I know there are over 150 people whose names will appear on the recall ballot in California. What I don’t know is how voters, pundits, and journalists come to decide which ones are serious/major candidates while others should be ignored.
I guess some are easy. Cruz Bustamante (D) is obviously someone to be taken seriously. A California native, Bustamante has been involved in state government for over a decade, serving in the state Assembly and as lieutenant governor. Tom McClintock (R) is another person who would appear to have some strong qualifications. Another California native, McClintock has been a state public official for over 20 years, with service in the Assembly and state Senate.
Others are easy for the opposite reason. You’ve got your professional wrestlers, your billboard models, and your musicians, none of whom have any experience in government, and all of whom appear to be running for fun and notoriety. Leo Gallagher, a comedian best known for smashing produce on stage, will be on the ballot. So will Gary Coleman, best known for saying “What you talkin’ about Willis” on Diff’rent Strokes in the 1980s.
What’s less clear to me is which category Arnold Schwarzenegger belongs in.
To be sure, he’s been placed securely in the “serious” category by everyone. According to at least one major poll, he’s even the frontrunner.
At the risk of sounding naïve, I just can’t figure out why.
I’ve never been a governor, but it sounds like a pretty difficult job, especially in a state like California. Here’s a state with nearly 40 million residents and the fifth largest economy on earth. The state is suffering from a major fiscal crisis and is $38 billion in the hole. California also has complex agencies and state-wide programs dealing with education, criminal justice, taxes, and health care, and is still suffering the effects of an energy crisis. Call me crazy, but it seems like electing a governor who has at least some experience in these issues would probably be a good idea.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a successful movie star, though he’s not exactly known for his inspiring acting abilities or award-winning films. As near as I can tell, he’s never actually run anything — he’s never even directed a movie — and his only government experience was heading the president’s council on physical fitness over 10 years ago, which was a largely symbolic position that involved some photo-ops telling kids to exercise.
Why would Schwarzenegger be any more or less qualified for governor than Gary Coleman? They’re both actors, they’ve both been in TV shows and bad movies, neither has any experience in public service, and both will be on the recall ballot. Why is one being treated as a legitimate candidate to be the chief executive of the largest state in the Union while one is a fringe joke?
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Gary Coleman’s “candidacy” should be taken more seriously. I do think Schwarzenegger’s candidacy should be taken less seriously.
Last week, Bush was speaking to reporters at his ranch and someone asked about the California race. While the president didn’t want to endorse anyone, Bush said, “Yes, I think [Schwarzenegger would] be a good governor.”
Why, exactly? Bush didn’t say.
The next day, Schwarzenegger started talking about his campaign in a bit more detail. He repeatedly emphasized in interviews that he wants “good paying jobs” for Californians, he supports education, and he believes in strong leadership. What a relief. I was worried he might run on the pro-unemployment, awful schools, and weak leadership platform.
As for his positions on issues, Schwarzenegger isn’t anxious to talk about them. He seems to want voters to back his campaign without pesky details like plans for the budget and controversial takes on policies.
Asked about gay marriage on Good Morning America, Schwarzenegger said, “I don’t want to get into that right now.” On the same program, Schwarzenegger said he could erase the $38 billion state deficit without higher taxes and without cutting services. Oddly, he didn’t give many details to this magical plan.
On the Today Show, Matt Lauer asked, “You talk about the budget deficit. You talk about the energy crisis, the slumping economy, people leaving California. Give me some specifics, Arnold. How are you going to turn it around?” Schwarzenegger said “it takes leadership” to fix problems. Yeah, that’s helpful.
I guess what irritates me most is the idea of “jumping to the head of the line.” A lot of honorable people in both parties devote their entire adult lives to public service. They serve in the military, they work as police officers or fire fighters, and/or they run for local political office. Those with extra ambition build on their experience and seek even higher office.
Others, meanwhile, out of a combination of arrogance and sense of entitlement, want to start at the top, without the years of hard work and service.
It’s one of the reasons I didn’t like Jesse Ventura, don’t like George W. Bush, and don’t get Arnold Schwarzenegger.