Free Republic

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's return to his alma mater turned into an exercise in perseverance when virtually his every word was accompanied by catcalls, howls and piercing whistles from the crowd. Schwarzenegger's face appeared to redden during his 15-minute commencement address Tuesday to 600 graduates at Santa Monica College, but he ignored the shouting as he recalled his days as a student and, later, his work as a bodybuilder and actor. "Always go all out and overcome your fears," he told the graduates. "Work, work, work. Study, study, study." Inside the stadium, the drone from hundreds of...

. Posted on Sun, Jun. 05, 2005 For governor, criticism drowns out adoring screams By Tom Chorneau ASSOCIATED PRESSSACRAMENTO - During California's recall campaign and through much of his first year in office, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's public appearances had the feel of a Hollywood premiere, marked by packs of adoring fans clamoring to see the megastar-turned-political phenom. Typical of the adulation was a rally at the state Capitol on the last day of the 2003 recall campaign, when Schwarzenegger stood beside Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider and faked playing guitar before hundreds of screaming supporters. These days, Schwarzenegger's public reception...