# Arnie's Running. **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [August 7, 2003, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464 "2003-08-07T00:05:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/21 "2003-08-07T02:24:31Z")
**Equal Opportunity (“Equal Time”) Rule** If a political candidate obtains time on a broadcast station, other candidates for the same office (or their appointed representatives) may obtain an “equal opportunity” on that station. An equal opportunity usually includes equal time, but the term means more than equal time. For example, it means the right to obtain time in a period likely to attract approximately the same size audience as the period in which the opposing candidate appeared. News shows are exempt. Source: [http://www.fcc.gov/connectglobe/glossary.html](http://www.fcc.gov/connectglobe/glossary.html) If Arnie jumps ahead in the polls, especially if he wins, it just goes to show that voters have lost it - giltz over substance. Just remember that California has the fifth largest economy in the world. If California is unable to get its economic house in order, it can damage the greater US economy. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/22 "2003-08-07T02:30:24Z")
What kind of Gov. does Cal. have? I mean, a likeable doofus can be Governor of Texas, because the responsibilities are, well, limited. Similar is true of MN, so we can elect a lout like Jesse and its no biggie. But what about California? ---
**Author:** ![Monster104](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Monster104](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monster104)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/23 "2003-08-07T02:48:39Z")
> [@](#): > > it just goes to show that voters have lost it - giltz over substance. I, for one, knew the voters had lost it in the last election; the Conservatives for choosing Bill Simon (ick!) to be their candidate (why oh why couldn’t they have voted for Riordan??), and the Dems (and others) for reelecting Davis, further allowing him to dig California’s grave. > [@](#): > > They have energy problems, but don’t want new energy plants. > > They have money shortages, but won’t accept tax increases. > > They have out of control spending, but won’t tolerate spending cuts. > > It seems to me that California is headed for bankruptcy and a major smack in the head. I’d hate to be the governor that has to preside over that. Energy problems have been pretty much resolved for the time being, what with new plants having been brought online, and the others running at higher capacity. The “energy crisis” did not need to get as bad as it did, and Davis’ “solution” to the crisis didn’t really help at all (man, I hate it when I start putting words in quotes…). The money problems and the out of control spending are two sides of the same coin. California already has among the highest taxes in the US, so even _higher_ taxes isn’t the proper solution. As for the out of control spending, I believe that lands firmly in the lap of Gray Davis. He brought the state from a $12 Billion surplus to our current $38+ Billion deficit, even though taxes and tax revenue grew FAR more than the population did in the same time. And so far, I haven’t seen even a half-reasonable excuse for such atrocius mismanagement of public funds. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/24 "2003-08-07T02:59:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by John Mace \* > **Sam** : > > The CA energy crisis is so last year! You need to get with it. We don’t have an issue with power generation these days. There have been enough new power plants brought on line.b] Yep, the capacity was there before, too - the “crisis” was manufactured by Enron and the guy Bush called “Kenny Boy”. Perhaps Sam didn’t/wouldn’t hear about that? > [@](#): > > He’s a businessman and has seen his share of failures. It isn’t at all clear that having made “Kindergarten Cop” is a good job qualification here, but what the hell. > [@](#): > > Peopla **really** like the guy. He’ll be able to rally support like no one else. That’ll buy him some time, but not that much. The long-term imbalance of revenue and expenses will still be there and still causing problems that no one man, even a neophyte, can fix. He’s going to need a plausible plan PDQ. Perhaps his presence, along with Larry Flynt’s and a host of others’, will help ensure this affair will be seen as a total farce, if it isn’t already. No telling what effect that will have on turnout. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/25 "2003-08-07T03:02:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Monster104 \* > The “energy crisis” did not need to get as bad as it did, and Davis’ “solution” to the crisis didn’t really help at all (man, I hate it when I start putting words in quotes…). I assume you’re referring to the Davis long-term energy contracts, and if so I agree that that was a fiasco. However, the “energy crisis” was demonstrably manufactured, as witness the FERC findings that energy companies had colluded to withhold power to drive up energy prices. I can’t imagine how someone could lay the blame for that at Davis’ feet. > [@](#): > > As for the out of control spending, I believe that lands firmly in the lap of Gray Davis. He brought the state from a $12 Billion surplus to our current $38+ Billion deficit, even though taxes and tax revenue grew FAR more than the population did in the same time. And so far, I haven’t seen even a half-reasonable excuse for such atrocius mismanagement of public funds. Well, I’m not excusing Davis, but can I assume you’ll agree that the CA assembly and legislature also hold a fair bit of responsibility for the budget? ---
**Author:** ![Monster104](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Monster104](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monster104)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/26 "2003-08-07T03:19:54Z")
> [@](#): > > I assume you’re referring to the Davis long-term energy contracts, and if so I agree that that was a fiasco. Yes, that is what I meant by his solution. > [@](#): > > However, the “energy crisis” was demonstrably manufactured, as witness the FERC findings that energy companies had colluded to withhold power to drive up energy prices. I can’t imagine how someone could lay the blame for that at Davis’ feet. I’m not laying the blame for the energy crisis itself at his feet. There are lots of factors involved with that, including California’s stupid partial deregulation of the energy industry, and the industry taking advantage of it. However, I think his efforts to get out of it were too little too late, with the Feds sharing some of the blame as well. The crisis itself wasn’t really his fault, but the terrible way it was handled and eventually solved didn’t do anything except further hurt CA’s budget. > [@](#): > > Well, I’m not excusing Davis, but can I assume you’ll agree that the CA assembly and legislature also hold a fair bit of responsibility for the budget? They sure do. Considering that the state is so strongly Democratic, I guess I could generalize more and blame those who supported Davis and his policies for the condition CA is in now. But, I don’t like making generalizations about a group, so I’ll just say that those who squandered public funds are at fault, which includes Davis. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/27 "2003-08-07T03:32:12Z")
> [@](#): > > Elivs wrote: > It isn’t at all clear that having made “Kindergarten Cop” is a good job qualification here, but what the hell. Real estate and Restuarants to name a few. If all you see is an actor, take a closer look. You’d be a fool to underestimate him. I’m just wondering how he talked Maria into moving to Sac. I’d have to guess that they made a deal that she stays in LA and he commutes. ---
**Author:** ![Ring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Ring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ring)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/28 "2003-08-07T03:44:47Z")
Would Arnold be the only governor whose bare ass has been seen by practically everyone? Did the women voters like what they saw? Does a nice ass (I assume but I’m a guy so I don’t know) help get legislation passed? If this proves to be so, will W moon us? Will he moon Iraq? ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/29 "2003-08-07T04:05:31Z")
An interesting angle is that Arnold is now running to save the state from a budget crisis that he arguably helped create. Proposition 49, the 2002 “after school programs” initiative that Arnie championed, has cost the state between $500 million and $1.5 billion dollars, according to [this analysis of proposition 49 by the League of Women Voters.](http://ca.lwv.org/action/prop0211/prop49.html) Can California afford this tax-and-spend Republican? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/30 "2003-08-07T04:07:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by John Mace \* > Real estate and Restuarants to name a few. If all you see is an actor, take a closer look. You’d be a fool to underestimate him. I’m googling and not finding much on Arnie’s businesses; if you have any cites, much appreciated. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Ms2001](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ms2001/32/18463_2.png) [@Ms2001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms2001)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/31 "2003-08-07T04:28:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by squeegee \* > \*\*I’m googling and not finding much on Arnie’s businesses; if you have any cites, much appreciated. Thanks. \*\* You’ve probably heard of [Planet Hollywood](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/entertainment/619317.stm), although it wasn’t entirely Arnie’s baby. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/32 "2003-08-07T04:30:38Z")
Didn’t he also make a fortune in real estate before he became a movie star? The man is no dummy. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/33 "2003-08-07T04:42:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sam Stone \* > Didn’t he also make a fortune in real estate before he became a movie star? I’m game – did he ? > [@](#): > > The man is no dummy. Maybe. But I haven’t seen substantive evidence that he’s not, either. No offense, Arnie. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/34 "2003-08-07T04:52:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mr2001 \* > You’ve probably heard of Planet Hollywood, although it wasn’t entirely Arnie’s baby. Hmmm, you mean [this](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2193065.stm) Planet Hollywood – bankrupt and involved in questionable financial dealings? > [@](#): > > At the end of 2001, there were just 13 Planet Hollywood outlets around the world, down from 95 three years earlier. For some reason this doesn’t fill me with warm fuzzies about Arnie’s business acumen. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/35 "2003-08-07T04:58:55Z")
Arnie got out of P.H. before the bottom fell out. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/36 "2003-08-07T05:01:24Z")
I’m seriously disappointed. I was rooting for Riordan all the way. Arnie’s just messing everything up. However, I do hope he does well, since it’s too late I guess for things to switch around… ---
**Author:** ![Monster104](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Monster104](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monster104)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/37 "2003-08-07T05:09:31Z")
> [@](#): > > It isn’t at all clear that having made “Kindergarten Cop” is a good job qualification here, but what the hell. I was thinking more along the lines of “Last Action Hero” myself… 😛 ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/38 "2003-08-07T05:09:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by John Mace \* > \*\*Arnie got out of P.H. before the bottom fell out. \*\* And he lost a bundle. So? ---
**Author:** ![Tejota](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@Tejota](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tejota)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/39 "2003-08-07T05:12:19Z")
I think he may do quite well, at least in the race. It’s not like he needs to win a majority, or even a plurality to win. In this screwed up recall, someone could concievably become governer with only 10% of the vote. Someone with 30% support is actually pretty likely to get in (unless, of course that someone is Davis. He, and he alone needs a full 50% to win :rolleyes: ). On the other hand. I don’t see why anyone would want the job. Most of the problems in California are systemic rather than the result of bad policy under control of the Governer. I wouldn’t wish that job on my worst enemy. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464/40 "2003-08-07T05:17:52Z")
Hmmm, I found [this dubious cite](http://actionfilms2.tripod.com/arnoldschwarzenegger/id35.html) regarding Arnie’s reputed real estate investments. The site’s cite is dead, so I’m not sure how much credence to lend this article. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arnies-running/193464.md?page=3)