Animal Crackers

23 December 2004 |permalink | email article

  • California Gov. Arnold Schwarzennegger told Germany’s daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung that the Republican Party should move a “little to the left” to attract new voters. The little noticed comment, chilling to the GOP right, recalls another unorthodox former California governor, Democrat Jerry Brown. His famous dicta in politics was you “paddle a little to the left, a little to the right and then straight ahead.”  Arnold downplayed hints about a presidential bid; he wants a debate on whether the constitution should be amended to allow foreign-born citizens like himself to run.
  • With polls showing a post-election approval plunge, W emerges as an artful dodger. Reporters were told regarding the Bernard Kerik HSS fiasco that the message is “continue to vet, and ask good questions.” So why was the White House asleep at the switch? Regarding a national intelligence chief, the President said “I’m going to find somebody who knows something about intelligence.” That would be refreshing.
  • Suggested signage to drape on DNC headquarters next month: “Wanted. Skilled Mechanic.” The phrase has a more populist ring than the copycat “organization man” label some reporters and talking heads chat up to checkmate incoming RNC chairman Ken Melman, the real organization man for W’s campaign.

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