Divided by more than an ocean

[tinyjo]

So Californians have elected Arnie to run their state. Good luck to them. The report on the radio left me with the impression that his qualifications for this are slim to none but the fact that people liked the Terminator films means they're happy to vote for him.* Like the difference in our reactions to David Blaine, this illustrates the very different ways we view our celebrities over here. Can you imagine the mockery and derision if David Beckham stood as an MP? Americans seem to revere their celebrities. Here, we're all too aware of their shortcomings.

* I'm happy to be corrected on this point.

Comments

A bit more complicated than that for a start

[applez.livejournal.com]

Firstly, read the articles I posted on my own LJ on this matter - the Bay Area was decidedly voting against the stream.

Secondly ...

As for Arnold himself, the problem has been that the only real record the public had to examine were his films - and whatever character lessons could be drawn from that. Stupid, but little different for professional politicians really (like the fascination over whether Schroder dyed his hair).

Californians are particularly comfortable equating public-image like with like ... so politicians, adult film stars, and celebrities are all on a fairly equal footing - as far as the average Joe voter is concerned.

Average Joe voters, btw, are none too bright either - hence the groundswell anger against Grey Davis, which whilst partially valid, a recall does little to solve the problems facing the state.

Lastly, Arnie does bring real management skills to the office - problem is, he's only ever really managed one product in the past, himself. It remains to be seen whether he can manage something as complex as the California bureaucratic system, and 'clean out Sacramento' given his entrance does not have an equal flood of new state legislators.

I expect upwards of a year of transition, as various parts of California bureaucracy undergo radical change or benign neglect, or both. After that, I expect Arnie to be completely eaten alive by the legislature, especially since Arnie may not understand the importance of alliance-making - in this regard, his advisors will be crucial. Lastly, I expect Warren Buffet and others to push up property taxes - frankly something long overdue; but if done too greatly too quickly, it'll put off the very Joe Average Voter who is so quick to rage.

Basically, California is probably fucked for the foreseeable future. Pardon my 'french.'