Arnold 1 Phil 0 (No "equal time" for Angelides on ESPN)

Los Angeles Times ^ | September 12, 2006 | Robert Salladay

[calcowgirl]

Yes, that was Arnold Schwarzenegger on ESPN last night doing commentary from the booth at the Chargers-Raiders game.

It was a remarkable bit of free publicity for Schwarzenegger amid his re-election campaign.

There is perhaps some synergy here that smoothed the way for the governor's Howard Cosell moment. Schwarzenegger is friendly with Robert Iger, the president and CEO of Disney, which owns ESPN. And he has a long relationship with the giant media company.

There is no requirement for ESPN to give Phil Angelides equal time, unlike other broadcast shows. News and public affairs programs (yes, sports is considered news) have been exempt from the equal time rule since 1959. Indeed, Schwarzenegger answered some newsy questions.

Asked about steroids in sports, a question that included a reference to his own use during his bodybuilding days, Schwarzenegger said: "I think it's good to do doping tests, and the trick always is to find a way of doing true testing because the drug companies have a defense for every attack."

The screen shifted to a play in motion and Schwarzenegger quickly added: "In the meantime, I think it's great to watch football because those are the greatest athletes." The governor, er, didn't appear to have the most expansive grasp of football. He called the Raiders "miraculous" when in fact they were getting smashed 27-0.

The appearance is part of a recent Everyman effort by Schwarzenegger. He went to a NASCAR race in Fontana Sept. 3, proclaimed firefighters the "true action heroes" last night, and today planned to sign a bill raising the minimum wage to $8.

[CounterCounterCulture]

Ah, I missed it. I'm a Raiders fan, but I had to skip most of the game to go to a 9-11 memorial. Looks like I didn't miss much except a wonderful performance by the punter. :-/

[CBart95]

It's this kind of editorial idiocy that has caused the LAT to lose readers in droves.

Don't even bother to mention that the Governor is always welcome in just about any sports broadcast booth because...well, just because...he's the governor stupid...and so he's not a spellbinder sports analyst...he's the governor stupid.

And his dork opponent gets no equal time...because he's not the governor. ( are you getting the drift?)

[calcowgirl]

The wonderful performance was definitely not by the Raiders!

[vrwc1]

Arnold was horrible on camera last night - he came across as your typical sleaze-ball politician, nothing but blah-blah and blathering drivel. It was like he was totally unprepared for the moment and the only thing he could think of doing was trying to compliment everyone he could think of, even the hapless Raiders.

He was about as far from the Terminator as he could get. What a shame - he used to be mildly effective, but the Sacramento Dems have terminated his manliness - he's just a girlie governor now!

[Uncle Hal]

I saw it. Man, Arnold is quick study. ESPN had a fireman from CA. on who assisted with the WTC rescue efforts. After introducing him, Arnold immediately started praising all firefighters and how great they were. It was precious.

[NormsRevenge]

Po' Al Davis.. Goo$eeggs, zilch, nada! on national TV yet..

My Vikes beat the Redskins tho... so Life is good!

The only event Philth would fit in with is a Hot air balloon gathering. and even then..

[b9]

The only event Philth would fit in with is a Hot air balloon gathering.

LOL