Arnold for President? At Least One Hurdle May Fall

Los Angeles Times ^ | July 21, 2003 | Patt Morrison:

[presidio9]

His name has never appeared on a ballot — only a movie marquee — but already, people are whispering about President Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Oh, no, you're saying — that can't be. For starters, he hasn't even run for California governor yet. First things first. And then there's the little matter of the Constitution, which prohibits any but native-born Americans from being president or vice president.

Not to worry — or do worry, depending on your politics. Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch has introduced a constitutional amendment to allow the foreign-born who have been naturalized citizens for at least 20 years to run for the big job.

[goldstategop]

Its never going to pass the House. I don't think I want it because if Arnold Schwarzenneger can run, that opens the door for Jennifer Granholm. I know I can't run in such a circumstance either but why make life easier for liberals? Its so unnecessary to change the Constitution. There's a good reason our country's top elected official should remain a native-born citizen.

[gaspar]

What do Orrin Hatch and Howdy Doody have in common -- aside from the fact that both are woodenheads?

[EggsAckley]

Personally I'm against changing the native-born rule. Too many dirty tricks could be implemented by corrupt politicians. Leave it alone.

[Always Right]

I really don't want a socially liberal with the charisma of Arnold in the White House. Good guy, but far from an ideal Presidential candidate. Amendment won't happen anyways.

[mr.pink]

Hasn't Hatch got anythng better to do with his time, and at this time, than to fix something that isn't broke?

And using Arnold for this ruse (boob bait for Bubbas) makes me wonder who it is Hatch really has in mind.

[RogueIsland]

I really don't want a socially liberal with the charisma of Arnold in the White House. Good guy, but far from an ideal Presidential candidate

Indeed. I respect the heck out of the guy for what he's accomplished through hard work, but I don't want him running the country. He's way left for a Republican. His anti-gun stance alone disqualifies him from my consideration.

[ClearCase_guy]

If one were to consider amending the Constitution at this point in history, is THIS the amendment that most loudly clamors to be written????

[presidio9]

The left likes the idea of a Schwarzenegger candidacy about as much as we like a Sharpton candidacy.

[Paradox]

Life imitating art.....

In Stalones movie "The Demolition Man", there was an exchange between Stalone and Sandra Bullok, where much to his surprise, the protagonist hears about the "Arnold Shwarzenegger Presidential Library". She explains how they amended the Constitution for him.

Interesting take in that move (made when Stalone was still conservative), the number of Constitutional Amendments was up to the hundreds I believe..

[Dan from Michigan]

No way. Two words. Jennifer Granholm.

[.38sw]

Does anybody remember the movie, "Demolition Man", with Sylvester Stallone and Sandra Bullock? When the Stallone Character is thawed out many years into the future and is getting a quick history lesson about what has happened since he was frozen, the Bullock character mentions President Schwartznegger. Stallone raises an eyebrown, and Bullock explains that Shwartznegger was so popular as governor, that the Constitution was amended to allow naturalized citizens to be president. Life imitating art?

[RightWhale]

It's hard to tell who proposes more changes to the Constitution. Liberals or Conservatives.

Do not further modify the Constitution.

[.38sw]

I did NOT plagiarize your post! I must have been typing while you posted...

[Brian S]

At Least One Hurdle May Fall...

To hell if it will!!!

[presidio9]

"I'm not into politics. I'm into survival." -Ben Richards

[spoiler2]

"For starters, he hasn't even run for California governor yet. First things first."

Arnold himself, would probably admit that he needs to run for, and succeed as CA governor, before he can entertain any higher ambitions.

[Iwo Jima]

wonder who it is Hatch really has in mind.

Me, too. Don't just think about potential candidates, think also about the "powers that be" that Hatch is constantly trying to impress (i.e., who wants this to happen, not just who will their candidate be).

Of course, it's not going to happen, but who's pushing this?

[Protagoras]

Orrin Hatch, that bastion of conservatism wants to amend the constitution. Yawn.

[Drew68]

Bullock character mentions President Schwartznegger.

I was just thinking of that. She mentions the "Schwarzenneger Presidential Library."

Wow. So much of that movie has become true. Smoking is banned, unhealthy food is banned, there exists a "thought police" and on and on. Who would have thought a Stallone film would accurately describe the furture.