Recall election attracts media circus
COMMENTARY
Blake Williams

He said he would be back, and in 2003 he made good on that promise — first with the third installment of the popular “Terminator” franchise and now with his political aspirations. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the well-known action star, is but one of many to throw his hat into the election recall being held in California later this year. But can this star who aspires to be a politician be what that state needs?

So far the general consensus among politicians is an overwhelming “no.”

Since he announced his plans to run, Arnold has found himself, once again, in the middle of the three-ringed circus known as the media. But unlike one of his movie premieres, no one is excited about this lastest character Schwarzenegger has signed on to play.

Many bring up the fact that Schwarzenegger has no political experience.

How does one go about obtaining political experience? I would think by being politically active, which Schwarzenegger is. All politicians have to start somewhere. The most recent inexperienced “politician” brought to mind is Independent Governor Jesse Ventura of Minnesota. He came from the wrestling world and, by all accounts, did a good job for the state of Minnesota. Whoever thought a guy who wore a boa could be governor? Did the wrestling world prepare him for the political arena?

In many interviews, Schwarzenegger has failed to respond directly to important questions asked. Instead, he has side-stepped the issue concerning California’s failing economy by saying the people don’t care about the numbers. What kind of politician is that? Maybe in a normal political arena that answer could be as simple as “a good one.”

The California recall situation is unusual even without the Schwarzenegger connection. In many ways, it reads like the action movies for which Schwarzenegger is known.

California has enough problems without adding to the media circus that has surrounded this issue. Recent polls over the weekend indicate that the recall has a 50-50 shot of not even happening. Californians can go to the poll Oct. 7 to vote on the recall and choose from 134 candidates. But the final result could be that they still have Governor Davis. All this media hype and examination of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ideas, or lack of them, would be for naught except for the estimated $64 million it cost to have the recall election. Somehow, I don’t think this will make the economic outlook in California any better.

One could question whether or not the star power of Schwarzenegger is a hindrance or an asset on his path to the governor’s mansion. The media seems intent on finding out his views, and he is intent on not sharing them at the moment. I find it simply amusing because off the Internet, I can buy T-shirts that read “Hasta La Vista, Davis” or “The Governator” for a mere $14.95. But after all is said and done, I think I will just buy my popcorn and wait for the movie to be released. After all, this is Hollywood.

Blake Williams is a junior political science major from Odessa.