The unexpected turn of events really fired up the chatter across the political spectrum, because it was just announced that former Republican Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger just admitted he has voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential elections. The endorsement came on X, formerly known as Twitter, on October 30, in which Schwarzenegger shared with the public an unusually salacious post about his decision to cross party lines-he says owing more to a commitment to democracy, patriotism, and American values than party loyalty.
This is an endorsement by Schwarzenegger, long a Republican and a high-profile figure in American politics, that has caught widespread attention.
He has built a career on hating divisive politics, and Schwarzenegger framed his decision to leave the Republican Party as one of fighting against an increasingly partisan tide he believes threatens to polarize the country at every turn.
He wrote in that post, frustrated at polarization in today’s political sphere: “I hate politics more than ever, which, if you are a normal person who isn’t addicted to this crap, you probably understand.”
Schwarzenegger also gave numerous reasons for his endorsement, although he did not need to say much explaining that his frustrations are with far more than a single party. Speaking about his decision to support Harris and Walz, he mentioned a bigger frustration with heads of both parties when he said they put party agendas above the interests of the country. More specific, however, was his animosity toward leaders who question the results of democratic elections. Most significantly critical was his stance against former President Donald Trump, whose claims to this very day that the 2020 election was “stolen” have polarized opinions nationwide. “Rejecting the results of an election is as un-American as it gets,” Schwarzenegger wrote, adding that disregard of election outcomes presents a direct threat to the very principles America was built upon. “We need to close the door on this chapter of American history, and I know that former President Trump won’t do that,” he added. He further said Trump is divisive in his rhetoric and is fueling anger, not unity.
Another thread that came out from Schwarzenegger’s speech was one of patriotism. Having been an immigrant himself, who rose to be one of the most influential persons in American life, Schwarzenegger appealed for eternal love for the country.
He criticizes what he sees as the increasingly negative portrayal of the United States, rhetoric he blamed on the likes of Trump. For someone who speaks with people around the world and knows that, yes, America is still the shining city on a hill, calling America a trash can for the world-so unpatriotic-it makes me furious,” he said, espousing a view held by many that his loyalty is far stronger to America than it could ever be to the Republican Party.
Schwarzenegger finished the announcement with an unmistakable declaration: “I will always be an American before I am a Republican. That’s why, this week, I am voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.”
The strength of Schwarzenegger’s convictions that come across in a few pointed quotes in his endorsement, among which his reflections upon politics today are profoundly disillusioned: “I don’t really do endorsements.
I am not afraid to speak my mind, yet despise politics and the majority of politicians.” Yet, it was precisely this despising of politics that urged him into action-the un-American nature of election result rejection. This latter pledge of “always be an American before I am a Republican” capped his decision to support Harris and Walz as indicative of his principles rather than his politics.
Predictably, the announcement by Schwarzenegger has polarized the reactions. Supporters saluted his political courage to put country over party, while the great praise of election integrity and patriotism has been outstanding. A lot of people were glad about his commitment to democratic principles; for others, seeing that endorsement was one of those very rarest examples of when a leader can choose unity over division. Critics hailed him as a traitor, more so to his fellow partisans, for endorsements many people wondered why a lifelong Republican should make for two Democratic candidates in such a key election.
