Arnold's a pig, Huffington huffs

New York Daily News ^ | 9/26/03 | HELEN KENNEDY

[kattracks]

WASHINGTON - Arnold Schwarzenegger and Arianna Huffington continued squabbling a day after they turned the latest California gubernatorial debate into a chaotic snipefest. Keying off his debate crack that "I have a perfect part for you in 'Terminator 4,'" the columnist called on California's women to vote against him.

She said she took his comeback Wednesday night as a reference to the actor's oft-repeated comment that he enjoyed stuffing a woman's head into a toilet bowl in "Terminator 3."

"That was such a clear and unambiguous indication of what he really thinks of women," she said. "I have never, in hundreds of debates I've participated in, been treated the way Arnold Schwarzenegger treated me."

Schwarzenegger said Huffington was nuts.

"I don't know why she picked that scene - I have no idea," he said at a town hall meeting broadcast on Fox News Channel. "The fact of the matter is, it was a compliment. In 'Terminator,' we always had powerful women. If she takes it the wrong way, it's not my fault."

In the wake of the critical debate, with both Schwarzenegger and Republican rival state Sen.Tom McClintock both likely to draw big blocks of voters, pressure grew furiously on McClintock to quit the field.

Schwarzenegger, who avoided attacking the conservative standard-bearer in the debate, made an oblique offer to McClintock.

"I'm looking forward to working with him in the future, because I think that he and I would make a great team," the actor said. "Tom is a terrific guy."

Polls show the Republican vote may split, allowing Democratic Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante to win if voters separately approve the recall of Gov. Gray Davis.

California's GOP has been ramping up the pressure on McClintock. Former candidate Bill Simon, who has a big following among conservatives, endorsed the movie star yesterday and Rep. Darrell Issa, the man who led the drive and bankrolled the push for a recall, plans to offer support today. He backed off his threat to tell voters to block the recall if one of the top Republicans didn't pull out.

Originally published on September 26, 2003

[kattracks]

"I have never, in hundreds of debates I've participated in, been treated the way Arnold Schwarzenegger treated me."

If you can't take the heat.....

[exnavy]

She has participated in "hundreds of debates"?

[onyx]

She could make a straight guy turn queer.

[TheOtherOne]

life is full of humor

[MEG33]

I believe she could!Think of being trapped in an elevator with her.

[Movemout]

Somehow I always think of Green Acres when she speaks, dahlink.

[Ichneumon]

She has participated in "hundreds of debates"?

Yes -- but on "talking head" shows, not "for real".

[kattracks]

I always think of fingernails scraping across a blackboard.

[Imal]

I sense romance in the air.

[veronica]

I guess she thinks she can be obnoxious, and not get called on it. She apparently expects special treatment because she is a woman. Wuss. :))

[KevinB]

She could make a straight guy turn queer.

She did.

[NYpeanut]

"Vell, I neffer!"

[kattracks]

She apparently expects special treatment because she is a woman.

Yep, true "leadership" qualities.

[onyx]

That was my point. :-)

[Caipirabob]

I think she's in love...

[dennisw]

I have nothing against Arianna, Arnold got off a few great lines at her expense. Lines sems to have been well rehearsed but what the heck.

"I could drive my Hummer through your loopholes"

[doosee]

The moderator let her get out of control with her personal sniping. Every question she was asked, she addressed her answer and insults directly to Arnold. She is disgusting at best but the moderator was like judge Ito

[veronica]

Typical huh? She wants to be on an equal par with the men, but as soon as she is, she gets her feelings hurt and accuses the big bad man of being mean to her. :) Poor Michael Huffington. What he must have had to endure...

[kattracks]

That one was the best, it even shut her up...... for a nanosecond.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

The woman's a basket case. She likes strong men.

Join Arnold