Leaving without a Happy Ending

The Republicans may have lost the last prominent politician who openly opposes the conservative populist tea party movement.

The Europeans have always sneered at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s foray into California politics. But for the last seven years in the U.S., the former muscleman with physically demanding film roles has played an important political part. As governor of the most populated state in the union, Schwarzenegger was the most prominent front man of the moderate Republicans since New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg left the party. California adopted an ambitious climate law that was unprecedented in America. Schwarzenegger even wanted to implement universal health insurance. In the minds of leading conservative purists, such changes are too socialist.

Schwarzenegger’s pragmatism was a refreshing contrast to the rest of the bigots in his party, which is now in turmoil.

For California itself, not much will change. Jerry Brown, the new governor, will also try to keep the huge budget deficit in check. And Brown, a Democrat, will also fight a system that leaves the governor no leeway. Republicans are inhibiting higher taxes, while Democrats and labor unions are inhibiting painful cutbacks. Hopes are riding on the next boom, when California’s spirit of innovation can lead the state out of its plight. Schwarzenegger was denied his ending in politics.