Body politic: direct from the Sacramento statehouse's newest official chamber—a cigar tent—the Golden State's Iron-willed governor gives M & F an exclusive interview

Muscle & Fitness, August, 2005 by Jeff O'Connell

As far as this issue is concerned: No. 1, I am a believer in the death penalty; and No. 2, this is what the law is in California--the people have voted on the issue. Acting as the people's representative, I denied clemency. I gave a full statement on why I didn't recommend clemency. Basically, nothing in the application convinced me that he didn't know his actions were wrong at the time he did them, and so I refused clemency.

M & F: As governor, you deal with a host of complicated issues every day. How have you been able to cope with such a wide variety of demands?

ARNOLD: This job is about making decisions. I think I was meant for this job because everything else I have done has led up to this. Remember, everyone focuses on my bodybuilding and film careers--the thing that is not mentioned as much is my career as a businessman. [In 1979, Arnold graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in international marketing. In the late '70s and early '80 he accumulated real estate holdings in Santa Monica and Denver.] As a businessman, I became versed in how to sell. I sold myself in bodybuilding; I sold myself in Hollywood. I also became used to making important decisions. At school I was always very good with numbers. It saves my butt here because I'm better with numbers than some of the budget people, and I have to correct them. They're shocked.

I like getting things done. Take the flood control program we discussed today. I had been here just a few months when a levee broke and flooded the whole area. Farms and crops were wiped out. I flew out there in a helicopter and, seeing the devastation, I asked the officials, "What's the condition of the rest of the levees in the Central Valley?" They told me they were maybe all just as vulnerable. I said, "Look, I don't want us to be flying somewhere else in a few months to see the same thing and hearing the same story." I said, "Let's find a way to fix this problem once and for all." Today, the legislators, finance guys and lawyers came here with the package that will fix it. So making and seeing this sort of positive action take place is great.

M & F: So no regrets about not doing movies anymore?

ARNOLD: No! I never think, Too bad I'm not doing movies. It's like when I left bodybuilding competition, I never regretted leaving it because I knew I was still in love with the sport, just that my competing days were over. I'm still involved with bodybuilding by promoting the Arnold Classic and in my role as Executive Editor at MUSCLE & FITNESS and FLEX. I'm still in love and involved with the movie business. Tonight we have a premiere, Be Cool, in Sacramento, which is my way of thanking the producers for making the movie in California and giving California movie people jobs.

M & F: What have been the high points of being governor so far?

ARNOLD: The real highlight is the ultimate pleasure of going out and communicating with the people, and giving the power back to them. I say to the people: "The politicians have misused the power for so long, it is time for you to use your power by coming to the voting stations. You can make the decision as to what should be done in California--the politicians couldn't do it. But you can, so let your voice and your vote be heard." The most wonderful thing for me, from the recall onward, is that the people are part of the process again. There's a governor in Sacramento who represents them--the people--not special interests, and they know I cannot be bought.