Poll: Schwarzenegger has broad support

[Nambe]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)

Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has the highest level of support at this stage in his term of any Californian governor in nearly 30 years, with even a plurality of Democrats backing the performance of the former action hero.

The nonpartisan Field Poll released Tuesday found Schwarzenegger with a 65% approval rating nine months after taking office, equal to his mark in May. The last governor to have that high a rating six to 10 months into office was Jerry Brown, who had a 67% approval rating in November 1975.

"These are unusual times," Field Poll director Mark DiCamillo said. "For Schwarzenegger, it's clearly his honeymoon period. I can't imagine he'll be able to sustain this high a level of approval in the long run. The question is how long will he be able to maintain his current popularity."

Schwarzenegger even has the backing of Democrats, who approve of the job he's doing by 45% to 35%, with 19% undecided. The governor has the support of 90% of Republicans and 61% of others. ..

Ride Don’t Drive * * It’s Global Cool

[lapfog_1]

1. This just can't be right

Even a freeper friend of mine says the gropenfurher isn't doing
anything other than what Davis proposed. I'm sure he still
supports Arnold, but its lukewarm at best. None of my democratic
friends supports him, but we are all focused on the presidential
election right now.

[rinsd]

25. This is just Q rating at this point....

Arnold's is much higher than Davis's was.

[StClone]

2. No doubt about it

There will be a Constitutional Amendment push by the GOP to get Arnoldt in the WH. He is a Social Liberal with Conservative Fiscal policy do they know that this power mad monkey will not obey their control if he gets there?

[dolstein]

8. Social liberal, yes -- fiscal conservative? Nope.

Arnold's solution to the state's budget crisis so far has consisted of one thing -- issuing billions of dollars in bonds. He has yet to demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice some of his political capital in order to push through unpopular spending cuts.

As far as I can tell, Arnold is pushing the same kind of "free lunch" economic policies -- lower taxes, higher spending -- that Ronald Reagan supported in the 80s.

[StClone]

14. He talked a good game

So it's Reaganomics for California and the people of the state are liking it. This can not be good.

[qanda]

3. You mean even 'girlie men' support him?

Go figure....

[Qutzupalotl]

4. Poll: Many people are stupid.

Sorry, it needed to be said.

[dolstein]

10. Poll: Many left-wingers are clueless

Sorry, it needed to be said.

[Qutzupalotl]

23. If they like Schwarzenegger, they sure are.

So nice of him to forgive Enron's transgressions.

[lazarus]

5. broad but shallow

Nobody's running against him, and the media isn't reporting anything worth squat.

The reason? Local media heads get to interview, not some boring ol' politician, but a movie star!

Seriously, that's how he was treated in the campaign, and how he's being treated now.

But it's changing. Wait 'til someone runs against him, I think he's seriously vulnerable.

[WinterStorm]

6. Is that the same poll that says that Bush is doing a good job?

:shrug:

[llmart]

7. Well, I remember quite well another Repug.......

who had extremely high approval ratings and once the people saw how he could screw things up, they tanked. (Here's a hint: *) Give it time.

[dolstein]

9. Message to DU'ers -- Stop kidding yourselfs

The vast majority of voters -- even in California -- are not left-wing ideologues. Voters in general like strong and confident leaders, and Arnold definitely projects strength and confidence, not to mention a sense of humor. Left-wing ideologues have never grasped this, and probably never will.

Personally, my biggest beefs with Arnold is the fact that (1) he won in a recall election that should never have been held, (2)he has yet to come clean to Californians on the real costs of solving the state's budgetary problems and (3) he raises money and offers political support to right-wing Republicans. But despite this, I can readily see why he would be popular.

[sadiesworld]

18. Let's see...

A thinly disguised racist.
A blatant misogynist.
Runs the state on credit.
When given a choice b/t Enron and his constituents, chose Enron.

Sure, what's not to like? :eyes:

[dolstein]

19. "A thinly disguised racist" -- WTF???

If you're going to play the race card, at least have the decency to back it up with specifics.

As for the misogynist charge, let's not forget that Bill Clinton's own predilection for getting physical with women other than his wife didn't prevent him from supporting policies that were very much pro-women. Can you point to any policies or actions since Arnold's election that would justify the misogynist charge?

Again, posts like yours only reinforce my view that many left-wingers are never going to understand why Arnold is popular, and this blind spot will only lead to further political defeats for the left.

[Name removed]

21. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sadiesworld]

24. But Schwarzenegger didn't mean to offend those women...

he was just "being playful". :puke:

BTW, thanks for stepping in, while I stepped away.

[rinsd]

27. What Arnold did was wrong...

But dolstein's question was "has Arnold supported anti-women policies".

I don't see response to that..only insults and childish eye rolling.

[sadiesworld]

36. I called Schwarzenegger a misogynist.

Sexually assaulting women (repeatedly) and then defending it as "playful" behavior constitutes misogynistic behavior in my book.

Why do I need to respond to dolstein's question?

[rinsd]

38. Sorry...I was replying to the wrong person....

I see no problem with characterizing Arnold as such.

[dolstein]

32. Since you apparently consider yourself omniscient

how about telling me who's going to going to win the World Series? At least them maybe you will have said something useful.

But I suspect your predictions would prove just as inaccurate as your laughably off base description of my own politics.

As for your claim that Arnold is a racist, it appears to be based entirely on his "purported" (you cite only vague "ties" rather than any actions he had taken as governor) opposition to bilingual education. I suppose the fact that Hispanics voted for Arnold in large numbers doesn't change your view -- you'll probably say that these Hispanics are racists too.

[leesa]

34. Backing another fascist wanna-be huh? Have you given up

your crusade for Holy Joe yet?

Ahnode has one thing going for him...the Bush Crime Family media whores are pushing him for their next pretend pres...and you're falling for it.

[dolstein]

42. No, I'm just on the side of rationality and candor

I didn't vote for Arnold -- since I live in New York, I couldn't have. And truth be told, I wouldn't have voted for him even if I could. First, because I considered the recall election to be unwise. Second, because Arnold wasn't honest about what needed to be done to solve the budget crisis in California. Third, because the guy's a Republican. Even if he's liberal on social issues, like Mayor Bloomberg in NYC, he actively supports right-wing Republicans like the current president.

But at least my opposition to Arnold doesn't blind me to the fact that those voters who aren't die-hard left-wing Democratic paristans are likely to find his apparently strength and confidence very appealing, especially in comparison to the bland and beleagured Gray Davis. Unlike many DU'ers, I am not quick to brand all of Arnolds supporters as idiots or closet racists.

I think it's time for DU'ers to stop drinking the Kool-Aid and start facing reality.

[arlib]

43. Did you really...

...expect anything different?

[w4rma]

40. I'm a left-winger and know why he's popular.

The guy is popular for exactly the same reason his movies are. He looks great. He's well-kept and well-spoken. Great appearance.

Its nothing to do with his policies. It's about him. He never even talks about his policies and big media doesn't cover the unpopular policies he endorces (even when they do they gloss over it).

So, never say never, dolstein. It only shows your lack of being able to apply logic, logically, imho.

[dolstein]

44. Since you obviously failed to read what I said, here it is

<<The vast majority of voters -- even in California -- are not left-wing ideologues. Voters in general like strong and confident leaders, and Arnold definitely projects strength and confidence, not to mention a sense of humor. Left-wing ideologues have never grasped this, and probably never will.>>

Please note that I said voters liked the fact that he projects an image of strength and confidence, and also has a good sense of humor. He's a likable guy, and that goes a long way. The post you responded to said nothing about his policies being a source of his popularity, so I don't see what your beef is. I would say, however, that the fact that he is portrayed as a social liberal and the fact that he has yet to require real sacrifices from taxpayers certainly hasn't hurt his standing. And contrary to your snarky insults, I see nothing illogical with that.

[rinsd]

56. I definitely agree...this is Q rating more than anything (nt)

[rinsd]

26. Enron?

If you're referencing the energy meetings...Arnold didn't have constiuentents then. Though I would like know what the hell went on.

As far as I know Lockyer proceeding withe a lawsuit. Is Arnold stopping or interfereing with that?

[sadiesworld]

30. It was my understanding that he had settled w/ Enron costing CA

taxpayers about 6 billion.

[rinsd]

33. I thought that was Reliant?

I thought there were a few companies and that settlement was with Reliant.

I'll have to go and do a little more reading. I'll check back with what I find.

Edit: My findings so far...

Here's an article mentioning Lockyer suing Enron in June.

http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2004/08/02/daily36.html

Here's one discussing natural gas rip offs and suing Sempra

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/07/30/business/news/19_47_517_29_04.txt

I can't find anything about Arnold settling any lawsuits though I know that was a pre-recall talking point about him.

[NickB79]

31. "Voters in general like strong and confident leaders"

Thats what got us Jesse "The Body" Ventura here in MN a few yrs ago. Do you see him in a second term right now, or hear people say "Damn, I miss the good old days under Ventura"?

[lordwhorfin]

55. Well

freakin' put.

[dolstein]

61. Do you think voters considered Pawlenty to be weak and insecure?

I don't believe that anything you have said undercuts my statement. I said that "voters in general like strong and confident leaders." I never said that was the ONLY thing they liked -- just that politicians who are perceived as strong and confidence are generally more popular than politicians who are perceived as weak and indecisive. Of course, strength and confidence will get you only so far, as the current president is learning.

[central scrutinizer]

11. broads support Ahnuld?

probably only the broads he hasn't groped.

[CBHagman]

12. Well, then they're damned fools.

When the bills start coming due and college is made increasingly unaffordable and the poor and the elderly get royally screwed, the Austrian autocrat isn't going to look like much. The sooner people wake up to that, the better.

And to hell with Jay Leno for being Schwarzengger's little toady. To hell with him.

[Democat]

13. Even when Arnold loses, the media spins it as a huge victory

The entire California media is spinning full time for Arnold. You cannot overstate how biased the media is toward him - it makes Fox look fair and balanced.

Look at the budget mess, when Democrats held out and got what they wanted, but almost all of the headlines said "Arnold Victorious In Budget Battle."

If it was Davis, the headlines would have called it a defeat and the noted that he broke several campaign promises per day since he got elected.

[nolabels]

51. One of reasons they do this is because he is so arrogant that...........

he believes the lies they tell about him. The guy is really a piece of work. The guy turns into putty when they start picking on him if you haven't noticed.

Body builder turned actor turned politician, the whole life is a facade, poking fun at him is like trying to win a fight Shadow boxing.

You can't put it in your bank account, eat it or take it out on a date, so why spend any time trying to fight it?

[goclark]

15. Not with the people I talk to..Hate him

[dolstein]

20. I suspect their poll is more scientific than yours

NT

[lordwhorfin]

22. I think I see a pattern

Do you live in California, Dolstein? Did you read about Schwartzenegger's meetings with Lay et. al.?

If you do live in CA, one might suppose that you voted FOR the recall and FOR Schwarzenegger. Lots of Democrats did. And it's always best to play it safe, isn't it? Otherwise, how does one get ones crumbs from the table?

I think Woodie Guthrie and John Steinbeck would have a lot to say to you, but not much nice.

[rinsd]

28. I see a pattern too....

Name calling and baseless slurs without any arguments beyond where dolstein measures up on lordworfin's test for "real" democrats.

Bravo....I though the other side had corned the market on forcing people to toe the line. I was wrong.

[lordwhorfin]

48. Excuse me?

Care to point out a baseless slur I've used against Dolstein? Comparing him to noted 'moralist' right-wing blogger Tacitus? Give me a break.

[rinsd]

57. Served for your pleasure....

"Otherwise, how does one get ones crumbs from the table"

The implication that dolstein would benefit from Ahnuld and is a sucker for it.

Your other post seems to have been taken down. That was alot nastier.

[lordwhorfin]

60. Sorry, friend

That's exactly how I see a LOT of support for Arnold in Cali of the non-q variety: I'm got mine, Jack, and fuck the rest of you. The hard-core GOP voted for McClintock, as you know.

And it's what I think of a lot of the kinds of 'tactical' compromises folks like Dolstein seem willing to make.

So I got spanked for going off. Boo hoo. Cry me a river.

[dolstein]

49. Seeing how Messrs. Guthrie and Steinback are dead . . .

I seriously doubt they'd have much to say about me one way or another.

For the record, I do not live in California, but I did vacation in California in the weeks preceding the recall election. And I have followed the news reports. And I simply find no rational basis in the standard DU knee-jerk response to Arnold's popularity. According to these people, anyone who supports Arnold is an idiot, a fascist, a closet racist, or hates women.

While I wouldn't have voted for the recall, and wouldn't have voted for Arnold, I can see why others would. Many people who disagreed with Reagan's policy positions nonetheless liked the guy, and were willing to vote for him over Democrats like Carter and Mondale, who were widely perceived as weak and ineffectual. Why should things be any different with Arnold, who is not only perceived as being smarter and more engaged than Reagan, but is more liberal on many issues than Reagan was.

Now maybe Arnold's supporters simply have the wrong impression, not only about their guy, or the Democratic alternative. But I fail to see how calling these people idiots, etc. is likely to bring these people around. I certainly hope the Democratic leaders in California are able to develop a more effective critique of Arnold than what I've seen here.

[lordwhorfin]

59. I've

not called Arnold's supporters idiots, although I think that some of them are likely quite simplistic in their worldviews. The real creepy types in the last election voted for Tom McClintock.

I deeply resent your preaching to those of us in California who tried to get Davis off the dime. Your argument (that voters perceived Arnold as likeable and confident) has nothing to do with your Pecksniffian disapproval of 'left wing ideologues' you seem to blame for Arnold's victory in the recall.

I think that anyone who knows the facts (not Clinton-era rumors about 'Slick Willie,' but facts) about Arnold's treatment of women, and thinks he's REALLY a 'nice guy' and still votes for him, has a problem with women, yes.

You're shifting your argument here from 'left-wing ideolouges don't understand Arnold's popularity because they're blinded by their own PC hatereds' to 'Arnold projects greater confidence and popularity than the other guy, so he wins more votes than Bustamante.'

That voters chose a candidate on surface perceptions alone is without doubt true. That it is neither laudible nor wise does not mean that 'left wing ideologues' are to blame for the shallowness of the public perception of Schwarzenegger: what is the substance of your lecture on that point other than to use it as a crude stick to attack those with whom you disagree?

Steinbeck and Guthrie said plenty one can extrapolate from. We need their spirits: if alive, they'd be appalled.

[goclark]

64. You are so right - I live in LA

and the many people that I talk to realize that he is a complete fool now.

Some thought it was just wonderful that we got reimbursed for our car fees. I saved $186.

Glad I don't have a kid in as state college. The fees went up,way up.

[realFedUp]

16. broad support from his special interests

http://www.arnoldwatch.org/special_interests/index.html

[Rose Siding]

17. Now they should poll who's paying attention to issues

I bet his numbers match with those who aren't.

[okieinpain]

29. what pisses me off is, I wonder how many of those dems that

held gray's feet to the fire, and would not give him any ground to cut out some the programs. now bend over backwards helping arnold.

[Mari333]

35. No broads I know like him, they think hes a complete asshole n/t

[devilgrrl]

37. Poll: BOLLOCKS!!!

I flatly refuse to believe people are that stupid.

[Freddie Stubbs]

39. Do you believe that they recalled Davis and replaced him with Arnold?

Many here on DU refused to believe that they would actually get enough valid signitures to get the recall on the ballot. Then they refused to believe that a majority of voters would vote to recall Davis and replace him with Arnold. But all of those things happened.

[dolstein]

47. A lot of DU'ers live in their own little world

They tend to associate only with people who share the same political beliefs and support the same candidates. Therefore, they are quick to assume that everyone who supports people like Arnold must either be an idiot, or must be a racist or hate women. They can't possibly comprehend that "normal" people could ever like Arnold or think he's doing a good job. I think this inability to empathize with other people is one of the reasons why the far left has failed so miserably in building a political base in this country. It's very hard to reach out to people you think so little of.

I wouldn't have voted for Arnold in the recall, nor would I support his reelection. But I can certainly understand why people who aren't political ideologues might find Arnold appealing.

[lordwhorfin]

62. Man, you just won't stop

When you're called on spreading this nonsense, you just keep going.

Arnold won because Davis presented an incredibly disunited set of reasons to keep him on. You seem to know little about actual California politics, and less about the intricacies of what happened in the run-up to the recall.

This issue for you is simply a defeatist stick for you to beat the folks on DU who disagree with you on other points.

[w4rma]

41. Most people are stupid. (nt)

[LiberalFighter]

45. He is not a god damn action hero

actors cannot be heros!!!!!!!!!!

[happynewyear]

46. well ... CSEA has stopped shilling for Ahnuld

Well, at least the California State Employees Assn. has stopped shilling for Ahnuld. They sure were during the recall process though. And now we see this:

<< This budget fails the people of California by drastically cutting the essential services we all rely on. When Gov. Schwarzenegger ran for office promising to fight for the people, he must not have meant children, who under his budget will be denied health care, or seniors, who will have their health and long-term care cut, or college students, whose costs will continue to skyrocket, denying many a chance at higher education.

When the governor promised to take on special interests, he must not have meant the wealthy or corporations. They are the only groups that are not asked to sacrifice in this budget, while working families, children, people with disabilities, and the poor will suffer.

We oppose a two-tiered pension system. California tried it under Gov. Wilson and it failed because it’s unfair, creating inequities and a divisive environment in the workplace. The state currently has a fair pension system that allows state and university employees who’ve dedicated their careers to serving the people of California to have a decent, though certainly not lavish, retirement. We will work to protect that pension system.

The governor should put politics aside and throw his support behind reasonable proposals to increase revenues — proposals that are supported by economists, local government leaders, and advocates for working families, children, and seniors. It’s time to ask the wealthiest Californians -- people who make $250,000-plus a year -- to shoulder their fair share by restoring the top tax brackets, as former Gov. Pete Wilson did a decade ago. And we should consider other balanced plans to raise revenue so we can avoid the deepest cuts. >>

http://www.calcsea.org/20040109-budgetqa.asp

I believe that CSEA has bit off far more than they can ever chew. I for one along with others have not, do not and never will support the likes of der gropenfuhrer!!!

:dem: :kick:

[lordwhorfin]

54. Sadly . . .

. . .as many public orgs in California, UC among them, CSEA was very unhappy with Davis. They saw him as really no more inclined to work with Burton et. al. on major issues than the Duke (although probably not as bad as Wilson).

Davis made several huge blunders. One was failing to exploit Simon's disasterous campaign to crack open the corrupt cirle backing Simon. I have always thought that Sac'to politics-as-usual probably played a role there. Another was failing COMPLETELY to accept help during the recall. Did Davis really think the effort would prove to be a joke? Yes, he did, and in part, he had good, initial reason to think so I feel. Issa would not have been a credible candidate, and the GOP mandarins know this fact. Riordan would have been much easier for Davis to deal with. Schwarzenegger's 11th hour declaration on Leno was brilliant.

However, Davis's insistance on carrying on as though nothing was happening and in addition, never having built good working relationships with the Leg in his first term, really hurt him in the months directly before the recall. My main point, though, is that Dolstein et. seq are dead wrong about the reason for Arnold's popularity outside of the mediagenic argument.

It's simply because Arnold is packaged by his handlers, assisted by the media, 'to exude confidence' or what have you, AGAINST a bland opponent who failed to seek assistance from the likes of Clint Eastwood, or against folks people aren't generally familiar with, like John Burton. In truth, Arnold has had to GOVERN as a relative centerist, something the press doesn't detail well: Republicans support him ONLY because of the R after his name, and I think he will face a brusing challange from the Simon wing of the party in 2006.

It's NOT that Arnold is some ward against 'Left wing ideologues' that voters have chosen as a refuge against wild-eyed radicalism (Cruise Bustamante a radical, an ideologue? Oh, forgive my aching sides from so much laughter).

Forgive me if I roll my eyes at that logic.

[LynneSin]

50. Arnold is popular for one reason - he's Arnold...

...if anyone else was in office and doing the SAME EXACT JOB there would not be this high of popularity

[stepnw1f]

52. Cheney's Replacement?

It would carry California.

[Joanne98]

53. The weak kneed democrats can't even defend themselves

when they control the whole fucking state. we need to take out all of the clueless pussies in the next primaries. i've had enough of this. there's no reason for these poll numbers. if dems had been doing their jobs.

[SoCalDem]

58. 10 miles wide and 1/8th of an inch deep

People who liked him as a Mooooovie Starrrr "like" him..but "most" people have NO IDEA what should be required of a governor, so it's no biggie to them..

The people who make "Kelly-for-nyuh" work, will soon see how dangerous it is to have a guy at the CEO helm, who is just a re-manufactured face..

And, like I always try to remind people..we REALLY have Pete Wilson back in charge.. He is the man behind the Silicone Austrian..

We suffered badly at the hands of Wilson, and I absolutely HATE that he's back in the saddle..

[truebrit71]

63. Which "Broad" what that be then??

..obviously one he hasn't molested yet...sorry..couldn't resist...:evilgrin:

[4_Legs_Good]

65. If we have to have a republican as governor, I'm okay with Arnold

Things could be worse. Davis wasn't much better.

I'm not happy with Arnold. I wouldn't "approve", but I don't hate him either. I'm livid at him for going to the RNConvention.

Most of all, I'm still pissed that in this - the most diverse and progressive state in the union - we couldn't elect a Green or Independent Governor when we had the chance.

Pathetic!

david