That was the case since the beginning.
That is outright false.
The majority of Schwarzenegger supporters, especially at the beginning, expressed respect, and some even admiration, for McClintock. On the other hand some TM supporters have said flat out that they would rather have Bustamante than Schwarzenegger.
I think the correct analysis of these numbers showing head to head match ups show that the only winners possible (if the recall passes) are Bustamante or Schwarzenegger. The numbers show a head to head with McClintock/Bustamante would result in a win for Bustamante similar in margin to Davis over Simon.
You don't get it. You're being used. I posted the following this morning:
Howard Kaloogian, Chairman of the Recall Gray Davis Committee and long-time conservative activist, reports that several phone calls to the White House resulted in mocking conversations.
“Not interested,” said the political types. “Let Davis slowly twist in the wind. It’ll make our job easier in ’04.”
Rove was against this recall all along. He and Parsky probably put up Arnold is to split the conservative GOP vote and our "moderates" fell for it. That alone would explain the bizarre behavior of Mr. Schwarzenegger; i.e., he doesn't want to BE governor (and who could blame him). Under that scenario he's just having some fun messing with the conservatives he hates (which fits his personality perfectly; as a body builder his trademark was messing with the heads of his competition). He's got company in the White House!