McClintock: 'In the race to the finish line'

CNN ^ | August 26, 2003 | CNN

[Recourse]

WASHINGTON (CNN) --With one recent poll showing actor Arnold Schwarzenegger falling behind Democratic Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante in California's gubernatorial recall race, some top Republicans are urging other GOP candidates to drop out of the race.

Businessman Bill Simon, the GOP nominee against Gov. Gray Davis last year, dropped out over the weekend. But Republican state Sen. Tom McClintock says he's in the race for good. McClintock, in Sacramento, California, spoke with CNN's Judy Woodruff on Tuesday. The following is an edited transcript.

[cyncooper]

I guess Woodruff is just another lazy dumb bottle blond info babe (albeit an aging one).

Worse than that: She is in the "Liberal Elite". Says so here.

[Those_Crazy_Liberals]

My turn to ask the questions. Why did he lose the election last year?

[Registered]

First of all, I need to know why you think McClintock is a loser.


Oh let me! Let me! Again, this is not simply a PRIMARY, this is a two-fold election, a Recall and Replacement. The majority of the voters have to be motivated enough FIRST to remove Davis. In order to do that, they need a replacement that they will find will do the job (fix the economy of CA) and best represent them in the Governor's Mansion.

Bustamante is in there ONLY because Arnold can win and the Dems need a backup punter. Heck, if Arnold wasn't running, I'd almost take a bet that Davis would keep his job and serve out his term.

[Cathryn Crawford]

I have no clue whatsoever. That's why I asked you.

[cyncooper]

I am obviously basing my comments on the transcript of his interview.

And as to your comment about "my state", I've posted before as to why this is a matter of concern to all U.S. citizens.

[Cathryn Crawford]

BTW - does this mean that you have no examples of his ineptness? Hmmm...

[Registered]

You need to look at the poll numbers. It isn't happening for TM, and it won't as long as Arnold is in the race. And Arnold isn't going anywhere.

[Those_Crazy_Liberals]

"What are your examples of his ineptness?"

Well, the more adept candidates usually garner more votes than the other guy. Tom just couldn't get the knack of that first rule of politics.

[Cathryn Crawford]

I know what sort of election it is; but you didn't answer about why you think McClintock is a loser.

[Cultural Jihad]

McClintock: 'In the race to the finish line'

This third-place spoiler needs to take a bow and back away, unless he wants to see Bustamonte elected. At least the Democrats have the common sense to field one (major) candidate.

[Cathryn Crawford]

There are plenty of smart, adept guys who have lost elections.

I need concrete examples here, and I'm not seeing them.

[LdSentinal]

My turn to ask the questions. Why did he lose the election last year?

Bill Simon. And getting outspent 5-1 in the race. Bill Simon. Did I mention Bill Simon?

[cyncooper]

a sideshow candidate who allows the media to avoid serious coverage of election

Patently false. From day one he earned the backing of several high profile Republicans, and the list continues to grow.

[Recourse]

Thanks for the correction, and totally missing the point. So instead of California having 10% more registered Democrats, they have 9.2% more. My point is still valid. A socially conservative candidate will have a very difficult time winning statewide. Reagan could not get elected today, because the state's demographics have changed so dramatically. Orange County & San Diego are not enough to tip the balance any longer.

[Those_Crazy_Liberals]

I would have expected such a rabid McClintock supporter to know a bit about his history and be able to put forth reasons why, in his case, it won't repeat itself. But then I usually bring high expectations to my discussions here. Sorry.

[w_over_w]

Hi Cathryn~

This is NOT a rhetorical question. Do you like Will Rogers? :^)

[Registered]

btw, you and I aren't that far apart. TM is pushing his agenda points, hopefully to bring Arnold out of his protective shell and make some pledges more to TM's liking (and most conservatives too). If he doesn't pull out in the next week or two, he could deliver the Governship to the Dems. Not a good thing.

[Registered]

He doesn't appeal to the majority of the voting base. His poll numbers reflect that. How's that?

[Rabid Dog]

There was nothing irrational or untruthful in his interview. And in fact, if you e-mailed him at his website and asked him about it, you would probably get a personal response. It may take a couple of weeks but you would hear from him. He's that kind of guy.

[Cathryn Crawford]

I thought you wanted a civil argument. Would you like to give me a concrete example of his ineptness?