“You Need to Know Your Father Is a…”: Maria Shriver Flew Arnold Schwarzenegger and Her Kids Out of the Country to Save Them From Public in 2005

When Arnold Schwarzenegger made his political debut, Maria Shriver had to face her childhood all over again. Except this time, she had to talk to her 4 children through the process. Constant attention from the media and public, and rumors – these two problems merely scratched the surface of what was to come. However, she had to do her part as a mother.

In 2003, Schwarzenegger decided to run for the post of the Governor of California. While his now ex-wife Shriver was upset, there was nothing she could do about it. In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2005, the journalist sat down to talk about her experience.

How did Shriver explain the political ambitions of Arnold Schwarzenegger?

For journalist Maria Shriver, her husband’s political debut meant facing her past. Hailing from the Kennedy family, she couldn’t erase the memories of having eyes all around her and her family. Paparazzi, the public, questions, and rumors plagued her. To think that her children would have to go through the same gave her nightmares. However, she eventually decided to sit them down and gave them a picture of what could happen.

While she didn’t explain the entire ordeal, she did give them a disclaimer. Talking about that in the interview, she said, “I would say, ‘People will say things about your father and your mother and your grandmother’s family. Some of it is true, some of it is not true. You need to know your father is a good man and is doing his best to help people. However, she wanted her children to be comfortable enough to approach her if and when they had any questions. Nevertheless, she decided she would fly her kids out to Cape while campaigning.

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She warned her children that a lot of rumors and talks would be politically motivated. The public might bring up things from the past that would make them question their parents. But she reminded them that their father learned over the years, and if he did some questionable things, he was young and naive back then. He grew up to be a good man and was only trying his best to help people.

Arnold Schwarzenegger went on to have two successful terms as a governor. Despite rumors and scandals, the star garnered enough popularity to rise up to power. Meanwhile, Shriver supported him throughout his run. The couple, unfortunately, went separate ways after Schwarzenegger’s extra-marital affair came under the spotlight. Yet, he never lost touch with the political sphere and continued participating in political and charitable activities.

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