Interesting Newsweek Poll stats...

[wyldwolf]

Sixty-four percent of Americans would oppose a constitutional amendment to allow a U.S. citizen born in another country, like Schwarzenegger, to be elected president (29 percent would favor such an amendment).

related note: Orrin G. Hatch, Utah Republican, wants to amend the constitution to allow foreign-born people a shot at the presidency (http://www.washtimes.com/national/inpolitics.htm)

George W. Bush’s approval rating as well, which now stands at 51 percent—statistically equal to his approval rating in the four previous polls taken since August, but the lowest level since before the September 11 attacks in 2001. Forty-two percent of Americans now say they disapprove of the way Bush is handling his job, and almost as many strongly disapprove of his job performance as strong approve of it (29 percent compared to 31 percent). Half of registered voters polled say they would not like to see Bush re-elected, while 44 percent would re-elect him to another term.

the race among Democratic candidates remains extremely competitive. In the past month, Sen. Joe Lieberman has picked up slightly more support and former Vermont governor Howard Dean has dropped into fourth place among the nine candidates. Gen. Wesley Clark still leads the way among registered Democrats and self-described Democratic leaners, with 15 percent saying they would most like to see him nominated as the party’s presidential candidate in 2004. Thirteen percent would opt for Sen. Joe Lieberman, 11 percent for Sen. John Kerry, 10 percent for Dean, and eight percent for Rep. Dick Gephardt. The rest received support from six percent of less of those polled.

more...

http://www.msnbc.com/news/978672.asp?cp1=1

[eileen_d]

1. about that constitutional amendment

Let's just start slow with an amendment that would explicitly prohibit Arnold Schwarzenegger from running for president.

[Cat Atomic]

2. It does sound like grooming Schwarzeneggar to be

Moron Puppet President Part 3. Reagan, Bush, Schwarzeneggar.

They could make the whole, "he's like Reagan because he's an actor who was Governor of California" argument.

*shudder*

But I thought this idea had originally been proposed by a Democrat. Is that not correct?

[wyldwolf]

5. I dunno... the article says the senate version was introduced by Hatch...

...it says there is a similar house bill but doesn't say who introduced it.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

3. HOW FREAKY Would It Be If Lieberman Won the Nomination?

I absolutely cannot see it happening, but jeez, how many worldviews would that TOTALLY SHATTER here!

DTH

[wyldwolf]

4. Well, I guess I'd vote for him...

...at least I'd have semi-bragging rights over the republicans I know.

[tedoll78]

6. Perspective check:

Bush led Gore by 8 to 15% in most of 1999 and at least half of 2000. That the margin is back where it was then is pointing to another 50-50 race.

Hopefully, our nominee will have a near-flawless campaign, and will knock one out of the park at the convention. And this time, the expectations game during the debates will not play-out the same way. Gore was built-up so highly that if he didn't totally obliterate Bush, Bush won. Our candidate won't have that high standard.

[kentuck]

7. If we have to go to another country to find a President....

We may as well write everything off and start from scratch...

[Dob Bole]

8. Won't happen, but Arnold would never win

A pro-choice, pro-gay, sex scandal Republican from Hollywood would be the best possible candidate for a Dem to run against. Electoral map would look like 1976, only a little better.

Religious Right would sit out of the election or vote Dem because of the scandal.