Exactly five years after being elected governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger took part in Tuesday's keynote conversation at the American Magazine Conference. (Time ME Richard Stengel interviewed him). The governor didn't mention which was a bigger thrill, but he did cover a number of topics including the economy, whether immigrants should be allowed to be elected President and how he deals with the Democratic leanings of his wife, Maria Shriver.
On the economic crisis in California: "I wouldn't say the California economy is in a crisis. ... Just like the rest of the country, we have really gotten hurt because of the housing crisis."
On John McCain's campaign gaffe, saying the economy was okay: "[On the campaign trail] you have to be very careful the way you talk and you sometimes end up talking like a machine."
On the negative ads: "Look at what the Presidential campaign has been reduced down to. Accusing each other of things that have nothing to do with the economy."
On McCain's chances: "People always count him out at the wrong time. ... I think he has a good shot at coming back again."
After the jump, Arnold charmingly explains how it's a problem when "Ms. Alaska is beating Mr. Universe."
On his wife's politics: "I said at the altar, 'I take this woman in sickness and in health.' And being a Democrat is a sickness."
On whether immigrants should be allowed to be President: "Absolutely. When McCain picked Sarah Palin, I called her and I said 'This is the problem with this country. Ms. Alaska is beating Mr. Universe.' She didn't think that was funny."
On other actors who might make good pols: "Clint Eastwood has the potential of being a good politician because he is a reasonable man and he has good judgment. ... In politics, unlike in show business, you get attacked for every move you make because there are always half the people that disagree with you. ... Jesse Ventura couldn't stand the beating he got."
On his post-governor plans: "If I do a good job in the next two years and three months as Governor of California, there are all kinds of doors of opportunities that will open. ... I will definitely continue with some form of public service."
Amanda Ernst
