Ahhhh nold
August 6, 2003 6:02 PM   Subscribe

It's official Arnold Schwarzenegger is running for governor of CA
posted by bitdamaged (77 comments total)
 
In a dark room in the back of the Governor's Mansion, a scrawny man begins lifting weights.
posted by planetkyoto at 6:10 PM on August 6, 2003


Cry havok and set loose the....whatever, this shit's just too weird. I want to see Arnold debate Gary Coleman.
posted by m@ at 6:11 PM on August 6, 2003


aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahhaha

hahahahahahaha

ahahahahhahhahahaha

ahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahah

that is all
posted by delmoi at 6:18 PM on August 6, 2003


I'm still voting for Larry Flynt.
posted by Potsy at 6:21 PM on August 6, 2003


More on Gary Coleman's run here
posted by G_Ask at 6:22 PM on August 6, 2003


I've fallen through the looking glass and I can't get up.
posted by billsaysthis at 6:26 PM on August 6, 2003


Somehow I missed the frontpage. Sorry for the twice post.
posted by G_Ask at 6:27 PM on August 6, 2003


Arnold vs Ahnold! Yes. That is a debate I would watch on Cspan.


and oh yeah,

RecallFilter
posted by CunningLinguist at 6:28 PM on August 6, 2003


How fun is this?
posted by callmejay at 6:43 PM on August 6, 2003


"Vote for me if you want to live."
(suggested by Dirgy)
posted by eddydamascene at 6:49 PM on August 6, 2003


To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!

That's A Campaign I Can Get Behind Of...
posted by Dreamghost at 6:49 PM on August 6, 2003


When will people learn? Democracy doesn't work!

</Homer>
posted by Johnny Assay at 6:49 PM on August 6, 2003


Maybe someone should make a Recall pool. Like a dead pool, but people bet on who will enter the race before its too late.

...

Aw, shit. ARE there any people left?
posted by tittergrrl at 6:51 PM on August 6, 2003


"That Schwartzenegger is out there! He can't be bargained with! He can't be reasoned with! He doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And he absolutely will not stop, ever, until he is governor!"
posted by sacre_bleu at 6:55 PM on August 6, 2003


My big toe (on the left foot) has just announced it's intentions. As for experience in California politics, it once stepped by San Fran City Hall. Asked about being such an outsider, it was quoted as saying "everyone loves an underdogtoe."
posted by moonbird at 7:00 PM on August 6, 2003


And you though there was low expectations for Dubya at the Presidential Debates in 2000.
posted by gyc at 7:07 PM on August 6, 2003


Actually, now thinking about it, does Rob Palillo (who played Arnold Horshack on Welcome Back Kotter) live in California?

And hell, Pat Morita is still in California as far as I know. And he's a native!

Arnold v. Arnold v. Arnold v. Arnold!

You can't go wrong.
posted by tittergrrl at 7:12 PM on August 6, 2003


There was a great picture on F***p*** the other day entitled 'Governers?' that showed Jesse Ventura, Arnold, and the Predator.

I for one would vote for the Predator over Arnold, if only to witness the ensuing carnage.
posted by GriffX at 7:17 PM on August 6, 2003


Actually, now thinking about it, does Rob Palillo (who played Arnold Horshack on Welcome Back Kotter) live in California?

No one is going to vote for a man who got beat up by screech.
posted by Gary at 7:40 PM on August 6, 2003




oh, washed up hollywood actors what would we do without you?

did arnold ever admit to taking roids?
posted by shadow45 at 8:08 PM on August 6, 2003


He's getting my vote. I'm sorry, but Davis has fucked the state. Arnold just might be different enough to promote some changes........
posted by ericdano at 8:15 PM on August 6, 2003


Welcome to the Bizarre Show
posted by CunningLinguist at 8:25 PM on August 6, 2003


Wasn't Italy once like this?
posted by moonbiter at 8:47 PM on August 6, 2003


ericdano, you're an idiot.
posted by jonson at 8:54 PM on August 6, 2003


Or in other words ericdano you are going to take my vote from last year. Thanks! I appreciate it. Did you even vote last time or are you like Arnold, couldn't be bothered. Pathetic.
posted by filchyboy at 9:27 PM on August 6, 2003


Vote with a bullet.
posted by sharksandwich at 9:40 PM on August 6, 2003


So this means there won't be a terminator4 ?
He says he'll be back in the end of t3...
How can they vote for a guy who lies?
posted by Fupped Duck at 9:43 PM on August 6, 2003


ericdano, you're an idiot.

co-signed.
posted by joedan at 9:44 PM on August 6, 2003


Let's hear all the right wing blowhards talk about celebrities who shouldn't get into politics! Hello?
posted by McBain at 10:44 PM on August 6, 2003


Let's hear all the right wing blowhards talk about celebrities who shouldn't get into politics! Hello?


Right wing blowhard here. I haven't heard anyone say that celebrities shouldn't get into politics. I think they shouldn't automatically assume that their opinions are important just because of their celebrity status, but hey, if they want to run for public office and put their money where their mouth is, all the more power to them. I really couldn't care less about California.
posted by gyc at 11:10 PM on August 6, 2003


I really couldn't care less about California

Yeah, it's only the most populous state in the Union, home to three of the top 10 metro areas & the fifth largest economy in the world. I can't imagine why anyone would care that it's being run by an ex-weightlifter with no political experience. Governor seems like a perfect entry level position, frankly.
posted by jonson at 11:23 PM on August 6, 2003


TotalRecallFilter
posted by The God Complex at 11:31 PM on August 6, 2003


His father was a member of the Nazi party.

He's actually won awarda for promoting Holocaust awareness.

'Roids.

Well, now Californians will have a chance to claim that their Governor can beat up your Governor.

No experience. Period.

True, but there have been plenty of governors who enter office w/o political experience.

Rumors of infidelity.

A minus, but I doubt Californians care much about that.

He's married to a Kennedy.

no argument

His politics are mixed, he's a pro-choice, pro-gays rights Reagenite.

That's a minus? Sounds like my kind of candidate. Very moderate. I think that'll be a plus.

He speaks like he has a gumball in his mouth and isn't very personable.

He's still better at public speaking than Dubya.

Lastly, he's seen as another celebrity in the recall circus. He may be the main act, but its still a circus.

Yeah, but he's got name recognition, which is very important in this crowded field.
posted by gyc at 12:10 AM on August 7, 2003


Only in America.
posted by influx at 1:04 AM on August 7, 2003


the fifth largest economy in the world.

Well, in terms of GSP, very possibly, though the last couple of years haven't been so good for the Golden State. What's funny, though, is that such data ought to be used to praise Gray Davis, not bury him.

Still, since it's silly season in California, I hope that when the journalists get back from their holidays, one or two of them will ask Ahhhhhrrnuld just exactly what he would have done had he faced the power crisis: one of the most successful wealth redistributions from taxpayers to Republican-friendly corporations in American history.
posted by riviera at 1:16 AM on August 7, 2003


this is costing something like $20 million

it's actually about three times that, which may become a potent argument for the Davis forces.
posted by CunningLinguist at 4:18 AM on August 7, 2003


Larry "Hustler" Flynt ... had a movie made about him, a big more dignified than being an actor if you ask me.

But then so did Nixon.
posted by rory at 4:35 AM on August 7, 2003


It's funny as hell (I'm not American)

..But Arnie's got a pretty good business head on those musclebound shoulders - his career is evidence enough of that.

(And doesn't he have some sort of business/economics degree too? And he's founded a couple of companies too, right? And he's certainly way more in touch with public opinion than most politicians.. Looking at it that way he doesn't seem such a bad choice.)
posted by cell at 5:01 AM on August 7, 2003


It's funny as hell (I'm not American)

Yeah, I was thinking about how the Americans had missed out on the quirky wonders of the British by-election. Now they get to experience it in all its glory.
posted by riviera at 5:18 AM on August 7, 2003


The USA: Taking a club to the cowering seal of democracy.
posted by i_cola at 6:00 AM on August 7, 2003


And he's founded a couple of companies too, right?
What, like Planet Hollywood? That was a great endeavor.

If he's any sorts of sensible, he will surround himself with good advisors who will do the bulk of the work while he parades around at PR venues like the grinning neanderthal he's made a bundle playing throughout his career.
posted by macadamiaranch at 6:02 AM on August 7, 2003


Damn, I meant this link: all hail Tarquin Fintimlinbinwhinbimlim Bus Stop Poontang Poontang Ole Biscuit-Barrel (Silly Party).
posted by riviera at 6:08 AM on August 7, 2003


Arnold vs Ahnold! Yes. That is a debate I would watch on Cspan.

Whatchoo talkin' bout, Schwarzenegger?!
posted by jonmc at 6:16 AM on August 7, 2003


No one should be voting for that asshole. He uses his fame and power to get away with groping and harassing women.
posted by ursus_comiter at 7:05 AM on August 7, 2003


at least Ventura has a military record and previous experience in the running his own radio show of sorts

actually, Ventura was also a mayor

could one argue that Schwarzenegger has any real previous work experience whatsoever?

arnold has a production company that puts on various events, including the arnold classic -- a major bodybuilding, fitness and strength competition. He's also written several best-selling books on bodybuilding.

Not to mention that little movie career of his that has grossed $1,615,249,630 (so far).

I still wouldn't vote for him but I would never belittle his accomplishments.
posted by probablysteve at 7:36 AM on August 7, 2003


i_cola: The USA: Taking a club to the cowering seal of democracy.

To what are you referring, i_cola? It's not like you live anywhere where you'd know anything about it...
posted by JollyWanker at 7:57 AM on August 7, 2003


Well that
posted by GhostintheMachine at 8:16 AM on August 7, 2003


(cool... what the hell happened to the rest of my post? It looked fine in preview...)

Well that's ridiculous! Imagine an actor with no political experience becoming Governor of California. Where will this foolishness end?
posted by GhostintheMachine at 8:17 AM on August 7, 2003


I'm not overly fond of Arnold's politics, but even I have to admit that he has been active in republican party politics since Bush Administration I.
posted by KirkJobSluder at 8:20 AM on August 7, 2003


Arnie won't make it to the White House unless he terminates the Constitution. You have to be US-born to be president, don't you?
posted by rory at 8:24 AM on August 7, 2003


No experience. Period.

Oh, I definitely consider this a plus. We don't need anymore career politicians in office. 90% of them are corrupt and self-serving.
posted by eas98 at 8:56 AM on August 7, 2003


I don't know that Arnold is the best candidate (and I agree this is a circus), but I think there's an important question here: What kinds and what levels of experience are really important in a candidate for public office? I think there are some, but I don't think previous "political" experience is the right gauge.
posted by namespan at 9:07 AM on August 7, 2003


JW: I'm poking fun at recent electoral incidents in the US. Y'know, the whole Florida thing, the millions it takes to fund a campaign for NYC mayor and now this whole California recall thing.

Anyhow, what has where I live got to do with it? Have I lost all ability to know things based on my residence? Damned mind-control rays!
posted by i_cola at 9:10 AM on August 7, 2003


He seemed very smug in his speech yesterday, laughing about how he's rich so he will have nothing to gain from special interest groups. While it may be true and could be a good thing, he seemed interested in only running California the way that he wants to and doesn't much care what others think. I could be reading too much into it, but that's the impression I was left with.

There's also a distinct difference between his speech and his ability to field questions. This is probably a mixture of his possible discomfort with English and his being used to reading from scripts. Could be a problem for him campaign wise when he strays from rehearsed statements (of course, this is true for many politicians).

On preview:What kinds and what levels of experience are really important in a candidate for public office? I think there are some, but I don't think previous "political" experience is the right gauge.

I do think that some "political" experience per se is desirable. Working in local politics I've seen a great many ex-corporate people try to enter and fail pretty miserably. Just a basic fundamental knowledge of the ins and outs of the logistics of politics is necessary and can take quite a bit of time to learn. And running a State is extremely more difficult than running a County. Plus, you very rarely see businesses take people with little to no business experience and stick them in as CEO or some similar position. At least, not unless they are just a figurehead.

As KirkJobSluder says though, Arnold's been involved in some form or fashion for quite some time. The extent of this participation and the knowledge that he has outside of campaigns is difficult to pinpoint. Needless to say, though, I was just talking politics in general.

Plus, he pronounces it "Curryfornia".
posted by Ufez Jones at 9:21 AM on August 7, 2003


Cruz Bustamante's website appears to have been defaced (or replaced).
posted by ~rschram at 10:03 AM on August 7, 2003


>A minus, but I doubt Californians care much about that.

*big minus* This is politics afterall. Don't cheat on your wife, it might get you impeached. Also, coming from a Republican it ruins the whole Xtian family/morality card they love to play.


Which would be a big plus for everyone.

I dunno, it makes a farce of american politics, but then you fuckers had a senile B-movie actor as president for 8 years. Ahnald's AAA material, and he's not going any further than Govenor without some serious constitutional malarkey.
posted by inpHilltr8r at 12:37 PM on August 7, 2003



posted by kindall at 12:54 PM on August 7, 2003


he has been active in republican party politics since Bush Administration I.
Hasn't Arnold worked with the last 4 administrations, his Presidential youth fitness programs.
posted by thomcatspike at 12:54 PM on August 7, 2003


No one should be voting for that asshole. He uses his fame and power to get away with groping and harassing women.

Yeah...
posted by gyc at 1:44 PM on August 7, 2003


Hot off the presses: Lt. Gov Governor Cruz Bustamante running now

Lest we forget:

Bustamante used the "n" word Friday at the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists' annual awards dinner and scholarship fund-raiser. The lieutenant governor says it was a mortifying mistake and he meant to use the word Negro. (1,2)
posted by eddydamascene at 2:20 PM on August 7, 2003


Hey, maybe he'll shake up the world a little bit. I'm so sick of career politicians that I'm happy somebody, anybody is giving it a run.

Hollywood PR machine versus the political PR machine.

I'm getting popcorn.
posted by Yossarian at 2:27 PM on August 7, 2003


Yep, GYC, Clinton's a big asshole too.
posted by ursus_comiter at 2:30 PM on August 7, 2003


I'm getting popcorn. I'm with you after looking at the commenters' locations in this thread and the arguments.
posted by thomcatspike at 4:07 PM on August 7, 2003


He's a moderate, a Republican married to a Democrat.
His last political campaign was for after-school programs funding (which passed).
He is business-savvy, witness his continued success even with flops like The 6th Day.
He is media-savvy, his announcement to run for governor was professionally handled to maximize his star power.

And most importantly, Californians love him.
posted by linux at 4:41 PM on August 7, 2003


With so many candidates on the ballot, this election will come down to who the most people have heard of -- there is no chance whatsoever that anyone will learn enough about the various candidates' platforms to make an informed decision -- and I think Arnold has an excellent chance of winning on this basis.

This is what unfettered democracy looks like, folks... %)
posted by kindall at 5:55 PM on August 7, 2003


He's a moderate, a Republican married to a Democrat.

he also a pig and an adulterer - Ipersonally know a woman who lives about 8 blocks from me who arnold had his way with while in minnesota filming "jingle all the way" and married to his scary "democrat" wife.

what a piece of sh*t.
posted by specialk420 at 8:11 PM on August 7, 2003


Good thing he's not my moral compass and just a person who could possibly get the state of California back on track.
posted by linux at 8:23 PM on August 7, 2003


keep dreaming linux - your hero george bush, the republican party. their policies - deregulation, tax cuts, enron etc... are the reason california and many of our states are in dire financial trouble.
posted by specialk420 at 8:36 PM on August 7, 2003


he also a pig and an adulterer - I personally know a woman who lives about 8 blocks from me who arnold had his way with

Luckily for him, he's basically immune to attacks on that issue from Democrats.
posted by kindall at 8:44 PM on August 7, 2003


great guys you republicans come up with - first a former crook who finances the whole debacle - and now has been asked to step aside by someone... for reasons unknown (nice tears issa), now a philandering meathead, - and a former drunk, cokehead, and utter failure in almost every aspect of life until politics rubbing his hands in glee that the circus in calfornia has distracted attention from his trainwreck of a presidency and lies about iraq. you all must be proud.
posted by specialk420 at 9:06 PM on August 7, 2003


I wonder if anyone is going to bring up his long time substance abuse issue. (In other words the whole time he was a pro body-builder)

How do you get around the fact that he chronically used illegal drugs.
posted by bitdamaged at 9:50 PM on August 7, 2003


I've fallen through the looking glass and I can't get up.

Amen, billsaysthis.
posted by jokeefe at 1:05 AM on August 8, 2003


He's a reformed addict. That'll garner some sympathy. "Look at all he's been able to do after getting over his drug abuse problem!" they'll say. If they say anything at all.

My prediction: With Bustamante and Garamendi breaking ranks with the Democrats, they'll end up screwing Davis's chances and give Ahnold the vote. Just you wait and see. Austrian Arnold is going to be Gov. of one of the most powerful states in the country. Fucking crazy, but we totally deserve this shit.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 1:13 AM on August 8, 2003


You're hilarious, specialk240.
I itemed what Arnold may bring in to this particular election, and you come up with this idea that I'm a rabid right-wing Republican.

FYI, I voted for Davis, and I take full responsibility for my actions.
And since you brought it up, no, I didn't vote for Bush, I opposed his tax cuts and I am appalled at his domestic policy.

As for California, I support raising car vehicle fees in California to pre-dot-com levels as per the fine line when it was first dropped; and I voted yes for Arnold's after-school programs funding though it has never received a single red cent because of the current economic crisis.

How about you actually address the issues at stake here, and acknowledge that the man, while not experienced in government, has a sense of leadership and can assemble a team that DOES have the experience necessary where under his ability to inspire we can get this state back on track?

And if you disagree with me, then please cite your reasons concerning the problem at hand and not on how mean Arnold in person.

Oh, and this just in, Bustamante and Garamendi DID break ranks. Davis is screwed.
posted by linux at 10:25 AM on August 8, 2003


The media is covering every move he makes, giving him far more exposure than his opponents by doing so. It looks to me like the media is going to get him elected.
posted by homunculus at 12:11 PM on August 8, 2003


...and then they'll eat him alive.

hopes, prays...
posted by inpHilltr8r at 6:19 PM on August 9, 2003


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