How Arnold Could Get My Vote
I am a registered Independent . My political heritage is left-wing, but I've moved toward the center in my adult life. Some right-wing positions even make sense to me. I am suspicious of ideology, though I recognize that it is probably necessary to cut through the mountains of crap piled up by politicians of all persuasions. Libertarian ideas appeal to me, too. If I were running for office, I would describe myself as a fiscal moderate and a social liberal, with a libertarian streak.
But I'm not running for office. How am I to choose between the candidates for Governor in the upcoming recall election? As it now stands, only one candidate potentially fits my biases and ideology: Arnold Schwarzenegger. But the Governator hasn't got my vote, yet. Arnold hasn't convinced me he's a serious candidate, for one thing. Oh, I'm convinced he's serious about running. By serious candidate I mean one who has a detailed program for running the state after the election. If he presents such a program, I'd want it to contain answers to the following questions:
- How will you work to minimize the disruptive effect your election would have on state government?
- How will you work to heal partisan wounds after your election?
Compare and contrast your plan with that of George Bush after the 2000 election.
- How will you work to pass a budget next year?
- You are pro-business. What specifically will you do to return business to the state?
- What specifically will you do to protect and improve the environment in California?
I need a better answer than "no problem."
- Why are you a Republican?
Are you out of step with California Republicans? Honestly, now.
I could probably think of more questions, but I suspect answers to a few of the above would help make up my mind. These are not "litmus tests."
I would probably accept honest answers that didn't match my beliefs, unless they were too far off the mark. If I were convinced Arnold could be a good Governor, I might even vote "yes" on the recall.
Posted by hbo at August 10, 2003 12:49 PM
