Populist - i.e., unproven, outside - candidates often succeed in times when voters are frustrated and feel that the status quo isn't working for them. To me, that's what the California recall reflects: that Californians faced with a host of statewide economic problems essentially said, "He can't do any worse." I'm really not certain that it means much more than that.
Note: The author wastes a fair amount of time blogging about a variety of topics at Walloworld, where this post originally appeared.
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Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Bill, another good one. I happen to agree completely that it means little other than ABD (anyone but Davis), and who had the name recognition? Who better to rub "the politicians'" noses in it? On top of that Arnold is totally centrist, right down the middle, especially for California: fiscal conservatism, social liberalism. SOS is more like it.
2 - Natalie Davis
The death of the two-party system? A great thought and a fine wish. But if done through the taking-charge of centrists, that would mean more hell for those of us on the left and right who distrust the Democrats, the Republicans, and the centrists.