Reply #9: Is Bush jealous of Arnold's big muscles? [View All]

[Snellius]

I've been following Bush's comments on Arnold. It's interesting that he seems to see him more as a physical rival than an ideological ally. Today he sounded downright jealous that he was taking all the limelight away from the presidential race, that is, away from him.

Q What do you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger and would you consider campaigning for him?

THE PRESIDENT: I will never arm wrestle Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Laughter.) No matter how hard I try, I'll never lift as much weight as he does.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/08/20030808-1.html

Q Are you going to do anything for Arnold? You say he'll be a good governor. You're spending two days in California.
THE PRESIDENT: I'm going to campaign for George W., as you know.
Q Will he get a plug in the speech, a mention?
THE PRESIDENT: I think I've answered the question, and yes, he would be a good governor, as would others running for governor of California. Like you, I'm most interested in seeing how the process evolves. It's a fascinating bit of political drama evolving in the state -- in the country's largest state.
Q It's also the biggest political story in the country. Is it hard to go in there and say nothing about it?
THE PRESIDENT: It is the biggest political story in the country? That's interesting. That says a lot. That speaks volumes.
Q You don't agree?
THE PRESIDENT: It's up to -- I don't get to decide the biggest political story. You decide the biggest political story. But I find it interesting that that is the biggest political story in the country, as you just said.
Q You don't think it should be?
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I think there's maybe other political stories. Isn't there, like, a presidential race coming up? (Laughter.) Maybe that says something. It speaks volumes, if you know what I mean. But, yes, it's an interesting story, it really is. And I'm looking forward, like you are, to seeing the outcome of the interesting story.
But, no, I'm going to go, I'm going to talk about -- now that you've asked, are you going on the trip?
Q Yes, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: Good. Well, you'll see me speak to Marines and their families, thanking them for their service to our country, reminding them that what's taking place in Iraq is essential to U.S. security. Then I'm going to go to a national park, talking about the fact that we believe parks ought to be revitalized, and talk about the initiatives that I've laid out to do that. And then, of course, I'll be doing a little spade work for the '04 campaign. (Laughter.) One of the most important political -- (laughter.)

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/08/20030813-2.html