California recall: Does one man hold key? [McClintock]

Christian Science Monitor ^ | 9-25 | Christian Science Monitor

[AmericaUnited]

Tom did show a lot of class last night by not trying to beat up on his fellow Republican.

At this point, Arnold will win even with Tom in the race. Take that to the bank. For those who actually believe what they post here, you can put your money where your mouth is by wagering at the IOWA political market. I am/did.

[PeoplesRep_of_LA]

Republican candidate Tom McClintock laughs from deep in the belly when asked if he will be the "spoiler" in the great populist revolution/experiment/circus of California's gubernatorial recall election

Well I thought (Ross)nold's whole campaign was entirely based on his ability to provide "Leadership" in making "all the politicians in the Legislature work together." That Hollywood image bombed at the box office last night courtesy of Arriana's jabs and his ineffectual responses. So the only real spoiler in this is an (R)nold victory.

[Tamzee]

He is a man who stands on his word

No, he doesn't. He gave Issa his word he wouldn't be a spoiler... Absentee voting started over two weeks ago.

[pogo101]

I dunno about the Perot comparison to Schwarzenegger. At least as good a comparison can be made to McClintock:

-- getting about 17% in the polls; and
-- running as a culturally conservative alternative to "the Republican who SAID he wouldn't raise taxes," but whom many don't believe will keep his promise.

The only comparisons with Arnold that resound with me are that Arnold tends to give superficial, sound-bite answers, and that he is a wealthy, self-made man with no substantial government experience.

[ambrose]

At this point, Arnold will win even with Tom in the race. Take that to the bank. For those who actually believe what they post here, you can put your money where your mouth is by wagering at the IOWA political market. I am/did.

You act like this is a sporting event. It isn't.

[PhiKapMom]

Dan --

McClintock is on Hedgecock talking and he is coming cross as arrogant. Hedgecock giving him a chance to drop out. Now McC said you really see movement in the last 12 days of a campaign. There is no other word to describe McC except arrogant. McC said he is generating and resonating that the other races are not doing! Very little of this campaign is going to be in the media! Comparing himself to Reagan once again!

This man is delusional with all the Republicans going to Arnold. Words fail me to describe the arrogance I am hearing from McC after hearing the positive by Arnold when he was on Hannity!

[deport]

Mr. McClintock has gradually emerged as the strong, third-place vote getter in polls - rising (at 14-to-18 points) while the two leaders - fellow Republican Schwarzenegger (26 points) and Democratic Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante (28 points) - tread water.

---

Yep them 3rd place voter getters are winners everytime.... and about a dime a dozen I'd guess.........

It would be nice for them to point out which tread water polls they are using....

I guess the endorsements that are coming McClintock's way may help get him over the top.... Maybe that is the hope.

[BibChr]

Yeah. I'd compare him to Reagan, too.

Only it wouldn't be a favorable comparison.

Dan

[ambrose]

Tom did show a lot of class last night by not trying to beat up on his fellow Republican.

Tom could have sunk Arnold right then and there if he wanted to. He didn't. He's even hinted that his supporters "will know what to do" if voting for him might elect Bustamante. That's as far as he's going to go.

[massadvj]

Yep. There's Tom, serving his party

I am certain Tom McClintock never uttered the words: "I am ashamed to be a Republican."

[PhiKapMom]

Dan --

McC cares more about principles rather than winning -- said it himself. What is the point of winning if you don't stand on principles.

You should hear him on Hedgecock! He makes McCain sound reasonable!

Utterly reject the idea that conservatives should allow liberal Republicans to receive the nod in every race. He is after Wilson again -- McC said one of the worst Governors in CA.

McC -- The wilson team did more damage to this State than any other Governor in History!

[ambrose]

Perot ran a fiscally conservative, culturally liberal candidate.

[EggsAckley]

It occurs to me that Tom and Arnold have very differing agendas as to political "careers." Tom desperately wants to be governor, knowing full well that he CAN continue on to eventually try for the presidency. Arnold, OTOH, has no such opportunity. I tend to believe the NON-career-politician's (Arnold) motives more than the up-and-coming Tom (in his mind now). Arnold's right; Tom has only ever signed the BACK of the check, and god forbid he lose that "priviledged" lifestyle.

[PhiKapMom]

You know what I think of McCain -- I would have to take McCain over McC. Hedgecock: Tom McClintock just criticized a Republican Governor as one of the worst in the State. Said Reagan always pulled people together and pulled in people who would share part of his view. Reagan didn't have a litmus test for 100% agreement on the issues. Reagan said that only agreeing with one issue is was enough for him.

[ambrose]

Yep them 3rd place voter getters are winners everytime

Jesse Ventura was able to win in a shocker after consistently polling in third place.

[Tamzee]

And if Arnold weren't in the race and the left was directing their smear campaign AGAINST Tom rather than supporting him, Tom would be getting painted as the far-right Taliban to the Californian voters.

[BibChr]

Yes, that was stupid and indefensible.

So?

At least it referred to a specific incident, now past. But before and after that he was a very public Republican, in an industry which, as you know, LOATHES Republicans.

Dan

[Paloma_55]

Tom had a great opportunity last night and he blew it.

He should have stood up, stated that he believed that he was the best qualified candidate, but that Arnold was clearly a more popular candidate and qualified to be the governor, so he was bowing out and throwing his support to Arnold.

The lights were bright, he could have looked good.

[BibChr]

He makes McCain sound reasonable!

Oh no -- the ultimate insult!!

Dan

[massadvj]

But before and after that he was a very public Republican

supporting a decidedly liberal agenda.