(LA Times) Here is my list of the most damaging self-inflicted wounds:
• Thinking that because of his Hollywood superstardom, he could defy the laws of political gravity. He could belittle people — "girlie men," "losers," "kick their butts" — and not deface his image. He could ignore the Capitol and stage gimmicky rallies around the state without casting doubts on his performance as governor. He could sell anything, even a hastily considered, flawed "reform" agenda.
• Misunderstanding the American political system. We gripe about politicians, but inherently cherish the subtle checks and balances that result in coequal branches of government. We want the executive and legislative branches to cooperate even while competing. We don't tolerate strongman bullies, whether it's for real or an act.
• Degenerating into a pugnacious, political partisan after getting elected as a bipartisan conciliator. His party, after all, comprises only 35% of the California electorate.
• Bowing to the right wing on taxes. He initially had the credibility to sell anything, even a temporary tax hike that could have fixed the state's nagging budget deficit once and for all. That's what Gov. Ronald Reagan did, and he never had to worry again about a deficit. Instead, Schwarzenegger placed the state billions more into hock with borrowing and still hasn't made ends meet. He's gaining on it, but making enemies.
• Breaking his promise to schools. Under a negotiated deal he cut with the education lobby soon after taking office, Schwarzenegger promised schools their normal share of any increased tax revenue. Then he reneged, stiffing them $3 billion. He couldn't keep his word without breaking another promise: not to raise taxes.
• Implying to voters he wouldn't accept political money from special interests, then raking in more than Davis — the so-called "pay to play" governor — could have ever dreamed about. Since his election, Schwarzenegger has raised roughly $50 million, making this "reformer" look like just another money-grubbing pol.
• Picking the wrong enemies: teachers, nurses, cops, firefighters. And picking fights over issues that intrigue Sacramento insiders, but leave average voters cold: the budgeting process and political redistricting.
• Calling a November special election that voters don't want, polls show, and will cost state taxpayers at least $50 million.
So what can Schwarzenegger do to recover and return to the good old days of cheers rather than jeers? For starters:
• Cancel the special election, which stands to benefit only political operatives.
This could be done by the Legislature passing an "urgency" bill, on a two-thirds majority vote, and the governor signing it, according to Schwarzenegger's legal secretary, Peter Siggins. But Siggins adds the governor isn't considering it.
