Will he be back?

Clichéd, for sure, but it is the line that’s tagged every story about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s departure from office. Will Arnie return to the political fray or enjoy a sun-kissed retirement?

Most popular

Cristina Odone

Parents are asking too much of teachers

The odds of a return to office are long. California, the state that did most to shape America’s self-image in the 20th century, is now like former movie stars who eke out an existence in Hollywood’s run-down parts – they once had it all but have since lost both looks and love. Fair or not – the Californian governor doesn’t have as much power as his peers. Voters give Schwarzenegger part of the blame for the state’s mess; his approval ratings on his last day in office were as bad as those of the governor he defeated in a recall election, Gray Davis.

Yet Schwarzenegger has salvaged his career from greater depths before.