California name-calling

last updated 8 January 2015

Ontario, Calif.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called California Democrats “girlie men” last week, saying they wouldn’t pass his $103 billion budget because they were afraid to make special-interest groups mad. Democrats called the remark sexist and anti-gay, and demanded an apology. But Schwarzenegger said the insult was fitting. He borrowed it from Hans and Franz, fictional bodybuilders in a Saturday Night Live skit. Hans and Franz, who were modeled after Schwarzenegger, used the term to refer to anyone they thought was wimpy. If Democrats can’t take a little playful ribbing, Schwarzenegger’s spokesman said, “I guess they’re making the governor’s point.”