by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright September 25, 2003
All Rights Reserved.

aking off the gloves, all major candidates for California's Oct. 7 recall election came out swinging, turning a much-hyped debate into a free-for-all, especially the catfight between GOP frontrunner Arnold Schwarzenegger and syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington. Sponsored by the California Broadcasters Assn. and held on the campus of California State University, Sacramento, the debate displayed frazzled nerves and poor discipline, as candidates traded barbs over a constructive dialogue on urgent issues confronting the nation's most populace state. Only state Sen. Tom McClintock and, to a lesser extent Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, mapped out their plans to fix the state's horrendous economic and social ills. Schwarzenegger and Huffington preferred to settle an old score, feasting on the chance to take a cheap shot. “This is the way you treat women, we know that,” said Huffington, clawing the Hollywood action-hero.

      Once the bell sounded, all the rigorous debate preparation went out the window and the blood feud began. “I just realized that I have a perfect part for you in “Terminator 4,” said Schwarzenegger, sarcastically referring to a part, at least according to Huffington, of a female robot that gets dunked in the toilet. Few people expected Arnold to announce plans for his next sequel, after insisting his Hollywood days were finished. Contrary to the post-debate spin, Schwarzenegger's performance gave mixed results. Falling into Arianna's trap left Arnold looking amateurish. As GOP frontrunner, Arnold had absolutely nothing to gain wasting time on Huffington, who's polling under 5%. Instead of taking on McClintock, Arnold squandered a golden opportunity to siphon away votes from his Republican rival. Remaining cool, collected and focused, McClintock looked ready for the statehouse.

      After ducking prior debates, expectations were both low and high for Schwarzenegger. No one expected Arnold to spout policy details but all eyes were focused on his temperament and demeanor. Had he just kept focused on his pitch and restrained his instincts, he might have pressured McClintock to step aside. As it turned out, few Republicans can now push McClintock because he looked far more experienced, qualified and in charge. “When I make a promise, I keep it,” said McClintock, a twenty-year veteran of state government service. “I steer a straight course and I stay the course, no matter what the pressure,” signaling, he has no intention of abandoning his conservative principles or campaign for governor. Staying on message, McClintock kept out the fray, outlining his conservative plans for fixing the state. Like him or not, he showed a steady hand on a volatile stage.

      Turning both barrels on Bustamante, Arnold dismissed his plans for meaningful workers' compensation reform. “Cruz, the workers' compensation that you guys just did was total pre-election bogus, and you know that, because this is all trickery, just like the budget was,” said Schawarenegger, challenging Bustamante's rosy forecast of business growth in California's depressed atmosphere. In another barbed exchange, Arnold reminded Bustamate that he's never run a business and doesn't have the savvy to fix the state's broken economy. By talking over Bustamante and Huffington, though Arianna provoked the attack, Arnold flashed his more intemperate side, rubbing some voters—especially women—the wrong way. Only Gov. Gray Davis benefited from the lively exchange, shifting attention away from the state's abysmal management onto petty bickering between the candidates.

      Taking it in from the sidelines, Gov. Gray Davis had to enjoy the spectacle, watching his suitors bash-in each others' heads. After watching the five most viable candidates, Davis' advisors believe the public is getting recall fatigue. Erratic public displays only make Davis look better to undecided voters, seeking an excuse to defeat the recall. “Voters have started taking closer look at the option, and I don't think people are seeing anything they would be willing to trade for,” said Larry Gisolano, Davis' campaign manger, trying to turn public opinion against the recall. For weeks, Davis couldn't poll above 50%, pointing to a crushing defeat on Oct. 7. Only recently have polls shown slightly less support for the recall. Telling voters he's “sorry,” “gotten their message” or “plans to do things differently next time,” won't convince too many voters to change their minds.

      Falling into Huffington's trap, Schwarzenegger went off-message and displayed his unappealing side. While he survived the debate without self-destructing, Arnold didn't convince too many voters that he's ready for primetime. Despite his standing in the polls, he also didn't make a strong case for dumping McClintock. Taking charge of the debate, McClintock solidified the belief that he's the most qualified and competent candidate for the job. Nothing in the debate gave McClintock any reason to throw in the towel or endorse another candidate. Arianna acted obnoxious, Bustamante passive, Schwarzenegger insensitive and Camejo out-of-touch with reality. Whether this helps Davis is anyone's guess—but don't bet on it. Only McClintock kept his cool and got out his message, no matter how out-of-touch with mainstream voters. With time running out, Davis will have to do a lot more than point to his opponent's faults.

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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