Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met Nov. 17 with the Sacramento Press Club to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his inauguration in 2003, and he called for finding common ground amid political divisiveness.
The former bodybuilder, with multiple Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles—the pinnacle of the sport—transitioned his career to acting and became a movie star before steering his path toward politics.
Elected after former Gov. Gray Davis was recalled by voters in 2003, Mr. Schwarzenegger was re-elected in 2006 and served as governor until January 3, 2011.
“It was the best seven years of my life, without a doubt,” Mr. Schwarzenegger told the crowd.
Lunch and an hour-long interview took place at the Sutter Club, one of the oldest private clubs in California, founded in 1889 by original 49ers—early pioneers that traveled West in search of gold.
Situated one block from the Capitol in a building dating to 1930, the gathering was standing room only, as hundreds of journalists, policymakers, and members of the public attended—with proceeds benefitting journalism students through scholarship opportunities.
The star of the Terminator movies, among many others, told the audience he decided to run for office years ago because of what he called failed policies and a lack of progress in the Legislature.
“People I talked to said Sacramento doesn’t work,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do, and I explained it to the people.”
While many politicians have complicated relationships with the media, and some avoid press interactions while others engage, the celebrity-turned-politician expressed gratitude for the coverage he’s received throughout his career.
“I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the press,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “The press made me.”
With some in attendance wondering if the former governor has any intention of running for Senate, or other office, he rejected the idea, while noting that even if he were to announce such a run, it wasn’t the time or place to do so.
“This should be about my 20th anniversary,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “The only thing I’m interested in is president, and I can’t.”
Born in Austria, he is excluded from running for that office by federal law—a fact, he said, that doesn’t bother him.
“I won’t complain about the one thing I can’t do,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said, highlighting his love for the U.S. “I have great hopes for America ... the best country in the world.”
Current career plans include shooting season two of “FUBAR” for Netflix and two movies in the works, he said.
Joking about the ups and downs and heated debates that took place in the Capitol while serving as governor, he said a comedic acting role helped prepare him for the job.
“There’s absurdity over there; it’s like kindergarten,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “Perfect that I’m the ‘Kindergarten Cop.’”
Discussing his strategy of bridging partisan divides to accomplish goals, he urged lawmakers to look past superficial differences and find common ground, saying politics should be more of a friendly competition to identify good ideas rather than viewing opponents as enemies.
“Competition creates great performances,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “We are all together in this, and we need to be nice to each other.”
Noting that he doesn’t like to criticize those in office because he knows how difficult the job is, he suggested the country needs a new generation of leaders to take over.
“We need fresh blood,” he said. “We need fresh energy, a new way of thinking about things.”
In California, he suggested the Democratic party’s supermajority is failing to meet expectations or reach its potential, saying that leaders need to work together, across the aisle, to solve the Golden State’s problems.
“We are, together, unbeatable,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “California is number one in everything, no matter how you look at it, we’re number one.”
Recollecting on his path from bodybuilder to governor, he told the audience to envision what they want or need to achieve and pay attention to the details.
“It’s funny where life takes you,” he said. “If you keep your eyes open, there are all kinds of opportunities.”
