Believe me or not, but people in Austria are as surprised as the audience of the certain “Jay-Leno-Show” had been, when Arnold Schwarzenegger, the worldwide absolutely most famous individual of Austrian origin, pronounced to run for government of California.
There had been plenty rumours during Summer. Everybody in Austria knew that Arnie reflected upon a political career, but most people considered that a publicity measure to promote “T 3”.
But why? What makes Arnold Schwarzenegger so sure? Why does he do the next step into immortality? And what comes next? Is he arrogant, just self-confident or does he just want to serve his new country?
I just want to give a survey of what the Austrians think. We guess, that the Governor of California is one of the most influential and powerful politicians in the United States, although Ronald Reagan was the only one we´ve ever known by name in Austria. But, of course, California is big and important. So, what does a governor need to know? How much experience is necessary?
In Europe, politics is also a very serious matter. Very rarely, celebrities climb up to highest positions without having practiced for a long time, unless they can work on the topics they are specialized in. An intelligent actor can be a wonderful Minister of Arts, a hockey-player a sensible Minister of Sports – as they are insiders. So Franz Morak, a former outstanding actor of Viennese “Burgtheater”, is now member of the Austrian government, being responsible for everything concerning arts and media. But Morak had practiced politics before as spokesman in the Actor´s Guild at “Burgtheater” and as member of Parliament (Congress) for six years. And Liese Prokop, winner of the silver medal in 1968 Olympic heptathlon in Mexico City, became vice-governor of Lower Austria – but she had to prove her talents and skills for years! She got on slowly, step by step.
More and more frequently political parties have presented celebrities as prominent candidates before elections, like Josef Broukal, former anchorman of the ORF, the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation. But these so-called “step-ins” just work on a small segment of politics. It´s hard to imagine that Morak, Prokop or Broukal could commence their political career in Austria at the very top, becoming Prime Minister first, taking over responsibility for the full bunch of subjects – is an absolute beginner really able to be strong in financial matters, in the very different topics of foreign policy, health, educations, arts, public security etc.?
And what about Schwarzenegger? Let´s take a look at him: as a former “Businessman of the Year”, as an immigrant to the United States, who had to learn the language and the attitudes, as a former sportsman, as a patron of the “Special Olympics” and as a former actor he has proved that he is multi-talented.
No matter whether he wins (of course, we think he will) or not: Austria is proud of it´s son Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hold on, Arnie!

Sincerly Walter Dujmovits, jun.