by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright August 7, 2003
All Rights Reserved.

elling throngs of frenzied fans he expects to “pump-up” Sacramento, newly minted gubernatorial candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger showed flashes of his legendary uncle-by-marriage, the late John F. Kennedy. With passion in his voice, the 56-year-old actor reminded an audience at an impromptu news conference that the governor and legislature must put self-interest aside and work for the people. “The politicians are fiddling, fumbling and failing,” said Arnold, promising to resist the avalanche of special interests threatening to bankrupt the state. Arnold's announcement on NBC's “Tonight Show” with Jay Leno had all the trappings of a Hollywood preview, throwing Democrats and fellow Republicans for a loop. With news of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein bowing out and with his wife, NBC News reporter and JFK niece Maria Shriver, giving her blessing, Arnold jumped in with both feet.

      Schwarzenegger's announcement created political tremors, causing Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista), who single-handedly sponsored the recall petition, to tearfully drop out, expressing regret about unfounded criticism that he tried to hijack the office. Issa voiced satisfaction that the state would finally get a chance at new leadership. Calling the recall “more and more like a carnival every day,” Feinstein missed the depth of despair plaguing Californians, especially after watching bond ratings plummet and a whopping 300% increase in the state's vehicle license fees. With Arnold in and Feinstein out, fragile Democratic unity quickly unraveled with Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante declaring his candidacy. Without a strong backup candidate, Bustamante and other key Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), broke ranks with the beleaguered incumbent.

      Getting a cold shoulder from the California Supreme Court, the justices dismissed Davis' best legal strategy for holding on to office. Justices didn't buy the flurry of last-ditch lawsuits arguing that the recall disenfranchised voters, violated Davis' 14th Amendment rights by not listing him on the replacement ballot and forced voters to decide on unrelated propositions. With the U.S. Supreme Court deciding the last presidential election, the California high court wisely chose to not intervene. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union petitioned a federal court to halt the Oct. 7 recall, arguing that punch-card voting machines were already banned by court order. Before Bush vs. Gore, no one worried about “hanging-chads” or the accuracy of punch-card voting. Forty-years of prior use produced no objections from the ACLU or any other civil rights group.

      When U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein bowed out, Democrats scrambled to find high-profile candidates to compete with a list of formidable Republican challengers. Though Rep. Darrell Issa withdrew, state Sen. Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks), financier and former gubernatorial candidate William “Bill” Simon Jr., and now former real estate mogul and 1984 Los Angeles Olympic chief Peter V. Ubberoth are expected to join Schwarenegger and file by the 5 p.m. Aug. 9 deadline. With former LA mayor Richard “Dick” Riordan opting out and throwing his support to Arnold, the popular film star becomes the early frontrunner—though he faces tough opposition. Unlike a regular election, there's no primary process to weed-out wannabes and unify the party behind the strongest candidate. Abbreviating the election cycle favors candidates like Schwarzengger with strong name recognition.

      Opting out of the race, former GOP congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Michael Huffington slapped his ex-wife, now an independent candidate for governor, syndicated columnist Ariana Huffington, by throwing his support to Arnold. “Arnold is a charismatic leader who would be able to work with all segments of the California political spectrum, and our state needs a unifer right now,” said Huffington, putting his finger on Schwarzenegger's greatest asset. Since announcing Aug. 6 on “The Tonight Show,” he's shown the passion, idealism and a steady hand needed to put California back on the right track. More important than experience and know-how, inspired leadership creates the best atmosphere for solving difficult problems. When Sept. 11 stunned the nation, President Bush—without abundant experience or technical knowledge—set the right tone for recovery and healing.

      Money or experience can't buy the yearnings for inspired leadership, especially during difficult times. Telling voters that he wants to give something back to the golden state, Arnold already etched an indelible impression in voters' minds. Though diametrically opposed on the political spectrum, both JFK and Ronald Reagan always put the peoples' needs first. Apart from celebrity status and name recognition, following that path will help Arnold to withstand almost certain attacks on his credibility. “The election marks a historic turning point in the direction of this state. It deserves a very serious discussion of the plans and policies of the candidates, and I think Arnold's presence will amplify that discussion,” said McClintock, in the first veiled swipe at Schwarzengger's credentials. “I know they're going to throw everything at me,” said Arnold, preparing himself for the real “predators” that lie ahead.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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