George Putnam
Friday, Oct. 10, 2003

It is this reporter's opinion that the wild ride of the California recall campaign has finally careened to an end. The bumbling Gray Davis is out, the Republican movie star is in.

Looking at Davis, the people of California demonstrated loud and clear with their voices and their votes, "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore!" But is Schwarzenegger just the lesser of the two evils? Some of us are still reeling that he was elected.

Gov. Schwarzenegger will be taking office under conditions considerably less than optimal, to be sure. He says he can do the job, but will he end up just wasting more of our precious time mired in press conferences, photo shoots and scandal?

Amazingly, Arnold was able to rise above allegations of marijuana, hashish, sex orgies, groping women and admiring Adolf Hitler's speaking style to win. And there are more allegations of sexual misconduct, perhaps one or more women might file a lawsuit ... echoes of the Paula Jones-Bill Clinton litigation.

But enough of this.

What an opportunity the people of California missed to select as governor a man pre-eminently qualified for the job – Tom McClintock! I've known the man for 20 years. My interviews with him are superb and I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt, he is stable with his feet planted firmly on the ground, clean as a hound's tooth and dedicated to public service. McClintock graduated with honors from the University of California and has been active in politics in the Golden State ever since.

He is the one candidate who could have put the state of California back on track.

What you heard in the so-called debates is exactly what he is: honest, straightforward, specific about the problems and how he would go about solving them. We witnessed rank amateurs bobbing, weaving, ducking and ignoring questions of substance.

McClintock, on the other hand, stayed on course; his opponents appeared shoddy by comparison. When the mudslinging began, McClintock remained above the fray, his words fair, honest and to the point. He was the one candidate who knows California government like the back of his hand.

In each interview with McClintock, the answer comes without hesitation; he knows and speaks his convictions immediately without a second thought. His knowledge of government is simply without parallel. As far as finances are concerned, Tom has a built-in computer – just what California needs so desperately. You'll often hear him say, "You don't spend what you haven't got."

Did the average voter realize that the proposals put forth by McClintock were immediately seized upon, particularly by Schwarzenegger? Tom McClintock revealed his plan for California almost immediately. His friends and opponents agree on one thing: You always know where McClintock stands and he always does exactly what he says he'll do.

Was it noted by the voters that not a single one of his opponents was able to attack him? None questioned his integrity, his qualifications, anything in his past or his character.

That's the defining word: character! My wise grandmother, the wondrous Wilhelmina, used to say, "You can tell the character of the man by what he does when nobody's looking."

After the election, McClintock said he was happy that the recall race had coalesced around his theme of rolling back taxes and regulations that are hurting California. He concluded, "I believe our campaign acted as the conscience of this election and we framed the issues upon which this contest was ultimately decided."

What a missed opportunity for the Golden State! The possibilities would have been endless!

Now it's all water under the bridge ... but we're in for a rough ride! There are difficult days ahead! And the opposition is already talking about another recall. That's ALL California needs!

Tom McClintock, statesman, surely there is a brilliant future and big things ahead for you! Many believe you are destined for greatness and this defeat may have been a blessing in disguise.

Related Link:

NewsMax Interviews McClintock, Sept. 4, 2003: McClintock: Schwarzenegger Not Qualified

The legendary George Putnam is 89 years young and a veteran of 69 years as a reporter, broadcaster and commentator ... and is still going strong. George is part of the all-star line-up of Southern California's KPLS Radio – Hot Talk AM 830. Click here for George's complete bio

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
California Governors Race