Arnie governs 'by show'
2005-09-23 08:58
California - Actor Warren Beatty levelled a blistering political attack against Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, accusing him of governing "by show, by spin, by cosmetics and photos ops" while imposing Bush administration policies on California.
Beatty made his remarks at a convention of the California Nurses Association, an organisation that has emerged in the last year as one of Schwarzenegger's most vociferous critics.
Beatty, a Democrat and longtime political activist who has been mentioned as a possible challenger to Schwarzenegger in next year's gubernatorial race, did not announce his candidacy as many in the boisterous crowd had hoped. But he indicated he hadn't ruled out a run, and said he would continue to speak out on important issues.
"I believe if a private citizen is able to affect public opinion in a constructive way he doesn't have to be an elected public servant to perform a public service," Beatty said.
Beatty levelled several sharp jabs at his fellow Hollywood celebrity and congratulated the nurses for challenging Schwarzenegger's policies.
"You ... have given this administration the massive enema it deserves," Beatty proclaimed, "and shown California just what this governor, his administration and his policies are full of."
Beatty used most of his address to rail against the governor's "year of reform" ballot initiatives and the special election he has called for November 8. The initiatives, which would curb the power of the Democrat-controlled legislature and public employee unions, have spurred angry protests from union activists around the state.
Schwarzenegger spokesperson Margita Thompson said, "We don't care that much about Warren Beatty, and based on his ticket sales from the past generation, I doubt anyone else does either."
Schwarzenegger wants to enact a state spending cap, strip lawmakers of their power to draw political boundaries, require public employee unions to seek permission from members before using their dues for politics, and make it harder for teachers to get tenure.
The nurses union has been among the governor's most forceful critics, after he sued to block changes in the state's nurse-patient staffing ratios. He called the nurses "special interests" whose "butts" he is always kicking.
Beatty implored the audience to campaign against Schwarzenegger's initiatives, which he called "union busting" and "fascist."
The crowd frequently interrupted Beatty with wild cheers and standing ovations, yelling "Run, Warren Run!" and "Stop Arnold!"
Beatty's presence added Hollywood-style glitz to the convention that in many ways was reminiscent of the recall election that brought Schwarzenegger to power. Beatty attended the convention with his wife, actress Annette Bening, who joined him briefly on stage after his speech. Actor Sean Penn was seated at Beatty's table.
Beatty played a senator in the 1998 movie Bulworth and entertained the idea of running for the presidency six years ago.
In an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, Schwarzenegger called Beatty's attacks "silly" and suggested Beatty was jealous of his success in politics.
- AP