Can Schwarzenegger win in California?

Movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger is front-runner in the race to govern California, America's richest and most populous state.

Opinion polls have suggested that the actor is the favourite for the post, despite accusations of sexual harassment that appeared in an article in Thursday's Los Angeles Times, for which he later apologised.

He is up against Gray Davis, who currently holds the post and wishes to continue his reign as California's governor, and 134 other replacement candidates.

Can Schwarzenegger win the election? Do you think it is in the best interests of Californian citizens to have the former Hollywood star as governor?

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The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

Oh I sure hope he does win - despite the best efforts of the Loony Left to discredit him. He is a shrewd businessman and has already proved his integrity. California has nowhere to go but up at this point!

As for the "sexual harassment" claims - isn't it amazing how a) these unproven and questionable claims conveniently came up right now, b) that it's only a problem when it's a Republican. Where was NOW when Bubba Clinton was doing his thing, never apologised, and lied under oath?

Go Arnie!
Joanna Ellison, California, USA

I fear for the future of California if Arnold Schwarzenegger is named governer. He is a movie star, good at building mass appeal and fitting into whatever image sells. It takes intelligence, hardwork and dedication to truly govern a state, and not be led by a host of advisors. I'm confident that Gray Davis can lead and make informed decisions in the best interest of California.
Lindley , American in Singapore

I think all this controversy about Arnold Schwarzenegger just proves how little Americans think when they elect their leaders. How can you support someone who has indulged in disgusting behaviour such as lifting women's shirts?

He is nothing but an actor - definitely Davis deserves to be recalled but surely America has a better replacement than Arnold ?
Usman Ali, USA

Can Arnie win?

Not in any other country, but this is America we're talking about here. Of course he will. My only question is how many more Terminator quotes he'll be able to fit in to his speeches?
simon, japan

All these comparisons between Schwarzenegger and Clinton, Schwarzenegger and Reagan - how are they similar? First off, Lewinsky consented to having sex with Clinton - Schwarzenegger didn't ask permission to grab women's chests.

And his "apology" was more fitting to a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar than a grown man caught humiliating women. As for justifying Schwarzenegger's election with Reagan's career - how did Reagan do a good job as president? Have you forgotten "trickledown economics" already? If so, just look around, because it's what Bush is doing right now, and the US economy is spiralling down the drain.
Sasha, Indiana USA

This is a sad abuse of the Recall Initiative by tacky Tories (Republicans).
John Burkitt, USA

I'm a US citizen abroad. Watching this whole thing from the outside seems like being back in high school prom night. Schwarzenegger is certainly the most popular guy in class but way short of being the most competent.
Cristián Martínez, Santiago, Chile

Reagan made a very good US president, probably the best since FDR. Despite overall reservations of the diplomats and career politicians, actors make good political figures. They are used to the public eye and are good at defending themselves from the many accusations that they are faced with.
John, USA

As a native Californian, I certainly hope not. The man is in no way qualified to lead this state. I will submit my vote against the recall.
Wendy, California, USA

As a native Californian, and in response to Wendy, I certainly hope Arnie can win.

California, under Gray Davis, is coming undone.

To those who cite lack of political experience as a Schwarzenegger flaw - this country wasn't created to be run by professional politicians. Abe Lincoln borrowed money to pay the train fair to his own inauguration.
Randy, California, USA

This is just another effort by right wing reactionaries to seize power by whatever means necessary Larry, USA

This is just another effort by right wing reactionaries to seize power by whatever means necessary. California has traditionally been a Democratic Party stronghold. With almost 20% of the total electoral votes, it is also a very important state to hold during a presidential election. While I doubt that the election of a Republican governor would change this overnight, it would, however, keep it from being a lock for the Democrats, forcing them to concentrate more resources on what had previously been an almost sure thing.
Larry, USA

What is certain about Schwarzenegger's candidacy is the contradiction that he is a "populist" candidate of a party that serves the rich elite. That Californians could be duped into voting for him despite this glaring fact is perhaps the strongest indictment of American politics.
Brad, Los Angeles, CA, USA

If California elects Schwarzenegger - they deserve him. But I pity all the poor and working people who will have to endure his imperious, macho Republican perspectives and actions for the future of their state. Why does California have such a plethora of right-wingers such as Reagan and Schwarzenegger? As a Canadian I am appalled at the support this idiot is getting!
Carol Auld, Canada

All Arnold has going for him is a well known name. That's all you need to run and win in this country. Pathetic...
Tom Sutter, USA

Schwarzenegger is certainly charismatic, at least by Hollywood standards, and this seems to suggest that he'd make an effective leader. However, I think people put too much emphasis on charisma (as evidence of the ability to lead) and not enough on where we're being led. Charisma might make Schwarzenegger effective, but to what end? He has few declared positions and hasn't expressed any comprehensive political vision for the future of California. He might be a 'great guy' but as we say in California, he'd suck as governor.
Dustin, California

Arnold isn't just a successful businessman and actor. He's done a great deal of work with after school programmes and has been heavily involved in the Special Olympics for over two decades. Americans are growing increasingly fed up with career politicians, who seem to be more and more in it for themselves. Arnold isn't a "true" Republican either. He deviates from the Republican party line on a number of issues. Experience in government has to come from somewhere. If he had served on a city council or as a state senator, people would still say he isn't experienced enough to be governor.
Justin, USA

He has what it takes to motivate citizens and inspire their trust Thor Thorgeirsson, Iceland

People instinctively respond to the charisma, energy and vision of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a political leader. He has what it takes to motivate citizens and inspire their trust. Because of that he is likely to win the election, even if the voters have been showered with dirty laundry by his opponents. I think the voters will see through the desperation of the incumbent and elect Arnie. They don't want a poor manager in Sacramento, but a real leader.
Thor Thorgeirsson, Iceland

In 'Hitch-hikers guide to the Galaxy' Douglas Adams states that the job of the president is to distract the voters from the real people running the show - Arnold will do this.
Andrew, UK

How can he be credible in all seriousness? His entire campaign from what seems to have been based on holding to baby, meeting Joe Public and applying metaphors to his opponents based on baddies from his films. Arnold Schwarzenegger is demonstrating (again) how far the greatest "democracy" on Earth is from meritocracy.
John Keegans, UK

I hardly think regurgitating movie lines to answer debate questions makes one a viable candidate Lori, Pennsylvania, USA

I don't think Mr. Schwarzenegger is necessarily good for California. He has no political experience (save being married to a Kennedy) and with this office comes taking charge of the 5th largest economy in the world. No one knows what his views are. The only debate he participated in was one in which the candidates were provided the questions ahead of time. I hardly think regurgitating movie lines to answer debate questions makes one a viable candidate to handle the numerous economic, environmental, industrial, and social problems that California is facing.
Lori, Pennsylvania, USA

I have read various comments posted here and there is a lot of go-Arnie he will make a great Governor. Why exactly? I have nothing against the guy and if he chooses to grope women the only people he is answerable to is his wife and family and the person in question. Why has politics in America got to be run by big money campaigns? What exactly do they prove? Surely the politician should have a proven track record on what needs to be done.
Sure Arnie came to America with little or nothing and he has made a fortune, but he did that for himself and family, there is a big difference in what one can do for oneself than what one can do for a whole State. Big money campaigns should have nothing to do with politics, it proves nothing. It's experience that counts, well it should do anyway. Having said that he probably will win but for no other reason than he is a well known face.
Aileen Walshe, Ireland

America has become confused in believing running business and running government is the same thing. They are not. Running government is the opposite of running business. They have completely different goals. We are seeing that in the current administration. Business is top down and government is bottom up. When government is run in a top down manner it becomes a dictatorship. Like Bush, inc.
Lee, USA

Arnold Schwarzenegger wouldn't be my first choice as a governor, but in the candidate debate he showed that he is credible. After the failures of Davis and Bustamante, California needs basic competence. McClintock would be better, but Arnie will do ok.
Pete Wass, UK

I think prophesizing that Arnold would be a failure is immature. If you look at the facts, he is a man, who came to the US with nothing, did his MBA from the US in Economics, made his first million in real estate before he was even in the movies, was a body building world champ for a record number of times and redefined the US Cinema. The way he has been investing his money shows that he has good economic sense. I think he is as good as any other.
Harry Bhawaija, Germany

Sadly, it seems that many people in the U.S. are eager to confirm my theory that the three ideal qualities required of their political leaders are full head of hair, good teeth, and lots of money. Seems that experience in government and/or statesmanship are simply nice "extras."
Richard Jones, Canada

All I've got to say is I've already voted. I voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger. Because anyone who came to this country with only $20 in his pocket and knowing no one, who makes himself one of the most successful businessmen in our nation, being worth millions, has what it takes to fix our broken economy. Plus, I want to, in a subliminal way, send a message to the current anti-American climate in the world say that anything is possible in the US. Arnold is the poster child of the American Dream. I hope in 24 hours he'll be my new Governor!
April-Liesel Binapri, L.A. County, California, USA

In the USA, it has been a long time since political viability involved statesmanship Peter, USA

No, of course Schwarzenegger isn't a credible candidate. Unfortunately, though, that won't stop us from electing him - in the USA, it has been a long time since political viability involved statesmanship. We have become a nation of the shallow, the crass, the stupid, valuing style over substance. There was a time when I was proud to be American - those days are gone.
Peter, USA

Not too long ago Arnold was a respected actor and now he is "satan". This shows the sad lengths both parties will go to discredit the opposition's choice of candidate. My hat's off to Arnold for apologizing. In these days of symbolic legislation sometimes all that is needed is a strong leadership personality in office to restore confidence.
David Kendall, USA

After Bush was elected the president of the US, anything can go now. Looks like the only requirements to be a politician in America are single digit IQs and supporters with big pockets. Indeed disgusting!
Louis M. Horta, Brazil

The man is a walking self-success story. He knows the principles of politics and has surrounded himself with the necessary technocrats. His career has been run brilliantly, his campaign has been run brilliantly, and with a little luck California will follow suit.
Gabriel, Canada

Jesse Ventura was the best governor Minnesota has ever had - and lets face it: those with "experience" of politics are precisely the wrong people to have in charge!
Marc Dessau, UK

We in America have become a laughing stock to the world. First we had Ronald Regan as president, then we had Jessie Ventura, a wrestler as governor of Minnesota and now Arnold! If real issues were not at stake here, one would think this is an episode out of Saturday Night Live. No wonder the whole world thinks we have no business trying to fix other people's affairs. American Politics is now a big joke.
Rosetta, New Jersey, USA

The reason Arnold is getting attacked is that the established political old boys' club is terrified he is going to win Doug, California

Yes, he is a credible candidate. No, he has not lost all credibility. He is the most open, frank and honest person in the race. And, yes, I agree with the recall in the first place. The reason Arnold is getting attacked is that the established political old boys' club is terrified he is going to win and has nothing logical to defeat him with, so they are pulling out all stops on a desperate attempt to assassinate his character.
Doug, California

Arnie is just what we Californians need. Someone to come in and clean house. So what if he hasn't been a career politician? That's great! He's been busy running his own multi-million dollar companies and career. Gray Davis' handling of our energy crisis, being economical with the truth about our deficit until after he was re-elected, our unemployment ranks, out-of-control worker compensation bills, tripling our car registration tax and blatant disregard for how most Californians feel about illegal immigrants means that I'd be willing to put just about anyone in office to replace him. Democrats had their chance with California and they blew it; now it's time for the Terminator!
Francesca Contreras, California, USA

It will be very hard to justify if someone like Schwarzenegger who has no experience in politics, is elected to be the Governor of the state of California. It is an absolute mock to those politicians who work very hard to serve their people and accumulated a great deal of experience and who are competent to do their jobs by themselves and do not have to completely rely on people surrounding him. Just because Schwarzenegger has the advantage of being a famous movie star which comes with the free publicity during his campaign, and married to one of the Kennedys does not automatically qualify him to be a Governor.
Nancy, Canada

Who cares what he did or did not do Schwarzenegger you have my vote and I'm a Canadian. He will make a wonderful Governor and the people need a man who will behind them 100 percent. Arnold has a great family who is behind him 100 percent. I say grow up and give the man a chance, act your age out there. Arnold you have my vote, because you will make the difference in the lives of the California people who put there trust in you.
B. Veasey, B. C.

People seem to be saying that because there have been corrupt/incompetent politicians in the US in the past, that makes it okay for Arnold to be governor. I disagree with that logic. Arnold fails to meet the minimum qualifications for a competent governor. I think the voters will regret having elected him after they see his true form in office and the positive hype around his campaign has subsided.
Roger Wang, USA

His election would further expose the US political system as being all style over substance Jim, NJ, USA

His election would further expose the US political system as being all style over substance. Fitting, because California is certainly the style over substance capital of the world. A dozen or so more of these elections turned into jokes and Americans may catch on that our political system is in dire need of refinement. I'm hoping he wins in hopes that we learn something from it.
Jim, NJ, USA

My wife and I left California 10 months ago because it was falling apart fast. Davis took a state that was in great shape and ruined it: high taxes, crime, major immigration problems, and a huge budget surplus that he turned into a deep deficit. Davis is as weak-willed and party-controlled as they come. I fail to see how anyone could do any worse.
Matt, USA

I can't believe it! I'm not anti-American, but Arnold after Dubya it's too much!
Marie, France

Schwarzenegger, will win and do a good job. Politics is all about communication and surrounding yourself with the right people. Someone said, "Failing movie career? $40 million a movie doesn't sound like it to me.
Michael King, U.S.A.

Minn. elected a professional wrestler and the state did not explode. If California wants Arnold then that's what they should get.
Carl, USA

It isn't his acting career or arrogance or sexism that utterly discredits Schwarzenegger, but rather his offensive right-wing platform - which I hope firmly decides the voters against him.
Sheila Walters, USA

I say enough of all these criticisms even before the poor man has been elected. He must be judged on what he does while he is in office, not on what he is "reported" to have done in the past. Let him have his chance. As long as he carries out true right-wing policies, that is fine by me.
Nick Rhodes, France

You cannot compare Arnold with President Reagan. Reagan was involved in politics for roughly 30 years before running for governor. Arnold hasn't even been making movies for that long. The financial state of California is due to Federal budgeting and all the groping in the world won't fix the California budget crisis. Let the Davis election stand.
Ryan T. Mahon, Washington, DC

If he genuinely wanted to help the state of California, he would step down and support a proper candidate Rik Booth, England

If Schwarzenegger is elected, it will make a mockery of the US. Not only will he no doubt be incompetent, but several sources have cited him as being arrogant and obnoxious - not the sort of qualities a governor needs. These allegations only prove the point that a real politician should be elected, and not some actor trying to gain publicity to aid a failing acting career. If he genuinely wanted to help the state of California, he would step down and support a proper candidate.
Rik Booth, England

Honestly, I think he would make a great Governor. Forget what he did or did not do in the past, let's focus on the future. Nobody is perfect. Were Mr Davis or Mr Bush so perfect when they were elected? Give him a break, and let him do what he says he will. I believe he will make a great politician. Go Arnie.
Paul, USA

If Californians elect Schwarzenegger to govern this complex state we will deserve all the ridicule we will undoubtedly will get from the US and the rest of the world.
Nancy Dion, California, USA

If Bill Clinton can remain in office after his indiscretion, surely Arnold Schwarzenegger can run for Governor.
Ali Asghar Shabbir, Lahore, Pakistan

A successful person in that industry could be well-expected to understand politics Javani, California, USA

In California entertainment is a very large industry. A successful person in that industry could be well-expected to understand politics. Ronald Reagan might not be regarded as a successful actor, but he was President of the Screen Actors' Guild before becoming governor. By analogy, outsiders thought it funny that Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer but peanuts are serious business in the state of Georgia.
Javani, California, USA

Arnie is an actor but so was Ronald Reagan and he did all right, didn't he?
Dirk Bleys, Japan

People who diminish Schwarzenegger because he is an actor are mistaken. The one certain fact to come out of all this is that the regular working class people of California (it's not all Hollywood and movies) want a change and a governor that brings industry and work, not a governor that makes it impossible to create new growth. Schwarzenegger has the right to run and if he becomes governor it's a statement of the people that they have had enough of the so-called qualified and maybe just want a good savvy businessman who can fix the books and bring us back from this massive financial meltdown.
Mark Douglas, USA

This controversy won't prevent Arnold from getting elected Vic Paul, Canada

I don't like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but he's not as bad as Bill Clinton, who had sex in the Oval Office while President and then lied to his wife and the entire world about it. Clinton also cheated with other women before he became President and got away with it. This controversy won't prevent Arnold from getting elected.
Vic Paul, Canada

The Republicans want us to forgive Arnold for his indignities. Where was their compassion for Clinton? Sin is sin.
L T, America

I find it interesting that several people have stated that as a former actor Arnold does not have the skills or experience to be a credible politician. Prior to being President of the United States, Ronald Reagan was the Governor of California, and prior to that, he was an actor. Lack of experience seemed not to be important to him!!
Neill Courtney, USA ex UK

Arnie's past indiscretions don't necessarily make him unsuitable as a governor. He deserves the job if: a) he can persuade voters that he has changed, and b) he can appear as a credible candidate having put all that behind him. His excuses are believable (and admiring Hitler's communication skills should not be taboo), and we all say silly things from time to time. What's hampering his effort in my view, though, is that he isn't satisfying the second condition, i.e. by not entering into debate he reveals a possible weakness, and could do with some of those Nazi public speaking skills he's so keen on.
Ollie Brock, Chile

I commend the man for his honesty Phil, USA

I'd vote for him were he in my state. Every report I have heard on him indicates that he is a good man. I have friends who have met him and reported same. I commend the man for his honesty, I have not seen another modern politician do this (read into this how you like). If I lived in California instead of Ohio, I'd vote for the man in an instant.
Phil, USA

If political experience translates into political success then Gray Davis would be the greatest Governor in state history. Anyone who takes an objective look at my state however can clearly see that Gray Davis has been a miserable failure.
Colin Keesee, USA

As a young man of 19 entering the voting world here in California, I find it disgusting to see the media of this country overexpose a candidate who has basically bought out a good chunk of the election with his household name and clearly no credible background in politics. I am strongly against this recall and I hope the star-struck people in this state will realise the harm they will cause, should they vote for this facade.
Robert J, USA

Californians! Please don't vote for this man. Pumping iron and pretending to be a Terminator does not qualify you to govern the biggest state in America. Do you really want to hand over control of your state to someone who can't control himself?
Zed Lal, UK

We live in a Disneyland where idol worshiping is a religion. We want to impeach Clinton for cheating his wife, but it's ok for Bush to cheat a nation and for Arnold to grope and molest. Is Arnold credible? Probably as credible as Bush and ourselves.
T. Nugen, USA

I think Arnold Schwarzenegger will not be electable candidate on these grounds: Firstly because of his past behaviour. Secondly he has no political experience.
Hasan Abdi, UK

Arnold the actor - yes. Arnold the politician and leader? No way! Dave, USA

Arnold the actor - yes. Arnold the politician and leader? No way! He just does not have the experience. I cannot understand why Republican strategists are rallying behind Shwarzenegger and not the other more well qualified Republican candidates? My theory is that he's just another puppet, like Bush, that will only help further the extreme right wing agenda without by not questioning it. There's just no more room for moderates in the Republican party any more.
Dave, USA

I think, he is really credible candidate. He is the best.
Fatima Abreu, Republica Dominicana

I don't think he is qualified to take over a state in such a massive financial crisis. I would be more willing to support this "experiment" in outsider leadership in less critical circumstances.
Wayne Walton, USA

Arnold about Hitler? That was 29 years ago. How many of us have changed our minds about things since then? One of the things he liked about Hitler was his communication skills. These skills are taught in many schools around the world. I saw an interview with a someone from the camps that was also impressed by a Hitler speech he heard over the camp loud speakers. His friends had to hold down his arm as he was ready to preset the German salute. Sleaze in modern politics has gotten worse. Women are coming out who are saying he sexually assaulted them 20 years ago.
Russ Black, Calif, USA

I thnk that Arnold Schwarzenegger is a good actor. But he does not have the skills to run a state.
Abid hussain, England

Arnold has been truthful about his wild youth. Clinton was elected and re-elected when his past was still his present. What matters is can he do the job. Arnold has the career politicians scared. He will win the election. The California law allowing a recall election is stupid and should be changed. Maybe Arnold can make that his second mission.
Kevin McHale, USA

Given the political awareness of the average American he will probably be elected with a huge majority. Unfortunately for democracy to work it needs an electorate who at least understand the basics of politics and are not influenced by how handsome or wealthy the candidates might be.
Graham Bates, England

Surely the point is whether he will make a good governor and politician Richard Essex, USA

It is inevitable that allegations of sexual harassment would appear when a man of Swarzenegger's fame is running for election. Surely the point is whether he will make a good governor and politician. None of us would be here on the planet if humans didn't flirt and surely apportioning the word scandal to the subject of harassment is absurd. Why does the public insist on debating about a man who they personally don't know? He should win an election based on the politics he wishes to follow and give people the right to choose him based on that. None of us were there at the time the so called harassments took place so we should all leave well alone. Politics seems to have become farcical in recent years. Is nothing genuine anymore?
Richard Essex, USA

He is nothing but a face and a name. The party is the power, and it's too bad that the party only cares for its own agenda, not that of the people. Republicans = Big Business and that is what is moving the party and candidates like him. He's worthless, but for his name and his fame. They are doing the same in Texas, and Florida. Big voting states, you realize. Please pray for us.
Pat, USA

I think its about time everyone stopped judging Arnie on his movie exploits. He has business degree, he is a great business man and we must remember that it not only films that have made him his money but some savvy business deals.
Chris Brogden, UK

With the sexual harassment and Nazi factor against him I believe he has no chance and should do the decent thing by stepping down. Expecting him to continue with his campaign he seems to be heading for deeper waters. Arnie now needs all the luck he can muster.
Harry Doolabh, USA

"Credible candidate"? Chances are he is going to win next week! He's not going to be a candidate for much longer. The real question is, is he going to be an effective governor?
Irwin, USA

Arnold never had credibility as a political representative. He dodged every debate, except for the one where he already had the questions. His entire team is from the failed Gov. Pete Wilson group. He stated how he admired Hitler, then said by contributing to a Jewish fund proves he doesn't. Has taken money from special interest groups after saying he wouldn't. Now he believes apologizing for lewd and illegal behaviour over a 25 year span is enough. Electing him will most definitely, result in another ReCall.
Laurie Williams, USA

Just because he married into the Kennedy family doesn't mean he has their political savvy Joanne, Canada

Arnold Schwarzenegger is riding on his movie star status and will probably win on that basis. Just because he married into the Kennedy family doesn't mean he has their political savvy.
Joanne, Canada

Does it matter that he has no experience or a non-political past? He has an election machine behind him, and he's got face recognition. Was it Woody Allen who said that 90% of the job is showing up? He is there already.
John Dell, USA

Arnold has experience of getting the best from people at a business level and this will translate well into popular American thinking.
Tony Samm, UK

No he is not a credible candidate as he has not disclosed any of his policies on any on the major issues which divide American society, such as the death penalty and abortion. Furthermore the latest revelations just confirm the fact he is not suitable for the position.
Joe, Ireland

He is a great man but he must move to stop all the harassment he is getting from his opponents. Thanks for everything and good luck Arnold.
Jainaba Badjie, Gambia

I am sure that Schwarzenneger is intelligent and a good business person. I don't think, however, that he is capable of running California. I think that it is unfortunate that issues important for the future of Californians are being ignored or glossed over by the undue attention being paid to this celebrity candidate. It cheapens politics even further in an era of growing cynicism about the political process.
Craig Boljkovac, Canada/Switzerland

Schwarzenegger is only a stalking horse that is being supported by the rest of the Republican Party George Laposay, USA

If it wasn't so serious it would be funny. We in America have become blind to facts and truth. We believe in whatever we are told and do not want to take the time to read and reason for ourselves. Schwarzenegger is only a stalking horse that is being supported by the rest of the Republican Party. Jeb Bush in Florida has a worse financial situation than Davis but no one is caring. We have lost focus in the US and I doubt that we can ever regain it.
George Laposay, USA

To ask if Schwarzenegger has lost his credibility assumes that he had credibility to begin with. When will my countrymen figure out that elections by late-night talk show give us candidates that are all personality and no political clue?
Chuck Pearson, USA

How can "Ahnuld's" candidacy be credible if he even ignores to assist any debate with open questions. It clearly shows that anyone can win as long as he has the best financial assets!
George, Belgium

As the election date draws closer the more this becomes a circus. Arnold thinks Sacramento is a movie set. He cannot be an effective governor. The problems facing California are very serious. It needs some one credible enough to tackle them. If he is elected, Republicans will be falling over each other trying to position themselves in strategic places in preparation for the next gubernatorial elections that Arnold and his group will lose sight of the ball (the problems that this great state is facing).
Nelson Bolima, USA

He is good and gentle and so many people want him to be governor Gideon Ayetteey, Ghana

Yes. He is a credible candidate, because he is good and gentle and so many people want him to be the governor.
Gideon Ayetteey, Ghana

Mr Schwarzenegger never had much credibility to lose. His resume speaks for itself. Who has lost credibility is the 40-some-odd% of the California electorate who apparently think governorship is akin to senior class president - a popularity contest for good looking wannabes. California, grow up!
Formerly California Girl, Czech Republic

Unfortunately, this recall election is not going to be so much an exercise in democracy as it'll be an intelligence test for Californians. A Governor Schwarzenegger would be nothing more than a puppet for radical republicans who, on their own, could never win an election for themselves. It would be a disaster for California, just as a similar scenario has been a disaster in Washington DC.
Todd C, USA

The people of California should give him a chance, and as the polls suggest it looks as if he will be the next Governor. Look at the shambles Governor Davis has got the state into.
Adrian Harris, England