[NittanyLion]

Keep it in context. I said they are both American icons and Republican heroes. Would you argue that Arnold is an American icon? He was one far before Rudi ever became one.

Sure he is - on the big screen. Kinda the same way Julia Roberts is an American hero, I suppose. Of course that in no way qualifies either of them to represent conservatives or liberals.

What about Republican hero? I'd say he is, as the man who single-handedly saved the California Republican party.

Then you and I differ. The people of California saved the CA GOP - not any politician. It's somewhat telling, though, that your initial inclination is toward hero-worship. You've referenced it a number of times on this thread, and now you're crediting Arnold with events primarily driven by average Californians.

They are both great politicians and policy makers, but they're 100% inside baseball. The average viewer will tune in and keep watching for Arnold and Rudi. But they would keep flipping channels til they found a "reality TV" show if Owens or Santorum was speaking.

Like I said earlier, if the GOP opts to go with style over subtance, they'll be speaking volumes about the status of the party.

[Miner from upthread] Let me see if I understand this...showcasing an up-and-coming conservative at the convention and winning elections is mutually exclusive. Is that your stance?

Yep, more or less. The convention is Prime Time. It's no time to be fielding the farm league. It's the one time before the election to really reach beyond the political arena and the usual audience of true believers.

It's a shame you have so little faith in the inherent appeal of conservative values.

[counterpunch]

Sure he is - on the big screen. Kinda the same way Julia Roberts is an American hero
I said American icon. Just like Ronald Reagan was before he became a Republican hero.

Then you and I differ. The people of California saved the CA GOP - not any politician. It's somewhat telling, though, that your initial inclination is toward hero-worship.
The recall would not have passed without a strong figure to rally around. Arnold gave people confidence to vote to recall Davis. Now, you seem to be projecting my statements about public perception directly on to me regarding your comments about my "hero-worship". I understand many things, and one of those is that when an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger takes center stage a political convention, a hell of a lot more people are going to tune in. Call that hero-worship if you want. I know what puts asses on seats.

Like I said earlier, if the GOP opts to go with style over subtance, they'll be speaking volumes about the status of the party.
Isn't that what they said about Reagan?
Anyways, I'll say it once again: asses in seats.

It's a shame you have so little faith in the inherent appeal of conservative values.
I live in California.
And I'm a realist.