The Hollywood action icon who occupied the role of ‘Terminator’ and ‘Governator’ as governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has now plunged into the political scenario once more. In a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s Literally! With Rob Lowe on October 5th, Schwarzenegger coined a remarkably bold phrase that Democrats wish to “f— up every city in America.” A comment that, undoubtedly, will not escape the razor-sharp scrutiny of partisan minds across the nation.
Rob Lowe asks Arnold Schwarzenegger what it means to be a Democrat:
SCHWARZENEGGER: “Ruin your cities,That’s what the Democrats would say. It would be about ruining the cities. We want to f*ck up every city in America. That seems to be the theme right now.” pic.twitter.com/j0O9nbz2Eh
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 12, 2023
In a distinctly pointed exchange, Rob Lowe prodded Schwarzenegger about his Republican affiliations, drawing references from the party philosophy as laid out by former Rep. David Drier (R-CA) – “strong military, low taxes, less government, more personal freedoms,” as reported by Fox News. Arnold responded by swiftly appending “Strong law enforcement,” to the principles.
The conversation graphs an unexpected turn when Lowe prompts the former Austrian body-builder about his perception of Democrats. His answer electrifyingly blunt, “Ruin your cities. That’s what the Democrats would say. We are about ruining the cities. We want to f— up every city in America.”
As justification remains elusive from Schwarzenegger on the means to validate this stance, a parallel shift admiringly occurs in the conversation where he devoutly associates with the Republican ideals. The actor-politician recalls his endorsement of Nixon’s 1968 Presidential campaign, sharing how Humphrey’s rhetoric reminded him of Austrian Socialism.
Schwarzenegger adamantly champions the superiority of the private sector in the US and California specifically, regretfully remarking on the inefficiency and incompetence of the public sector in achieving meaningful reform. His adamant criticism covers the political stalemate in Washington and failure to address immigration reform, fiscal imbalances and ballooning debt.
Arnold embodies a distinctly maverick persona in his political journey, not content with stringent party allegiances and often at odds with both sides of the aisle. The Democrats disapproved of his fiscal conservatism and the Republicans distanced themselves from his social moderation, environmental activism, and support for universal healthcare. Through these endeavors, Schwarzenegger breaks free from the confines of partisan cliches and embraces a more nuanced political perspective that transcends traditional boundaries.
Intriguingly, the former Governor confesses his admiration for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr’s presidential run, praising him as a ‘reasonable man’ with ‘good opinions’, adding fuel to the fire of our fascinating political discourse.
Famed for his starring roles, Schwarzenegger now admirably assumes a character that seems to defy easy political categorization. His forthright honesty, both in admiration and disdain, invokes a critical reflection on our modern political landscape. His broad scope of criticism towards both the Democrats and Republicans, the social and the fiscal, the private and the public sector, paints the pained portrait of a divided America. An America besieged by trillion-dollar debts, conflicting ideologies, and a seemingly unbridgeable partisan divide. Yet amid this turmoil, Schwarzenegger remains hopeful for the potential of a better future, guided by strong principles, unfettered initiative, and the relentless pursuit of progress. This, indeed, is the imperative, urgent, and authoritative voice America needs to hear, today more than ever.
