Schwarzenegger started by explaining his immigration to the United States and escape from Communism. This will be good for a party that is currently being shunned by immigrants. The hope and dreams of Schwarzenegger as an immigrant landing on our shores with empty pockets, he later notes his decision to be a Republican largely based on hope and individual rights. The idea of personal rights and the belief that anyone can excel if they work hard is a Republican mainstay, and one that Schwarzenegger drills home.

“Speaking of acting, one of my movies was called ‘True Lies.’ It’s what the Democrats should have called their convention.”

Addressing the issue of Schwarzenegger’s differences with the President, he notes that this difference of opinion is what makes this country great. Expanding on this statement, Schwarzenegger drills home the core beliefs of being a Republican.

My fellow immigrants, my fellow Americans how do you know if you are a Republican? I’ll tell you how.

If you believe that government should be accountable to the people, not the people to the government … then you are a Republican! If you believe a person should be treated as an individual, not as a member of an interest group … then you are a Republican! If you believe your family knows how to spend your money better than the government does … then you are a Republican! If you believe our educational system should be held accountable for the progress of our children … then you are a Republican! If you believe this country, not the United Nations, is the best hope of democracy in the world … then you are a Republican! And, ladies and gentlemen … if you believe we must be fierce and relentless and terminate terrorism … then you are a Republican!

There is another way you can tell you’re a Republican. You have faith in free enterprise, faith in the resourcefulness of the American people … and faith in the U.S. economy. To those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy, I say: Don’t be economic girlie men!

Playing on his recent statement towards Democrats in California that refused to back his governatorial platform, Schwarnegger made the comment “don’t be economic girly men” in reference to the naysayers who claim the economy is putred (read Democrats). It is the ability of Schwarzenegger to provide comical relief while driving home an important message that makes the appearence of Schwarzenegger well worth it to the Republican Party. This was followed by a slam on John Edwards’ Two Americas claim where Schwarzenegger explained the troops only fight for one America.

While Schwarzenegger made some very good comments regarding the War on Terror, I cannot help but wonder where his experience on this issue is. He does however clearly outline why American is the better side and lays out many of our humanitarian issues such as spreading Democracy and proving AIDS treatment in Africa.

They come because their hearts say to them, as mine did, “If only I can get to America.” Someone once wrote — “There are those who say that freedom is nothing but a dream.” They are right. It’s the American dream.

Schwarzenegger has the ability to appeal to all Americans, but I’m not sure if this speech will do just that. He just outlined some of the Republican ideology and didn’t really go into specifics as to why he is endorsing President Bush. Overall it wasn’t as effective as I thought he would be, but still very good.

Blogs of War has the full transcript of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s speech.

Other Coverage:
Slings and Arrows
Right Voices has a great synopsis of both speeches

Right On Red linked with Convention Reaction Roundup Day 2
The Politicker linked with Blog-o-sphere Reacts... Day 2