Years After Angering Both Democrats and Republicans, Arnold Schwarzenegger Defends His Chief of Staff: “She’s the Best and the Brightest That I’ve Interviewed”

Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger took a hiatus from acting in 2003. To the surprise and elation of many, Arnie ran for governor in the California recall election. After defeating then-governor Grey Davis, the bodybuilding legend officially began his political career. During his time as governor, the former Mr. Olympia made many changes, some of which were well-received while others were not.

In 2005, Arnie caused quite an uproar among Democrats and Republicans alike when he appointed Susan Kennedy as Chief of Staff. Arnie replaced Patricia Clarey, who failed to successfully promote Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Year of Reform as campaign manager. However, when the Republican Governor of California appointed a Democrat as the Chief of Staff, both parties questioned his decision.

Why Arnold Schwarzenegger defended Susan Kennedy

While the former governor was married to Maria Shriver, daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, he wasn’t related to Susan Kennedy in any way. In fact, Arnie’s Chief of Staff, a Democrat, had acted as Gray Davis’s Cabinet secretary. The political sphere raised many questions after Schwarzenegger’s bold move. However, it displeased many politicians.

While appearing on the Daily Stoic YouTube channel a couple of days ago, Arnie defended his decision. Schwarzenegger also revealed some uncomfortable questions he had to face about appointing Susan Kennedy. The 76-year-old said he angered Democrats but probably angered his fellow Republicans even more. The conservatives had constantly backed the governor, and some confronted him.

“They said, how could you do that? How could you have a chief of staff who’s a woman—a Democrat and a lesbian? What the hell is going on here with you, governor?” said Schwarzenegger. “You’re really naive,” they added. However, he responded calmly. “I’m the first one to tell you I’m a little bit naive… I’m not a trained politician,” the 76-year-old said.

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“That woman. That Chief of Staff, she’s the best and the brightest that I’ve interviewed,” the former governor said during the interview. The 76-year-old said he told his critics that Susan Kennedy’s gender and sexuality didn’t matter because she understood his vision for California.

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During the press conference in 2005, Arnie said Kennedy was a “hardworking woman, dedicated, and is willing to work whatever it takes to get the job done.” He also praised her humility to “set her Democratic philosophy aside.” Schwarzenegger has recently stated that leaders from both parties need to work together. Schwarzenegger put that idea into practice in 2005.