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California Recall Plot Twists Continue

Aired August 25, 2003 - 15:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Well, in politics, as in Hollywood, sometimes, the script gets a sudden rewrite and the lead players have to react accordingly. Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly knows a thing or two about that. His campaign to replace California Governor Gray Davis is responding to the latest plot twists.
Let's go to CNN's recall watcher, Bob Franken -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And there's always plenty to watch.

Right now, Arnold Schwarzenegger looking east for some help. And he's getting it, particularly from New York. We've heard now that Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York and somewhat of a Republican icon, will be endorsing Arnold Schwarzenegger and possibly will be coming out for some campaign events, although we know nothing about that.

Now, you're seeing Schwarzenegger at an event at Huntington Beach on Friday. And there were really, really large crowds. It was really a movie-star reception. But, apparently, the reception as a political aspirant has been a little bit slipping, because he's slipped in the polls. And, as we know, we will hear more about in a moment, he's fallen behind Cruz Bustamante, the aspiring Democratic candidate on that ballot to replace Gray Davis, if, in fact, he is recalled.

But not only is Schwarzenegger going to be getting help from the former mayor of New York City; he's also going to be getting help, the Associated Press is reporting, from the current governor, Pataki, who is going to be putting together a fund-raiser, $1,000-a-plate for Schwarzenegger, and is not answering questions about when he may come out and campaign for Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger's also looking east to Washington to get a very important political consultant on his team. Mike Murphy, who was one of the brain trusts behind the John McCain campaign, which, of course, surprised so many people, will be joining Schwarzenegger at a time when he probably needs a surprise or two. So there's a lot of ferment going on in the Republican Party. There's still a danger to Schwarzenegger from the conservative wing.

Tom McClintock, who is the person still remaining in the race after Bill Simon pulled out, is already in double digits and, of course, could really damage the Republican base for Schwarzenegger, if he stays in the race. And he's giving every indication, Judy, that he's going to.

WOODRUFF: And, Bob, can you tell how much pressure, Republican pressure, there is on McClintock to get out?

FRANKEN: Well, there probably is some.

But McClintock, by reputation, is somebody where that becomes counterproductive. As a matter of fact, he's taken delight throughout his career from going against the party bosses and bragging about it. And that's sort of what's going on right now.

WOODRUFF: OK, Bob Franken on the recall watch for us out in California -- thanks, Bob.

Well, Governor Davis, for his part, doesn't have any public events today. But he may have a new lift in his step after that new "L.A. Times" poll that Bob mentioned showed likely voter support for his ouster has fallen to 50 percent. Now, Davis acknowledges he may actually be benefiting from the strategy embraced by many of the state's top Democrats, who have endorsed Cruz Bustamante as a replacement candidate, while still opposing the recall. But so far, Davis has refused to formally endorse his lieutenant governor as the Democrats' backup.

Meantime, Davis is set to get some campaign help himself from his unofficial political adviser, Bill Clinton. Democratic sources confirm that the former president has committed to appear with Davis during his previously scheduled trip to California September 15 through the 17th.

Well, take a glance at the monster recall ballot and you will find scores of names of all kinds of Californians. And the two leading contenders for Davis' job are about as opposite as they come.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "TERMINATOR 3")

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: Get away from me! now!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WOODRUFF: One is the muscle-bound star of some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.

LT. GOV. CRUZ BUSTAMANTE (D-CA), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: Have you ever seen the movie "Twins"? I guess I'm Danny DeVito.

(LAUGHTER)

WOODRUFF: The other is not. One is mobbed wherever he goes. Fans of the other are more low-key, but possibly more potent where it counts, in the voting booth. A new poll shows Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante leading the recall pack in a big way; 35 percent of likely voters support him, compared to the 22 percent backing Arnold Schwarzenegger. Furthermore, there's evidence the lieutenant governor's support is deeper than Schwarzenegger's, meaning Bustamante's voters may be more likely to stick with him and turn out on October 7. Schwarzenegger's star power has focused the world's attention on California. But many of his would-be constituents aren't convinced he has what it takes.

When it comes to the issues facing the state, 18 percent of likely voters think the actor knows a lot; 38 percent thinks he knows some, and 36 percent say Schwarzenegger doesn't know much at all. The candidate has sought to allay those concerns by convening a council of top economic leaders. He's faced a lot of "Where's the beef?" questioning. Bustamante, who outlined an economic program last week, doesn't face that criticism. He may, however, have a bigger obstacle to overcome.

BUSTAMANTE: To vote no on the recall and yes on Bustamante.

WOODRUFF: A tricky message still baffling to many Californians. Another potential roadblock: Bustamante's ties to the embattled Gray Davis. The men are not close, but the association can't help the governor's independently elected No. 2.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WOODRUFF: Well, Democrats around the country are watching the recall campaign play out with a mix of fascination and fear. Presidential candidate Al Sharpton is the latest national figure to get a close-up view of the California free-for-all. While stumping in the Golden State, he has been criticizing the effort to oust Governor Davis.

You don't have to look hard to find Democratic leaders to speak out against the recall. Vocal Republican opponents are fewer and farther between.

Joining me now from San Diego is Scott Barnett. He's chairman of RepublicansAgainstTheRecall.com.

Scott Barnett, I think many people would look at you and say, what, is this man crazy? Here's a golden opportunity to get rid of a Democratic governor. And you're a Republican. How do you explain it?

SCOTT BARNETT, REPUBLICANSAGAINSTTHERECALL.COM: Well, I may be crazy. But in this issue, I believe, we're on the right.

We believe this recall is bad for the Republican Party and bad for the state of California, for two reasons. No. 1, this is a huge gamble for the Republican Party. We could actually end up worse off than we were before this recall. Instead of a lame duck Gray Davis for three more years, we could end up with Cruz Bustamante, who could then run for reelection.

The second issue is -- why this is bad for California -- this is a terrible precedent. Gray Davis, as much as I disdain him and think he's an awful governor, has committed no crime, has been accused by no law enforcement agency of committing a crime, and is physically and mentally capable of serving out his term.

We believe it is wrong to recall someone for political purposes. And if this goes through, we believe this will spread not only through the state of California, but to the other states in the nation that have recall. As you know, Judy, trends start in California, from Prop 13 to pilates. They spread across the nation. And this is something which is not good for governance.

WOODRUFF: Well, I hear what you're saying. But, at the same time, you've seen the polls. Bustamante is ahead. But when you add up the Republican votes and if, for example, the Republicans were able to persuade Mr. McClintock, Mr. Ueberroth to get out, presumably, that vote would go to Arnold Schwarzenegger. You'd have a chance to get rid of Gray Davis, wouldn't you?

BARNETT: Well, first of all, polls, as Mr. Schneider will tell you, are very volatile, especially in an election like this. We've never had anything like this.

But this is really, to us, more important than Gray Davis or Arnold or the Republican Party. This is about the future of this state. We have the fifth largest economy in the world, $100 billion budget, the largest border crossing, a lot of issues. And to recall a man because you don't like his politics we believe is destructive for the system and will likely lead to political retribution.

For 50 years, the world had what was called mutual assured destruction in nuclear weapons. Well, the recall is a political version of a weapon of mass destruction. It's never been used, for fear that, once it's used, the other side will retaliate. Well, this will result in retaliation.

WOODRUFF: I hear you talking about precedent. But, you know, when it comes to the issues, you're somebody who has been against higher taxes. You've got all the leading Republicans in this race are against raising taxes. And yet Gray Davis, the person whose job, in essence, you're defending, has been for raising taxes. On the taxes ground alone, can't you -- I guess I'm asking, how is it possible for you to end up in the position you're in?

BARNETT: I stood with governor -- then-Governor Wilson when he signed the car tax cut as then head of a local taxpayers association.

But once again, he won reelection in a fair, legal race. He has committed no crime. He is not incompetent to serve office, as far as mental capabilities or physical capabilities. This is a sacred trust that the voters of this state have been given, the recall, by Hiram Johnson in 1911. It was not intended to be used for political purposes.

WOODRUFF: All right, Scott Barnett, head of RepublicansAgainstTheRecall, a man whose Republican friends are probably saying you sound more like a Democrat these days -- but I guess you're prepared to deal with that. BARNETT: Yes. Thank you.

WOODRUFF: Scott Barnett, thanks very much. Good to see you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com







Aired August 25, 2003 - 15:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Well, in politics, as in Hollywood, sometimes, the script gets a sudden rewrite and the lead players have to react accordingly. Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly knows a thing or two about that. His campaign to replace California Governor Gray Davis is responding to the latest plot twists.
Let's go to CNN's recall watcher, Bob Franken -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And there's always plenty to watch.

Right now, Arnold Schwarzenegger looking east for some help. And he's getting it, particularly from New York. We've heard now that Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York and somewhat of a Republican icon, will be endorsing Arnold Schwarzenegger and possibly will be coming out for some campaign events, although we know nothing about that.

Now, you're seeing Schwarzenegger at an event at Huntington Beach on Friday. And there were really, really large crowds. It was really a movie-star reception. But, apparently, the reception as a political aspirant has been a little bit slipping, because he's slipped in the polls. And, as we know, we will hear more about in a moment, he's fallen behind Cruz Bustamante, the aspiring Democratic candidate on that ballot to replace Gray Davis, if, in fact, he is recalled.

But not only is Schwarzenegger going to be getting help from the former mayor of New York City; he's also going to be getting help, the Associated Press is reporting, from the current governor, Pataki, who is going to be putting together a fund-raiser, $1,000-a-plate for Schwarzenegger, and is not answering questions about when he may come out and campaign for Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger's also looking east to Washington to get a very important political consultant on his team. Mike Murphy, who was one of the brain trusts behind the John McCain campaign, which, of course, surprised so many people, will be joining Schwarzenegger at a time when he probably needs a surprise or two. So there's a lot of ferment going on in the Republican Party. There's still a danger to Schwarzenegger from the conservative wing.

Tom McClintock, who is the person still remaining in the race after Bill Simon pulled out, is already in double digits and, of course, could really damage the Republican base for Schwarzenegger, if he stays in the race. And he's giving every indication, Judy, that he's going to.

WOODRUFF: And, Bob, can you tell how much pressure, Republican pressure, there is on McClintock to get out?

FRANKEN: Well, there probably is some.

But McClintock, by reputation, is somebody where that becomes counterproductive. As a matter of fact, he's taken delight throughout his career from going against the party bosses and bragging about it. And that's sort of what's going on right now.

WOODRUFF: OK, Bob Franken on the recall watch for us out in California -- thanks, Bob.

Well, Governor Davis, for his part, doesn't have any public events today. But he may have a new lift in his step after that new "L.A. Times" poll that Bob mentioned showed likely voter support for his ouster has fallen to 50 percent. Now, Davis acknowledges he may actually be benefiting from the strategy embraced by many of the state's top Democrats, who have endorsed Cruz Bustamante as a replacement candidate, while still opposing the recall. But so far, Davis has refused to formally endorse his lieutenant governor as the Democrats' backup.

Meantime, Davis is set to get some campaign help himself from his unofficial political adviser, Bill Clinton. Democratic sources confirm that the former president has committed to appear with Davis during his previously scheduled trip to California September 15 through the 17th.

Well, take a glance at the monster recall ballot and you will find scores of names of all kinds of Californians. And the two leading contenders for Davis' job are about as opposite as they come.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "TERMINATOR 3")

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: Get away from me! now!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WOODRUFF: One is the muscle-bound star of some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.

LT. GOV. CRUZ BUSTAMANTE (D-CA), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: Have you ever seen the movie "Twins"? I guess I'm Danny DeVito.

(LAUGHTER)

WOODRUFF: The other is not. One is mobbed wherever he goes. Fans of the other are more low-key, but possibly more potent where it counts, in the voting booth. A new poll shows Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante leading the recall pack in a big way; 35 percent of likely voters support him, compared to the 22 percent backing Arnold Schwarzenegger. Furthermore, there's evidence the lieutenant governor's support is deeper than Schwarzenegger's, meaning Bustamante's voters may be more likely to stick with him and turn out on October 7. Schwarzenegger's star power has focused the world's attention on California. But many of his would-be constituents aren't convinced he has what it takes.

When it comes to the issues facing the state, 18 percent of likely voters think the actor knows a lot; 38 percent thinks he knows some, and 36 percent say Schwarzenegger doesn't know much at all. The candidate has sought to allay those concerns by convening a council of top economic leaders. He's faced a lot of "Where's the beef?" questioning. Bustamante, who outlined an economic program last week, doesn't face that criticism. He may, however, have a bigger obstacle to overcome.

BUSTAMANTE: To vote no on the recall and yes on Bustamante.

WOODRUFF: A tricky message still baffling to many Californians. Another potential roadblock: Bustamante's ties to the embattled Gray Davis. The men are not close, but the association can't help the governor's independently elected No. 2.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WOODRUFF: Well, Democrats around the country are watching the recall campaign play out with a mix of fascination and fear. Presidential candidate Al Sharpton is the latest national figure to get a close-up view of the California free-for-all. While stumping in the Golden State, he has been criticizing the effort to oust Governor Davis.

You don't have to look hard to find Democratic leaders to speak out against the recall. Vocal Republican opponents are fewer and farther between.

Joining me now from San Diego is Scott Barnett. He's chairman of RepublicansAgainstTheRecall.com.

Scott Barnett, I think many people would look at you and say, what, is this man crazy? Here's a golden opportunity to get rid of a Democratic governor. And you're a Republican. How do you explain it?

SCOTT BARNETT, REPUBLICANSAGAINSTTHERECALL.COM: Well, I may be crazy. But in this issue, I believe, we're on the right.

We believe this recall is bad for the Republican Party and bad for the state of California, for two reasons. No. 1, this is a huge gamble for the Republican Party. We could actually end up worse off than we were before this recall. Instead of a lame duck Gray Davis for three more years, we could end up with Cruz Bustamante, who could then run for reelection.

The second issue is -- why this is bad for California -- this is a terrible precedent. Gray Davis, as much as I disdain him and think he's an awful governor, has committed no crime, has been accused by no law enforcement agency of committing a crime, and is physically and mentally capable of serving out his term.

We believe it is wrong to recall someone for political purposes. And if this goes through, we believe this will spread not only through the state of California, but to the other states in the nation that have recall. As you know, Judy, trends start in California, from Prop 13 to pilates. They spread across the nation. And this is something which is not good for governance.

WOODRUFF: Well, I hear what you're saying. But, at the same time, you've seen the polls. Bustamante is ahead. But when you add up the Republican votes and if, for example, the Republicans were able to persuade Mr. McClintock, Mr. Ueberroth to get out, presumably, that vote would go to Arnold Schwarzenegger. You'd have a chance to get rid of Gray Davis, wouldn't you?

BARNETT: Well, first of all, polls, as Mr. Schneider will tell you, are very volatile, especially in an election like this. We've never had anything like this.

But this is really, to us, more important than Gray Davis or Arnold or the Republican Party. This is about the future of this state. We have the fifth largest economy in the world, $100 billion budget, the largest border crossing, a lot of issues. And to recall a man because you don't like his politics we believe is destructive for the system and will likely lead to political retribution.

For 50 years, the world had what was called mutual assured destruction in nuclear weapons. Well, the recall is a political version of a weapon of mass destruction. It's never been used, for fear that, once it's used, the other side will retaliate. Well, this will result in retaliation.

WOODRUFF: I hear you talking about precedent. But, you know, when it comes to the issues, you're somebody who has been against higher taxes. You've got all the leading Republicans in this race are against raising taxes. And yet Gray Davis, the person whose job, in essence, you're defending, has been for raising taxes. On the taxes ground alone, can't you -- I guess I'm asking, how is it possible for you to end up in the position you're in?

BARNETT: I stood with governor -- then-Governor Wilson when he signed the car tax cut as then head of a local taxpayers association.

But once again, he won reelection in a fair, legal race. He has committed no crime. He is not incompetent to serve office, as far as mental capabilities or physical capabilities. This is a sacred trust that the voters of this state have been given, the recall, by Hiram Johnson in 1911. It was not intended to be used for political purposes.

WOODRUFF: All right, Scott Barnett, head of RepublicansAgainstTheRecall, a man whose Republican friends are probably saying you sound more like a Democrat these days -- but I guess you're prepared to deal with that. BARNETT: Yes. Thank you.

WOODRUFF: Scott Barnett, thanks very much. Good to see you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com