GOP has star-power dilemma: How will party use Schwarzenegger? [Kerry vs. Arnold?]

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | June 19, 2004 | Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer

[RonDog]

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GOP has star-power dilemma
How will party use Schwarzenegger?
- Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer
Friday, June 18, 2004

With less than three months to go before the Republican National Convention in New York City, a prime-time cliffhanger is in the works over whether the Bush camp will use it or lose it -- the megawatt influence and star power of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Among the most sensitive issues is whether Schwarzenegger, a GOP marquee name, will be given a prized prime-time speaking spot at the party's presidential convention August 30-Sept. 2 at Madison Square Garden.

On the pro side: As the party's star actor, Schwarzenegger would get worldwide attention, and -- to the delight of networks -- draw millions of potential viewers to the now scripted-for-television political convention.

On the con side: The White House worries about lavishing too much attention on one Republican elected official who has shown an uncanny ability to upstage the party's star, Bush himself. A prominent role for Schwarzenegger also could anger the Republican right wing, which opposes his social views on such issues as abortion and same-sex marriage.

Ken Mehlman, campaign manager for Bush-Cheney '04, in an interview with The Chronicle, made no commitment on the specific role the Bush team expects the California governor to play, saying only that Schwarzenegger "is one of the great leaders of our party.''

Asked about talk that the White House is worried Schwarzenegger might outshine Bush at the convention, Mehlman downplayed the matter, suggesting that Schwarzenegger is one of many stars in the GOP...

[Keith]

"whether Schwarzenegger, a GOP marquee name, will be given a prized prime-time speaking spot at the party's presidential convention August 30-Sept. 2 at Madison Square Garden."

duh. I say they will...and it will be a stem-winder...

[b9]

what's a stem-winder?

[Keith]

it's a jim-dandy of a speech that gets the "faithful" all wound up...it's a watch term...but is often used in speeches.

[b9]

LOL! Thank you.
And I agree... Arnold will wind 'em up, but good.

[counterpunch]

the Republican right wing, which opposes his social views on such issues as abortion and same-sex marriage.

Arnold opposes same-sex marriage. He called on the Chronicle hometown of San Francisco to cease and desist in marrying same-sex parters.
He also famously said "I believe gay marriage should be between a man and a woman."

Likewise, while he is pro-choice, he opposes late-term abortions.

[Reagan Man]

Governor Rino has star power for some in the GOP, but he holds no influence over conservative Republican's. He's a social liberal. His liberal agenda for California is the antithesis of the conservative movement and the base of the GOP.

[Clara Lou]

I agree with you. Schwarzenegger is an American success story as an immigrant and (so far) as a politician-- and he's a Republican. It's all good. I know the Democrats wish they had such a "problem" facing them. If Arnold isn't the ideal Republican, some will have to deal with it.

[counterpunch]

Arnold is not a "social liberal".

He's what I would consider a social moderate.
A social moderate tolerates the gay pride parade. A social liberal joins in.

[Names Ash Housewares]

"Arnold will wind 'em up, but good."

I understand my Governor. I understand him because Ive been watching this guy for twenty plus years. Arnold understands show business and drama. That is why he let people think he wasnt going to run for Governor and then a BIG SURPRISE on Leno. Huge news! Smiles everywhere, and happy ending on election day. Right out of a movie. I bet he will stay quiet for a long while and let all the same type of negative buzz go on, He will let people think one thing and then....Surprise again! Big time dramatic endorsement for Bush. It will add more punch and drama to it all. Smiles everywhere, and happy ending on election day. At least for Republicans!

Hail to the King Baby.

Hail to the King Baby.

[RonDog]

On the pro side: As the party's star actor, Schwarzenegger would get worldwide attention, and -- to the delight of networks -- draw millions of potential viewers to the now scripted-for-television political convention...

When Arnold beat Gray Davis in last year's recall election, many punsters predicted that he would be a MAJOR factor in the presidential election this fall, camapigning aggressive for President Bush - in California, and across the USA.

Perhaps we can ENCOURAGE Governor Schwarzenegger to begin showing his support for President Bush NOW...

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Here is a ROUGH DRAFT of my proposed press release for next week's Kerry/Streisand protest at the Disney Concert Hall on THURSDAY...
What do YOU think about promoting this as an "Arnold vs. Kerry" event?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 21, 2004 - Los Angeles

Schwarzenegger Supporters to Confront Kerry at Streisand fundraiser (6/24)

Los Angeles - Members of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Free Republic Network (also known as the "Hollywood Resistance Force") plan to join other local supporters of President George Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on THURSDAY, June 24 at 6 p.m., as they protest Barbra Streisand, Willie Nelson, Billy Crystal and Neil Diamond outside a fundraiser for John Kerry at the Walt Disney Concert Hall - which was originally scheduled for the week President Reagan died. Carrying large signs that say, "OUR GOVERNOR can beat up YOUR (wimpy) CANDIDATE!" and "Reagan was The GIPPER, but Kerry is The FLIPPER!" they intend to contrast Kerry's image as a French-looking intellectual whose irritating tendency to "flip flop" his positions on important national issues makes him appear effeminate, with Schwarzenegger's "tough guy" persona crafted from his roles in action-adventure movies like the "Terminator."

"We support President Bush," says FRN's L.A.Chapter Vice President Ron Smith. "And, we believe that Governor Schwarzenegger shares President Reagan's gift for energizing Californians with a clear vision that will help President Bush 'terminate' Kerry's political aspirations."

"These 'Stars for Kerry' may have MUSICAL talent," Smith adds, "but POLITICALLY, they are dangerously naive. Unlike Streisand, Schwarzenegger (like Reagan before him) has had the courage to subject HIS political opinions to vigorous public debate - at the ballot box, not just at the box office. In the words of nationally-syndicated talk radio host Laura Ingraham's recent book, we believe that these "Stars for Kerry" should just 'Shut Up, and SING!'"

By harnessing the power of the Internet, the Free Republic Forum (FreeRepublic.com) gave birth to a new level of grassroots activism that demonstrates how dedicated citizens can effect change by awakening and mobilizing the vast numbers of Americans who still support the rule of law. The Free Republic Network (FreeRepublic.net) organizes, educates, and supports grassroots activists and connects national organizations with grassroots groups and activists across the country that share their common goals and beliefs.

For more information, contact RonDog

Note: The opinions of members of the Free Republic Network do NOT necessarily represent those of the management or staff of the conservative news forum FreeRepublic.com, Governor Schwarzenegger's office, the California Republican Party, or Bush/Cheney '04 - although, as Rush Limbaugh says, they SHOULD. :o)

-30-

[Reagan Man]

>>>If Arnold isn't the ideal Republican, some will have to deal with it.

Gov Rino supports driver licenses and healthcare coverage for illegal immigrants. Arnold supports abortion on demand and favors extending the assault weapons ban. Not to mention his fiscal irresponsible, but successful passage of $15 billion in additional debt for California taxpayers.

The man belongs with his librat in-laws, in the Democratic Party.

[Clara Lou]

What if he's the decisive factor in delivering California for Bush?

[nickcarraway]

He's a fiscal moderate to liberal.

[corkoman]

The Rats would LOVE to have a "problem" like this.

I feel Arnold could deliver a great address AND shock everyone by rallying everyone to core conservative beleifs and values.

Who better than another California governor who used to be an actor?

[Reagan Man]

From Arnold's own mouth. Several years back, Arnold was interviewed by Bill O'Reilly and called himself a "social liberal". I take him at his word.

Prior to the recall election, candidate Arnold made it very clear. His intention was to get the state out of the red and into the black, in order to return full funding of all of California's social wefare programs. Again, I take him at his word.

[b9]

I'm proud of my governor.

[RonDog]

See also, from:

Kerry concerts rescheduled, New York and L.A.: FReep Alert.
6/10/04 | Trteamer

Posted on 06/10/2004 7:00:38 PM PDT by Trteamer

Kerry's fundraiser concerts are coming. June 24th in L.A. and July 8th in New York City............

-- snip --

From http://www.kerryca.com/Calendar/events.asp:

Barbra Streisand Neil Diamond
Willie Nelson Billy Crystal

Please join

Ben Affleck * Warren Beatty and Annette Bening
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen * Laurie and Larry David
Benicio del Toro * Robert DeNiro *Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman
Leonardo DiCaprio * Kirsten Dunst * Rob and Michele Reiner
Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres * Dustin Hoffman * Ben Stiller

For An Evening with
John Kerry and Friends

[Reagan Man]

California isn't going for Bush. It's a nice thought, but it ain't gonna happen.

[NittanyLion]

I guess it'll depend upon whether the GOP is looking to grant a liberal a primetime slot at its own convention, or whether they're attempting to cast the party as (at least) reasonably conservative.

It certainly won't bring the base home, if that's what they're looking to accomplish. If they think moderates are needed, perhaps Arnold is a workable solution.

[Clara Lou]

Please join
Ben Affleck * Warren Beatty and Annette Bening Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen * Laurie and Larry David Benicio del Toro * Robert DeNiro *Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman Leonardo DiCaprio * Kirsten Dunst * Rob and Michele Reiner Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres * Dustin Hoffman * Ben Stiller
Wow, all the biggies.

[Names Ash Housewares]

"The man belongs with his librat in-laws, in the Democratic Party."

I assume you dont live in California....... You have NO IDEA what we are suffering here in California as conservatives here. Arnold is nothing less then a miracle. Its all relative I guess. Living under Davis, Boxer, Fienstein, Pelosi, Ninth Circus court is NO picnic. If we can win this state for Bush and dump Boxer because of Arnold, Ill take it! We need him now.

Hail to the King Baby.

Hail to the King Baby.

[You Dirty Rats]

I would respectfully suggest that it doesn't matter that Ah-Nold has no influence over conservative Republicans. I diubt very seriesly that conservative Republicans will do anything other than strongly support Bush-Cheney and defeat Kerry and the 'Rats.

What DOES matter is that Ah-Nold can help bring in voters for Bush-Cheney that aren't conservative Republicans.

It is critical to win, but we need to give Dubya a mandate and also add more Senators. Ah-Nold will cause many people to watch the convention and will be able to make it easier for many fence-sitters to vote R instead of D. I also very strongly believe that he will "pump up" the convention and the delegates.

He should be Keynote Speaker.

The domestic battleground in the next four years will center on the Courts, especially SCOTUS. Dubya must win, or we're screwed. We also need more Senators, or we can't break the filibusters. Ah-Nold, McCain, Giuliani, Zell Miller, Ed Koch, even Joe Lieberman -- I want to try and get everyone we can to back Dubya and win in November. We can't afford to have Kerry losing the War on Terror and nominating kangaroos to SCOTUS. WE MUST WIN!!

[RonDog]

From the ORIGINAL Kerry/Streisand fundraiser FReep thread:

OUR
GOVERNOR
CAN
BEAT UP
YOUR WIMPY
CANDIDATE!

[RonDog]

From our good FRiend Laura Ingraham:

image from
www.amazon.com

[counterpunch]

He's a fiscal moderate to liberal.

Arnold is a student of Milton Friedman.
People like you make me consider leaving the party, but then I remember that you're the ones who are out of step.

For all of you knuckle-dragging paleocons who are unhappy with our party's stars - Bush, Schwarzenegger, and Guiliani - I understand Pat Buchanan is looking for new members for the Reform party.

 
 
Click HERE for

The John Kerry Files
-at-
The CouNTeRPuNcH Collection

[Reagan Man]

>>>I assume you dont live in California....... You have NO IDEA what we are suffering here in California as conservatives here.

You assume right. I live in Colorado. But I completely understand the suffering of Californians under Boy Davis. Every conservative and every Republican throughout the US wanted Davis out. But conservative Republicans didn't think Arnold was the best choice. If you support Arnold's politics, you're no political conservative. Maybe a political moderate or centrist at best.

[bboop]

I'm with you. Arnold has been a breath of fresh air in this dank and dark State. Plus, he energized the conservative base. Which is why I believe Bush will win Collyfornia.

[NittanyLion]

People like you make me consider leaving the party, but then I remember that you're the ones who are out of step. For all of you knuckle-dragging paleocons who are unhappy with our party's stars - Bush, Schwarzenegger, and Guiliani - I understand Pat Buchanan is looking for new members for the Reform party.

Well, that'll certainly convert people to your cause. So much for the "Big Tent", huh?

[b9]

Smiles everywhere, and happy ending on election day. At least for Republicans!

At least for Republicans!Americans!

[Reagan Man]

>>>He should be Keynote Speaker.

That is the wrong move and would lose Bush-Cheney more votes then they'd gain. Gov Rino's appeal is to liberals, centrists and some moderates. But he doesn't advance the conservative agenda one iota. The conservative agenda is at the core of the GOP party platform.

[RonDog]

But I completely understand the suffering of Californians under Boy Davis. Every conservative and every Republican throughout the US wanted Davis out.
But conservative Republicans didn't think Arnold was the best choice...

The choice in California last year was not beween STEAK and HAMBURGER...

...it was between HAMBURGER and RAT POISON.

I am enough of a pragmatist to believe that we must not "let the PERFECT be the enemy of the GOOD."

[counterpunch]

I'm not the one telling people they're not righteous or worthy enough to enter the tent. The fact is, if someone is unhappy with the direction of the Republican party then there is nothing stopping them from getting out of the way.

[NittanyLion]

I'm not the one telling people they're not righteous or worthy enough to enter the tent. The fact is, if someone is unhappy with the direction of the Republican party then there is nothing stopping them from getting out of the way.

Feel free to show me where Reagan Man has said Arnold isn't "righteous or worthy". Arnold is, by his own words, a social liberal. In many respects, a convention is a referendum on where the party's headed; if the GOP chooses to give one of its most liberal members a primetime slot it'll be making a profound statement on the direction of the party.

I would submit the party would do better to showcase a conservative star in primetime.

[counterpunch]

You are totally full of $hit, and you ought to just shut up since you don't live in California. Arnold has already saved the state from certain financial disaster. He has cut spending and he will not raise taxes.

California doesn't need a preacher, it needs a governor.

[b9]

I'm with you. Arnold has been a breath of fresh air in this dank and dark State.

And he'll shine at the convention, too.

Only the sourest of so-called "purists" think that's a bad thing!

[counterpunch]

Guiliani is more "liberal" than Arnold, and I'm sure he'll have an even more prime spot. Maybe he should be barred from attending instead?

[NittanyLion]

Guiliani is more "liberal" than Arnold, and I'm sure he'll have an even more prime spot.

They're both pretty liberal, although I'm not sure who's most liberal. Not that it's mundane to the current topic, but Giuliani is obviously in a different position given his former role and the convention's location.

Maybe he should be barred from attending instead?

Attributing a position to me that I haven't taken, and then attacking it?

You'll have to do better than logical fallacies.

[Miss Marple]

Since I am not a Californian, I wouldn't presume to criticize the governor that most of them seem happy with.

An old saying applies here: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

I imagine Arnold will be given a prime-time speaking slot, whether it is the keynote or not. And I dare say he will do more for the party than Pat Buchanan did when HE was given a prime-time spot.

[Hollywoodghost]

I agree--The best thing is he will attract a great many Democrats--who will tune him in because he's a star and hear him speak the truth of Republicanism. I think he can change alot of minds--moderates, right-thinking Democrats etc.... Remember another actor who did this a few years back? The Reagan Democrats. He doesn't need to fire up the Republicans--they will walk ten miles in the snow to cast there votes for Bush---Its the other people we need to convince and Arnolds the man for the job.

[Reagan Man]

>>>Arnold is a student of Milton Friedman.

When Arnold starts governing like a Milton Friedman fiscal conservative, I'll be the first one to giove him credit. Until then, I'll continue pointing out Arnold's liberal politics.

>>>For all of you knuckle-dragging paleocons...

On national issue, I'm a old fashioned Regan conservative. Give me a strong defense, income tax cuts&reform, eliminate waste-fraud&abuse and support for pro-life issues and I'm satisfied.

[counterpunch]

Giuliani's position is secured because he is an American icon, and a Republican hero, just as Arnold is. Would you honestly rather see Gary Bauer or something on stage before the nation instead of these two?

Is winning elections anywhere in your agenda?
How do you expect to advance any part of your agenda if you don't first win the election?

[Reagan Man]

>>>You are totally full of $hit...

You're not very convincing. And since I live in America and have the right to free speech, I think you're way outta line. Stuff it.

[Hollywoodghost]

A friend of mine, a very attractive woman, was grouped by Arnold but voted for him anyway. She said he sometimes acts like a big slobery St. Benard dog who is all over you in a playful sort of way. But, she was impressed at how he organized things, how, when doing a picture, he paid attention to details. Every little thing he checked. So, she said she would never work for him again but, he was what we need in California government. No, so far he has done everything he said he would and that's something for an elected governor.

[counterpunch]

I agree--The best thing is he will attract a great many Democrats--who will tune him in because he's a star and hear him speak the truth of Republicanism

This is a battle for the hearts and minds of Democrats and Republicans. It is a battle for the hearts and minds of Americans.
Arnold center stage at the convention means it'll be covered by Entertainment Tonight instead of just the 11:00 news. Non-partisans who are weighing the two parties will tune in and take interest because of Arnold. Who cares what their position on same-sex marriage or abortion or any number of other issues is, as long as they decide to join the Republicans?

[NittanyLion]

Giuliani's position is secured because he is an American icon, and a Republican hero

Indeed. All politics aside, Giuliani secured his legacy in the weeks after 9/11. He certainly is a hero.

just as Arnold is.

Remind me again what Arnold's done to put himself on a par with Giuliani...

Would you honestly rather see Gary Bauer or something on stage before the nation instead of these two?

No. I'd rather see Bill Owens or Rick Santorum, to name two that quickly come to mind.

Is winning elections anywhere in your agenda? How do you expect to advance any part of your agenda if you don't first win the election?

Let me see if I understand this...showcasing an up-and-coming conservative at the convention and winning elections is mutually exclusive. Is that your stance?

[RGSpincich]

On national issue, I'm a old fashioned Regan conservative. Give me a strong defense, income tax cuts&reform, eliminate waste-fraud&abuse and support for pro-life issues and I'm satisfied.

Didn't quite happen that way but I have a quote that is coming in real handy lately.

"This is the west, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."

Reagan made alot of compromises and did some budget gymnastics to get the country where he wanted it. One of Reagan's best lines was something like "get what you can today and go back and get the rest later". You guys going around clubbing people with the Reagan legend are useless.

[xm177e2]

it's a jim-dandy of a speech

What's a "jim-dandy?"

[Reagan Man]

>>>Since I am not a Californian, I wouldn't presume to criticize the governor that most of them seem happy with.

Well, that is one difference between you and me. I speak out against liberals and liberal policies. I want to advance the conservative agenda.

You're right about Pat Buchanan. OTOH, although he may have strayed from the Republican reservation far too often, his conservative politics are still in tune with the GOP platform. That's more then can be said for Arnold Schwarzenegger's liberal politics.

[Southack]

"That is the wrong move and would lose Bush-Cheney more votes then they'd gain. Gov Rino's appeal is to liberals, centrists and some moderates. But he doesn't advance the conservative agenda one iota."

You are a political neophyte. Just from your comments it is apparent that you've never been physically involved in a single political campaign.

Look, I'm here in Alabama, the most conservative of all conservative states. We have open carry here. We have shall issue. We have tort reform. We have the death penalty. We fight to put the 10 Commandments into courthouses. And no conservative worth his or her salt gives a whit about Arnold's liberal leanings on various issues so long as he doesn't overdo it...because even out here in 'Bama we know that Arnold is the most conservative that California can currently elect.

Arnold repealed California's driver's licenses for illegals. You naive Arnold-bashers can vacuously opine that Arnold is going to pass a new law that gives drivers licenses back to illegals, but that's just talk...his actions were to repeal that law.

Likewise, Arnold repealed California's car tax. Arnold also ordered the gay marriages in San Francisco to be halted, and Arnold is against partial birth abortion.

So rather than act like some spoiled child who only wants the purist of pure leaders, grow up and accept the best that you can get...use that to your advantage...and come back to ask for more later when you have even *more* power.

In other words, let Arnold shine at the Convention, and back him to the hilt until you have a *viable* replacement that works even better than him for his particular area.