Arnold and Hitler - The

Arnold and Hitler - The SanFran Chronicle has the best story I've yet seen on Schwarzenegger's "Hitler" flap.

As the article says, it's a faint trail:

"The allegations that Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler during the filming of 'Pumping Iron' have been circulating since the actor announced his candidacy this summer, but the film's director, quoted by ABC News on Thursday, denied the story last month when contacted by The Chronicle.

ABC News and the New York Times obtained a copy of an unpublished book proposal by the film's producer and director, George Butler, that contained quotes allegedly made by Schwarzenegger in 1975 during an interview while making the movie.

In the book proposal, Schwarzenegger is quoted as saying, according to ABC News, 'I admired Hitler, for instance, because he came from being a little man with almost no formal education, up to power. I admire him for being such a good public speaker and for what he did with it.' Then Schwarzenegger supposedly adds, 'like Hitler in the Nuremberg stadium. And have all those people scream at you and just being total agreement whatever you say.'"

Hardly goosestepping, is it?

I saw Arnold on the news this morning. Paraphrasing, he said that he admired Hitler's speaking style and ability as a communicator.

As the son of a speech teacher and a lifelong student of political oratory, I've got news for you; Leave Hitler's message out of the equation for a moment - Arnold was right. Hitler was an amazing, mesmerizing public orator. More tellingly, he was one of the first world leaders to genuinely understand and exploit the poiwer of the electronic media. He was a pioneer at using the media for political ends. If you are in the profession of trying to communicate with people (as Schwarzenegger, an actor and now a politician, certainly is), Hitler was, in terms of style and technique, a seminal figure - which one can say without denying for a moment that he used those talents in the promotion of colossal, corrosive evil.

Does allowing that Hitler was a great speaker and communicator and manipulator of the media imply any admiration for his politics, policies, and historical legacy? Does saying that imply that the speaker sympathizes with Hitler and Naziism?

I can't speak for Schwarzenegger, but speaking for myself - if that's what you believe, tell it to my face. Make sure your medical insurance is paid up first.

This fracas is a sign of how desperate the LA Times is getting to keep their people in office.

P.S. - How much do you want to be some moonbat lefty blog clips out the part where I say "Hitler was a great public speaker" et al, and quotes it to show what a bunch of Nazi sympathizers we conservative bloggers are?

Any bets on that?

Posted by Mitch at October 3, 2003 10:20 AM