Can Schwarzenegger Be the GOP's Cameron?

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If you think that Reagan governed from the center, then you are gravely mistaken. You think supply-side, trickle down economics is a center-right policy? How about "peace through strength"? Yes, on some issues (such as Social Security), Reagan did seek political compromise, but on many of his other proposals (economics, foreign policy, taxes, defense spending) he was squarely conservative.

Chris of AZ 12:03PM May 21, 2008

Leading commentators on the California budget mess have a rebranding idea for Schwarzenegger: EX-GOVERNOR. Google "Dan Walters" and "Sacramento Bee" or "Daniel Weintraub" and "Sacramento Bee".
The judgment of citizens in California is that Schwarzenegger has been a massive failure as governor and his image is turning into something worse, if you can imagine it. He's gaining the reputation of as something of a joke, a lightweight, a fraud -- a man of gimmicks.
And that fact that he commutes almost daily on a private jet from Sacramento to Los Angeles while pushing legislation increasing taxes and regulations on the family car in order to "end global warming" makes most folks think the biggest warming problem in California is the evident over heating of Schwarzenegger's soft brain tissue.

PrestoPundit of CA 1:20AM May 21, 2008

Word on the street here in Hollywood is Arnold has found the process of governing the ungovernable extremely frustrating and has no aspirations beyond the Governor's office. Good or bad? I'm not sure.
As to the guy who's angry at him for governing from the center, Heard Fareed Zacharia on the radio today making an excellent point about redistricting making seats so safe that the only pressure comes from the extremes of both parties, so now our lawmakers govern from the extremes in, rather than from the center out (which was Reagan's approach, let's remember). I think he's got a good point. Governing from the extremes has wasted a lot of time and created a lot on unnecessary ill will in this country.

Laaz of CA 8:33PM May 20, 2008

Arnie is the last thing repubs need. In fact he is everything wrong with the party. Despite all the bluster there is no bill too large nor spending to embarrassing that he won't sign on to. Just like Bush and fellow repubs in the House and Senate.
The repubs need a new party with completely new leadership that espouses fiscal restraint and a small government bias. Earmark writers need to be shamed in the public square.
Arnie and the like are pretenders.

Patrick of CA 8:22PM May 20, 2008

I think Gov. S. is right to say that these should be GOP *issues*. However, that is a far cry from assuming that they need to propose Democratic party *solutions* to these issues. I'd like to see the two parties seriously debate the nature of appropriate solutions to these problems.

Mark B. of NJ 8:18PM May 20, 2008

The reality is Arnold has been a failure as governor. He was elected in response to a huge budget deficit and electricity shortages. Today, the budget shortfalls are bigger than ever. In SoCal this summer, there's a 30% probablity of rolling blackouts. Subsequent years can be expected to be even more sketchy.
I'll give him points on courage with his early initiatives for redistricting, etc but demerits for his failure of tactics - he lost all of them and has since folded to the Democrats.
The Great Hero will leave office with the state in even worst shape than when he assumed the helm.
How can he offer convincing evidence that he can be trusted with further office?

Whitehall of CA 8:01PM May 20, 2008

The Republican Party needs rather a *James* Cameron. At least Arnold knows the guy.

of CA 7:36PM May 20, 2008

I think Schwarzenegger is wrong on this idea of coming from the center on issues. After all, why is it that we conservatives must always compromise on our issues and beliefs for the sake of political expediency? We have all seen the results of this: bloated education that produces mediocre results, massive entitlement spending that politicians refuse to touch, intrusive regulation that make the business environment less fair, unions that are self-interested in self-preservation and not so much worried about the plight of the worker (only when it comes time to bargain for more benefits for themselves). No, what conservatives need to do is be more articulate in explaining its message. This is what made Bill Buckley, Barry Goldwater, and Ronald Reagan massively influential. Because, after all, every time Americans want to return to the government trough to be fed, in the end they are the ones who are left with an empty doggy bag with only morsels. Schwarzenegger of all people should know this, with what he is trying to force on Californians with his stupid ultimatum.

Chris of AZ 4:51PM May 20, 2008