IF ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER hasn’t turned Sacramento into a circus, then why the big top on the north lawn of the State Capitol? The outdoor tent was erected to accommodate the media crush that accompanied last night’s State of the State Address–there wasn’t sufficient room inside the grand old building for the 250-plus journalists who wanted to crash the party. Talk about California politics as unusual: the Governator’s first appearance before the legislature, followed by wintertime spin patrol al fresco.
As for Arnold’s speech, it was short–but to the point. Schwarzenegger spoke for a little more than 26 minutes, including the many pauses for applause. That’s roughly half the time most California governors devote to what’s supposed to be a visionary speech. He may or may not downsize government, but after this and his 15-minute inaugural address, Arnold’s definitely downsized political oratory.
