NYT: In California, Governor Slips From Heights

[Pirate Smile]

In California, Governor Slips From Heights
By DEAN E. MURPHY

Published: May 2, 2005

AN FRANCISCO, April 30 - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made a prediction in January in a speech proposing changes to the way public pensions are managed in California, the state budget is balanced, legislative districts are drawn and teachers are paid.

"The special interests will run TV ads calling me cruel and heartless," Mr. Schwarzenegger, a Republican, told lawmakers. "They will organize protests out in front of the Capitol. They will try to say I don't understand the consequences of these decisions."

Mr. Schwarzenegger's prediction about his detractors has come true in every respect, but so has something that he did not foresee four months ago: the larger-than-life governor has been brought down to size. His popularity has plummeted, and he has retreated on some proposals, like the ones on public employees' pensions and redistricting.

Now his Democratic opponents "see blood in the water," as one Democrat characterized the situation, and they are taking on Mr. Schwarzenegger with new determination.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/02/national/02arnold.html?hp&ex=1115006400&en=eae7839d0919fb57&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[LibDemAlways]

1. The big ass only got in through the

back door by virtue of his larger-than-life "terminator" persona. People thought they were voting for some tough guy, kick-ass movie character. Now they come to find out he's a typical repuke "bleed the little guy and hope he won't notice" politician. I look at him as a total abberation and embarrassment - think chimp on steroids - and can't wait until he's forced into political exile.

[PartyPooper]

2. Amen to that!

:-)

[renaissanceguy]

8. If only the Dems were good at

recall elections.


http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues.21272015

[pennylane100]

15. Let's hope the harassment case against him

starts soon.

The publicity surrounding it will more than hasten his political demise.

[Javaman]

17. I also find it funny that there is no longer any rumors about him...

Wanting to be prez. I have long believed that was a bizarre repuke push. Now that the failure-nator is dropping in the polls, his presidential hopes are dropping along with him.

Thank god.

[yurbud]

19. that's why the Dems have to keep kicking him all the way down the stairs

[norml]

3. Just call him The One Term-inator.

[wellst0nev0ter]

7. LOL!

Let's hope it doesn't get that far though :)

[norml]

10. Since he's finishing Davis's term Arnold's the Less Than One Term-inator.

[Wizard777]

4. Thats too bad. His movie career is over too.

Now as the Goveronator goes twisting through the air with guns blazing cutting people down. People will think, I'll bet that's what what was going through his head as he cut our benefits. As he blew away our budget. He won't even be able to get a part as an extra in a B movie about a has been washed up weight lifting actor with political asperations.

[cap]

5. hope his marriage is over too

it's about time Maria woke up

[anitar1]

6. He is Pug ulgy. n/t

[arewenotdemo]

9. but he's her "authentic self" doncha know

She made it all possible; they can go down together.

[confludemocrat]

11. Yes, it's been a pitiful spectacle watching Maria

Shriver behave like a doormat. This guy sat in on previews of what Enron planned to do to California, knowing full well they could pin the energy price disaster on Grey Davis and then ran a campaign of empy nonsense followed by an outright running con job that is running out of steam.

Go to hell Ahhnold.

[olddad56]

12. ARNOLD IS A KNUCKLE DRAGGING NEANDERTHAL NAZI GOON.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

13. "I won't be back"

We already know that Ahnuld, you empty suit mitten der bad axzent you...

[LynneSin]

14. He better hope that the White Republicans get out and vote for him

Because he's fucked with the rest of the groups

[joefree1]

16. Does Aunald "read" the New York Times?

Must of ruined his breakfast seeing todays front page. Bwahahahahahahahah.

[phantom power]

18. What's that definition of insanity?

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

They vote for an aging action movie star with no political experience, and no particular expertise in anything relevant to solving California's problems. And now they're all shocked -- shocked -- that he's not living up to their expectations.

Same thing is (finally) happening with Bush. Bush's collosal failures are a perfectly predictable extension of his entire career. But everybody is just now getting buyer's remorse? After five years?

I'm preaching to the choir.

[yurbud]

20. PHOTO: Arnold still family values candidate

[AP]

21. Art Torres: "We don't need Austrian Minutemen." Good line.