What Now?

So now that all eight of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's initiatives have been defeated in his special election, what now? What does it all mean?

It's tempting to conclude with absolute certainty that this election proves that California rejects its Governor. After all, though these initiatives were held in what was called the Governor's special election, initiatives don't equal governor. Those who are little more optimistic of the Govenor's gubernatorial future "argue that the landslide defeat was a one-time reaction to an unpopular special election." These optimistic folks, consisting mainly of Schwarzenegger supporters, insist that it's the policy that California rejected, not the person.

Unfortunately, politics is all about policy, and less about the person. Sure, Schwarzenegger got elected based partly on his charm and charisma, but mainly on his personality, his celebrity. But personality and celebrity didn't carry through this time around - which means time for reevaluation.

Could it mean that Schwarzenegger will begin eliminating some of his old advisors? Or, if his public approval rating drops low enough, will he even consider dropping out of the race for reelection next year? Or, might he try compromising and working more cooperatively with the legislature? It's a bit of a no-win situation for Schwarzenegger, because all three of those options mean admitting defeat and alienating someone in the process, whether it's his trusted advisors, the left, or the right.

Stormy times ahead for the Terminator..