Media Gives Schwarzenegger Pass on Budget ImpasseRandy Shawbyline‚ Aug. 08‚ 2007Remember when former California Governor Gray Davis was lambasted up and down the state for the legislature’s failure to pass a timely budget? The media framed the impasse as demonstrating Davis’ lack of leadership skills, even though those holding up the budget were Republicans who were not under his control. The media’s unfair framing played a critical role in Davis’ recall in 2003. But now Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is in charge, and Republican state senators are again holding up the budget. Who does the media blame? Not the Governor, despite the fact that it is his lack of leadership that is to blame. But there is some good news: The gridlock may force Arnold to back a change in the 2/3 legislative approval required for state budgets. |