Schwarzenegger for Cabinet (and President?)

Amid murmurs that he might consider a position as energy czar—from McCain or Obama—Schwarzenegger puts in a good word for the virtues of the flip flop:

"Flip-flopping is getting a bad rap, because I think it is great," Schwarzenegger told ABC's "This Week" in an interview broadcast Sunday.

"Someone has made a mistake. I mean, someone has, for 20 or 30 years, been in the wrong place with his idea and with his ideology and says, 'You know something? I changed my mind. I am now for this.' As long as he's honest or she's honest, I think that is a wonderful thing. You can change your mind," he said. "I have changed my mind on things and there is nothing wrong with it."

This is why I love Arnold. This is why America loves Arnold. This is why Arnold is a mere constitutional amendment away from the presidency.

Take a peek back at my coverage of the Arnold-dominated 2008 Governors' Declaration on Climate Change, where everyone agreed that no matter who won the election, he'd be "better on global warming" than Bush. Maybe that's because no matter who wins we're going to wind up with Schwarzenegger in the cabinet. 

Query for constitutional scholars: What happens if Arnold is the only cabinet member to survive some kind of horrible attack. Does he finally get to be president, lack of native-born status notwithstanding?

Comments

Abdul | July 14, 2008, 2:52pm | #

What happens if Arnold is the only cabinet member to survive some kind of horrible attack. Does he finally get to be president, lack of native-born status notwithstanding?

There's over 600 people in the line of succession (including all of congress). So the question is moot because conventional weapons cannot kill Senator Clinton.

Episiarch | July 14, 2008, 2:53pm | #

This is why America loves Arnold

Well, I think America--and the world--loves Arnold because he said things like "You're a funny guy, Sully. I like you. That's why I'm going to kill you last."

Which he flip-flopped on. But at least he admitted it. "Remember when I said I was going to kill you last? I LIED."

Naga Sadow | July 14, 2008, 2:59pm | #

I can picture him as president. But ruling more as a fuedal lord than an actual elected official. "Greetings loyal subjects of the Greater Schwarzenegger Zone! Labor until you tire . . . and then labor some more."

Alice Bowie | July 14, 2008, 3:00pm | #

Why not Arnold for President?

He's pretty much American at this point.

♪ | July 14, 2008, 3:00pm | #

What happens if Arnold is the only cabinet member to survive some kind of horrible attack. Does he finally get to be president, lack of native-born status notwithstanding?

No. 3 U.S.C. § 19(e)

kinnath | July 14, 2008, 3:01pm | #

Why not Arnold for President?

US Constitution. You should check it out sometime.

J | July 14, 2008, 3:04pm | #

If he could run against McCain and Obama, from what I know of him, I would vote for him. (I don't know him well enough though.)

Les | July 14, 2008, 3:04pm | #

This is why I love Arnold.

You don't live in California, do you?

Eric S. | July 14, 2008, 3:04pm | #

The reactor makes air! That's Cohagen's secret!

Naga Sadow | July 14, 2008, 3:04pm | #

Episiarch,

Don't forget that he has taken down dictators, terrorists, and aliens. He would provide the perfect blanket of protection from all of the above. We won't need the TSA after he's president.

MP | July 14, 2008, 3:05pm | #

"It's not a tumor!"

Naga Sadow | July 14, 2008, 3:06pm | #

Well, not that we need the TSA now, either.

Orange Line Special | July 14, 2008, 3:12pm | #

Yet another typical airhead post from Katherine Mangu-Ward and Reason. It fails to note that note, among other things, that Arnie is a corrupt dissembler who's willing to collaborate with extremists rather than take them on as he promised and as would be in the best interests of the U.S.

Arnie is also still an AustrianCitizen.

One would think he has enough money that he wouldn't be so corrupt, but it's obvious that someone in the BushAdministration or similar got to him a couple years ago. For real coverage, let me suggest asking RadioHosts JohnAndKen for their take.

Paul | July 14, 2008, 3:13pm | #

You don't live in California, do you?

Name one governor of California in the last -- I'll be conservative-- 25 years that Californians liked?

Episiarch | July 14, 2008, 3:14pm | #

Naga, he even gave birth. He's been a robot. He's done it all and been it all.

"All I see is a bunch of low foreheads who want to change the world with dreams and talk. If you're not ready to act, give me a break and shut up."

Kwix | July 14, 2008, 3:15pm | #

Perhaps Arnie can spare a few bucks to buy LoneWhackJob some spaces for his tirades.

Malvolio | July 14, 2008, 3:15pm | #

If I'm not me, den who da hell am I?

I don't know why I had to say that.

Erÿk Boston, J.D. | July 14, 2008, 3:16pm | #

Ahnold doesn't seem to understand what flip-flopping means and why it is objectionable. It is one thing to change your mind in the face of new evidence or fresh consideration. Flip-flopping means you change your mind in the face of this weeks polls or a focus group or simply what the people currently in front of you want to hear.

Warty | July 14, 2008, 3:16pm | #

...so I took him into the showers and I taught him how to scream.

Naga Sadow | July 14, 2008, 3:16pm | #

Thanks OrangeLineSpecial. Once again you have dropped some heavy knowledge on the Reason boards. Dick.

Douglas Fletcher | July 14, 2008, 3:17pm | #

I'd vote for Arnold Ziffel, maybe.

Naga Sadow | July 14, 2008, 3:18pm | #

*cues Terminator theme song*

I'll be back.

*cues Terminator theme song again*

Had to be done.

Andrew | July 14, 2008, 3:21pm | #

Arnold is indeed "pretty much American" at this point because he's spent most of his life (40 years or so) in this country.

That's why I think any constitutional amednment should give naturalized citizens the chance to be president 35 years after receiving citizenship. If you are born here, the minimum age is 35 to run. So, if you are "re-born" as an American, you can wait 35 years,too. Makes sense to me, anyway..

Naga Sadow | July 14, 2008, 3:21pm | #

"I have a love interest in every one of my films -- a gun."

Windypundit | July 14, 2008, 3:31pm | #

Query for constitutional scholars: Could Arnold be President if Bush quickly invades Austria and annexes it as a U.S. territory?

♪ | July 14, 2008, 3:32pm | #

That's why I think any constitutional amednment should give naturalized citizens the chance to be president 35 years after receiving citizenship. If you are born here, the minimum age is 35 to run.

All I ask is that you word the amendment so it only affects individuals born after its enactment. That way you are not giving the appearance of amending the constitution for the benefit of anyone in particular.

Art-P.O.G. | July 14, 2008, 3:39pm | #

Perhaps Arnie can spare a few bucks to buy LoneWhackJob some spaces for his tirades.

Bwah hah ha. Win!

Episiarch | July 14, 2008, 3:44pm | #

"Killian, here's your Subzero...now, plain zero."

Also, when he says "fuck you" to Richard Dawson is the greatest "fuck you" in movie history because it's so sterile and abrupt. It's almost a question, like "fuck you?"

bubba | July 14, 2008, 3:53pm | #

meh. the difference between flip flop and changing your mind is how frequently you do so, and why.

Alan Vanneman | July 14, 2008, 3:53pm | #

"This is why I love Arnold. This is why America loves Arnold."

This is why I don't love Arnold: he said he was going to cut government spending, and he didn't. But who doesn't love a big guy who smokes a big cigar and leaves a $40 billion tab for the young kids to pay? Hey, it sure won't be coming out of my check!

anonymous coward | July 14, 2008, 3:59pm | #

As a Californian, my impression is that Arnold has been a charmingly crap governor. I'm not sure he's accomplished anything, and our budget crisis looks to continue forever and ever, but he's sort of likable anyway.

Jason | July 14, 2008, 4:07pm | #

It'd be refreshing, at any rate, to have a President who actually smokes his stogies.

Justin | July 14, 2008, 4:15pm | #

"I'M A COP YOU IDIOT!"

Rhywun | July 14, 2008, 4:47pm | #

Flip-flopping means you change your mind in the face of this weeks polls or a focus group or simply what the people currently in front of you want to hear.

Yeah, it means that, in addition to what the governator said. A flip-flop to what your constituents DON'T want to hear is still a flip-flop.

Les | July 14, 2008, 5:12pm | #

Name one governor of California in the last -- I'll be conservative-- 25 years that Californians liked?

None, of course. And deservedly so. What's your point?

As Alan pointed out above, Arnold has failed to do what he said he'd do. He's also continued to do the bidding of the prison guards' union (the most powerful lobby in the state) while watching the state prison system collapse.

Sure, he speaks his mind, but I figured if any member of the Reason staff actually loved (or even admired) any politician, it would be for what was done as opposed to what was said. What has he actually done worth loving?

jwh | July 14, 2008, 5:22pm | #

It's because the founding fathers had the foresight to anticipate the likes of Alice Bowie that I am very thankful we have the Electoral College......

Why not Arnold for President? sheesh.....

BoscoH | July 14, 2008, 5:38pm | #

So what if we just invade Austria and make it a state, then grandfather all the people born in Austria into being American citizens? It would then be just a small semantic argument that the Supreme Court could get to in its next term. Surely, that would be easier than amending the Constitution.

Travis | July 14, 2008, 5:40pm | #

I'm Governor Schwarzenegger, pretty soon I'll be dictator(well of energy at least).

TallDave | July 14, 2008, 5:42pm | #

What happens if Arnold is the only cabinet member to survive some kind of horrible attack. Does he finally get to be president, lack of native-born status notwithstanding?

The Constitution is mute on the elegibility of cybernetic organisms for higher office.

R C Dean | July 14, 2008, 6:27pm | #

So what if we just invade Austria

What, again?

Brandybuck | July 14, 2008, 7:01pm | #

"As long as he's honest or she's honest, I think that is a wonderful thing. You can change your mind," he said. "I have changed my mind on things and there is nothing wrong with it."

Wow, he could have been a Barr delegate!

Tbone | July 14, 2008, 8:13pm | #

Pete Wilson wasn't "universally" loathed as CA Gov.

Mongol General: Conan! What is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.
Mongol General: That is good! That is good!

For once, an honest campaign slogan.

Gabe Harris | July 15, 2008, 12:20am | #

As much as I dislike Bush...Bush is better than Arnold or McCain or Obama on global warming. You guys really think cap and trade CO2 programs will help cool the earth?

The Wine Commonsewer | July 15, 2008, 1:34am | #

Why not Arnold for President?

Because he is the absolute worst governor Californicate has ever had. Bar none. Including Moonbeam. You think GWB fired up the spending machine? Shit howdy, he can't hold a candle to Schwarzzengroper.

Where is Jaime Kelley when you need him?

Here, let me try my hand. Schwarzzengroper is a dog dick mother fucker.

Just sayin | July 15, 2008, 1:57am | #

Could Arnold be President if Bush quickly invades Austria and annexes it as a U.S. territory?

So what if we just invade Austria and make it a state,

You know who else desired political union with Austria?

Warmongering Lunatic | July 15, 2008, 3:35am | #

What happens if Arnold is the only cabinet member to survive some kind of horrible attack. Does he finally get to be president, lack of native-born status notwithstanding?

No. Assuming the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate were also wiped out, whichever one of them gets replaced with an eligible person first becomes President.

In the massively extreme case, let's assume the entire Cabinet except Schwarzenegger, all of Congress, and every member of every state government except, say, the Attorney General of the State of Michigan, was wiped out.

In that case, legally, the Attorney General of Michigan becomes governor under the state constitution, and appoints a U.S. senator. Said senator, as the only senator, names himself President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and, if eligible for the office of President, becomes President. Legally, Schwarzenegger remains just a member of the cabinet, unless and until he resigns or the new President dismisses him.

MacK | July 15, 2008, 8:44am | #

At least when he says nukier perfaration, he has an the excuse of an accent.

According the constitution he can never be the prez.

Hmmm | July 15, 2008, 9:57am | #

"Someone has made a mistake. I mean, someone has, for 20 or 30 years, been in the wrong place with his idea and with his ideology and says, 'You know something? I changed my mind. I am now for this."

What better arguement could someone make that every elected position and judicial post should be term limited. I feel as though he is saying that we should feel lucky that our overlords for the past 20-30 years have changed their minds at long last. As though we should now praise them for finally seeing the light on some issue. For this I guess they expect another 20-30 years of being elected Benevolent Dictator.