You don't elect a person. You elect their friends.

[Armstead]

The debacle on California makes this hit home, but it's something that seems to be lost in the modern political landscape.

There is a strange parallel between GW Bush and Arnold. Think back to the early campaign coverage of the 2000 selection and the California recall.

Both GW and Arnold seemed to come out of the blue. They were mentioned early on as "possible" contenders for their positions. Both men also played it very coy -- saying, in effect "Gee I hadn't considered that. But, aw shucks, if you folks really want me to I'll think about it. But I'm not sure yet."

Kinda makes you wonder how they got to be mentioned as "bright lights" in the first place. GW didn't, after all, have the brightest record as a governor. Arnold has mentioned political aspirations in the past, but it's not like he was the only Republican in California.

The fact is, many candidates really are front people. That's probably always been a fact of life -- but in today's Media Ho environment, that gets swept under the rug.

So, the issue in California becomes Arnold's sexual behavior and Davis's personality. It's less about political life and more about who you'd most dread being trapped in an elevator with. (Or, with Arnold and the more airheaded segment of the female population, who you'd want to be trapped in an elevator with.)


The fact is the real election is between the Democratic Coalition in California and the GOP/Business Clique.The questions about Enron and Arnold's otehr ties should be the subject right now.

It's not even about Democrat versus Conservative Republican -- If it were, McClintock would be in Arnold's position. But the pragmatic business group who hired Arnold as their official greeter prefer to use Arnold, because as a social liberal he is more "marketable" in California.

It's also something we all outght to keep in mind in the Democratic primaries, as we choose which candidate to advocate for. (Not just for president, but at otehr levels too.) Sure we want someone with the personal qualities that can get them elected, and that we feel we can trust. But we also hve to look at who their supporters and backers are.

(That last paragraph ws not directed for or against any of them. Just a general rule of thumb.)

This fact is nothing unique or original. However, in the current climate of media stupidity, it's something we should all be reminding ourselves of. It's nice when someone looks good in a suit. But the real question is who is payng for that suit?

[AWD]

1. My God, Armstead....

....you may have just given me a HUGE rally cry in my campaign. Bookmarking now. This is the perfect way to tie my opponent to all the right-wing sleaze in DC.

Thank you!

[Armstead]

2. It's really just common sense.

Nothing original there. It's as old as polirics.

But watching the Arnold nonsense just seemed a reminder of how far we've moved away from that basic truth in 2003.

[Gman]

3. This has always been true

When the FI (fucking idiot) was elected, the talk was he was dumb as a bag of hammers but he would "surround his self" with good people. Well, we now know the people he surrounded his self with. As for Ahnoold, Don't think the GOP will not go in and take control and implement extreme right wing shit. They'll tell Ahnoold what to say and when to say it. He's no where near strong enough to be an effective governor considering the serious problems CA has.

[PAMod]

4. You are 100% dead on.

It is especially egregious in Arnold's case.

It's one thing to have advisors & handlers, but when the candidate himself is uttering only platitudes & sound-bites, it really looks suspicious.

Pete Wilson in the governor's mansion is a potential disaster - and we all know he is going to be writing next the next budget, which is due in less than 3 months.

Better get those recall petitions ready.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

5. yup and momma always said "show me your friends and i'll show you

who you are"....just look at the bush* admin for proof...all former criminals...iran/contra....S&L scandal Silverado....Enron...Watergate....iraqgate

[KittyWampus]

10. Observing Who Someone's Enemies Is Also Informative

vvv

[mandyky]

6. Dumbya has lowered the bar so much

that any idiot who shows up, has money, and backing can get elected, regardless if they can speak intelligently and coherently.

[punpirate]

7. No different than Reagan and his...

... "Kitchen Cabinet." They ruined California and followed him into the White House, and did the same thing to the country and its budget. Think Ed Meese was a complete asshole? Watch who Ahnold picks as his friends....

[fsbooks]

8. exactly

That is why even if my favored democratic candidate does not get the nomination, I will actively support the one who does. The friends of Democrats are far nicer than those of the repubs. Of course, the friends of my favored candidate are probably nicer than some of the friends of other "contenders", but that is all relative.

[villageidiot]

9. I'll try to answer the question

But the real question is who is payng for that suit?

I think Arnold pays for his own suits. He may even own the store that makes his suits.

Understand what you are saying but I don't believe it applies to Arnold. He has no friends. The GOP in California only came out and backed him after it appeared he was their best shot. Republicans have had to justify their support for this self absorbed God wanna-be. They've struggled to find something in him that may be good for them. They've struggled to find something good they can say about him. "Well, he's a good business man."

Arnold say "look at me. I'm rich. I'm powerful. Come worship ME!" People don't really care for the new preacher but they love the Church. Arnold represents what is so wrong with the Republican Party. Arrogance. They should put his name in the Dictionary next to this word.

My party right or wrong? It's Arnold's party now and they can cry if they want to. If Hitnold wins all of California will soon be crying.