I have been with Governor Romney (listen for our FR Podcast interview tomorrow), and only now am able to let readers know that Governor Schwarzenegger did, in fact, endorse Senator McCain this morning.
As an elected officer of the State GOP, I have not endorsed any candidate. But I will offer McCain some unsolicited advice. Since you are trying to garner conservative support in the final days, you should actually take Arnold on the road to other states, where his status as a celebrity will help your momentum. Here in California, “post partisan” Arnold has worked hard to alienate conservatives (after counting on their support in two statewide elections).
Senator, perhaps have your campaign strategists contact the folks trying to pass the Indian Gambling Compacts on the same ballot. They, too, are trying to move conservatives to support their cause. They’ve pulled their ads featuring the Governor…
Don’t get me wrong – good for you in receiving Arnold’s support. I just don’t think that he will be a good messenger to the very GOP voters you are trying to attract to your candidacy.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:00 am
Anybody know the Governor’s latest approval ratings with CA Republicans? I don’t have them.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:00 am
Jill:
The last Mervyn Field Poll results on the Governor
(December 2007) are here:
http://field.com/fieldpollonline/subscribers/Rls2257.pdf
(Scroll down to Page 7)
February 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am
Wow! Not bad…68% among registered Republicans. Evidently, roughly 7 out of 10 registered Republicans in CA approve of the Governor’s performance, so perhaps his endorsement will mean a great deal to them. Interesting…
February 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am
Wow! Not bad…68% among registered Republicans. Evidently, roughly 7 out of 10 registered Republicans in CA approve of the Governor’s performance, so perhaps his endorsement will mean a great deal to them. Interesting…
February 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am
I can only tell you that when I speak to GOP volunteer groups (which I do a lot), he is very unpopular.
Maybe they are actually paying closer attention to his leftward turn.
As opposed to generic voters who are probably more entranced by the “celebrity” of Arnold.
Though, the point is valid. To those folks, this endorsement will help.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am
Allow me to offer a perspective from a guy who watches TV. GOP volunteer groups are effective no doubt. However media does play a major factor in voting. People are more engaged in TV than mail pieces or neighborhood walkers. With the continuing writers strike there are few new episodes of favorite TV shows.
So many people are looking at new alternatives. One such alternative with a new episode on FOX is the Sarah Connor Chronicles of the Terminator franchise which airs during primetime 12 hours before the opening of polls on super tuesday. This show is action orienteted co-staring a pretty girl and will appeal to the male demographic.
Considering the popularity of Schwartznegger nationally. It may be in McCains best interest to buy add time touting his endorsement of Arnold Schwartznegger during the airing of this program.
Then again I could be wrong.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am
68% of Republicans registered to vote is not 68% of likely voters in a Republican primary. We all know those high propensity primary voters tend to be a conservative lot and will see right through the liberal John McCain.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am
Most rank & file members don’t know anything about what we’re talking about. I know it’s hard to believe that the general public doesn’t scan every message board, read every article on the race, but it’s true.
What are the demographics of those polls? did anyone analyze that? Voters in other states, and it could easily trend here, are younger, haven’t voted in a while, and surprised the hell out of overpaid political consultants across the country.
Remember, it’s the people who vote, not the pollsters. How many points was Huckabee leading by in Iowa?
As endorsements keep piling on, media coverage has to follow. McCain is doing better in the media than he is in debates by simply time-releasing his endorsements. Excepting the Dixie Chicks, every one contributes to his credibility.
Granted, endorsements don’t carry a high correlation to votes cast, they are more or less a confirmation of similar ideologies. Ahhhhnold & McCain share a more populist appeal, and this provides reassurance to the principles of his campaign.
It’s not about what we analysts think, it’s about public perception. Just like Mudd, OJ Simpson, Michael Jackson…your reputation preceeds your intentions–even if you aren’t guilty of anything :-P