While other conservatives were falling from the political spectrum like bricks, why does this man survive? Obviously, the past election was a referendum on the President and the war in Iraq. We know that. This is a cyclical period which could have been predicted. Will it be a "transitional period" as Karl Rove has described, or a continued push towards the left of center, only time (specifically two years) will tell.
However, it must be noted that while Arnold easily gained reelection, he did not, as many conservatives did, attempt to distance themselves away from the administration. He actually showed an almost unconditional love and support for President Bush, and came away relatively unscathed.
Was this actor cum politician actually a "litmus test" for candidates to come, specifically in 2008? On first glance, Schwarzenegger appears to be a non-partisan "reach across the aisle and get things accomplished" centralist. In actuality, he leans all over the place. Conservative in many viewpoints, yet socially liberal when it comes to all matters fiscal. He ran on a platform which included many spending programs, specifically on infrastructure and social programs, which where unmistakably liberal in nature.
Initially thought to be a joke, much like Governor Ventura years ago, Arnold actually is garnering a modicum of support from both parties. Needless to say, the vote counts indicate that the voters of California concur. Could it remotely be possible for a man like this to actually be considered a viable contender for the top federal slots in government? If he were native born...well, let's not even go there. One thing for sure, Arnold is a survivor, a survivor with surprising staying power.
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