chance to put questions to him, and nothing happened but a "happy fizzies party".

I thought Tom did well, but like the writer of this article states, people expected him to do well. They didn't expect Arnold to and he did.

If your closest opponent in your own party only has half your numbers going into a contest like this, and you do an adequate or better performance, it doesn't provide a reason for voters to abandon you and switch.

Schwarzenegger wins by virtue of hanging on to what he had going in. It's over.

[GulliverSwift]

I agree with most of your comment. sadly, arnie wasn't called on to address his liberal moral views.

I'm torn between him and Tom. Whoever does drop out should be given a real position of power and influence in the winner's admin. it'd be great if that were tom but i just don't think he has the personal appeal to win.

[pogo101]

Your prediction is close to mine. Biggest difference is that I predict the Yes only to SQUEAK by over the No.

[CyberCowboy777]

Tom held back on Arnold.

Why?

[RightOnline]

They got it wrong. Arnold was pretty good, but McClintock stold the show. Hands down. FNC analysts afterward wholeheartedly agreed.

[Diplomat]

I'm a CA voter and am one of the 152,000 nonpaid petition gatherers. At least according to Tom on Hannity.

[WOSG]

That's a good sign that Cruz flopped. Greenie and Arriana were both looney.

[pogo101]

So am I -- but I only "gathered" the signature of my wife. Some activist I am.

[Diplomat]

And I had no problem bagging dems either. Red dufus is all-around unlikeable. How do u c the #s btw?

[pogo101]

How do u c the #s btw?

On the successor question, I don't differ meaningfully from your numbers. On the Recall Davis question itself, I predict 53% Yes. This is the leftists' last best chance; it sure ain't Cruz.