Arnold- Been around the Kennedys TOO long?
Reading through the Yahoo! News a couple of days ago, I saw an article about Arnold Schwarzenegger giving authorization for a $150M stem cell loan. In case you have been completely sheltered from the news lately, let me refresh your memory...
On Wednesday, President Bush vetoed expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research and the next day, California Governor Schwarzenegger authorized the $150M loan.
With this action, he is really going against Bush's veto, but what it shows me is that Politics becomes about gaining popularity especially with an election coming up. Think I'm crazy? Bush's ratings are down, Schwarzenegger is coming up for re-election and Stem Cell Research is huge in California. Arnold wants to separate himself as much as possible from Bush. Thus, Bush loses more approval in California, while Schwarzenegger gains more. He truly has been around the Kennedy's way too long. To me, this is obviously more of a political (What will get me more votes) move, than "Let's jump start the Stem Cell Research."
In the beginning, I greatly liked Schwarzenegger as a Governor but his actions (Distancing away from Bush) sways my opinion greatly. Unfortunately this is an example of what politics is about, be in favor or against whatever topic the popular vote will lean towards. Doing this, the chances are better for re-election.
People have talked about making it possible for Schwarzenegger to eventually be able to run for President of the United States, personally I do not think this will ever happen because he is not a U.S. Born citizen.
There was a time I would have guaranteed you my vote for him if he was to run for President, but now...I'd definitely need to re-evaluate my choices.
Anyway, I want to know what you think about the move, what your opinions on stem cell research are, and how you think this could influence the image of Schwarzenegger not only with the Republican's, but also with the U.S.?