Femi Ashekun/
In a stunning turn, former Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has thrown his support behind Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, saying, “I will always be an American before I am a Republican.”
The former California governor, who has long been known for his centrist views, made a passionate statement in a post on his X handle, as he condemned the current state of American politics.
“I don’t really do endorsements,” Schwarzenegger admitted. “I’m not shy about sharing my views, but I hate politics and don’t trust most politicians.”
However, he emphasized that, as a former Republican governor, he feels a responsibility to speak out at this critical moment. “People want to hear from me because I am not just a celebrity; I am a former Republican Governor.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Schwarzenegger recalled a commitment to policy over party, saying, “I’m proud of the work I did to help clean up our air, create jobs, balance the budget, and take power from politicians to give it back to the people.”
He criticized the partisanship that has overtaken Washington, emphasizing, “That’s policy. It requires working with the other side, not insulting them to win your next election.”
Schwarzenegger didn’t spare either party from his frustration. “Let me be honest with you: I don’t like either party right now,” he declared. “My Republicans have forgotten the beauty of the free market, driven up deficits, and rejected election results. Democrats aren’t any better at dealing with deficits, and I worry about their local policies hurting our cities with increased crime.”
He continued with a searing rebuke of the divisiveness he believes is undermining America’s identity. “Rejecting the results of an election is as un-American as it gets,” Schwarzenegger said. “To someone like me, who talks to people all over the world and still knows America is the shining city on a hill, calling America a trash can for the world is so unpatriotic, it makes me furious.”
This frustration, he said, has driven him to endorse Harris and Walz, believing they are best suited to help the country heal and move forward.
“A candidate who won’t respect your vote unless it is for him, who will send his followers to storm the Capitol while he watches with a Diet Coke, who thinks Americans who disagree with him are bigger enemies than China, Russia, or North Korea—that won’t solve our problems,” he said, in a thinly veiled criticism of former President Donald Trump.
Calling on Americans to end this era of polarisation, Schwarzenegger urged voters to “close the door on this chapter of American history.” He continued, “Trump won’t do that. He will divide, he will insult, and we, the people, will get nothing but more anger.”
Despite disagreements with the Democratic platform, Schwarzenegger called on voters to choose Harris and Walz to help the country “turn the page.” He urged, “Vote this week. Turn the page and put this junk behind us. And even if you disagree with me, vote, because that’s what we do as Americans.”
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