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.”
