Schwarzenegger Pumps Up McCain Rally in Ohio

Schwarzenegger Pumps Up McCain Rally in Ohio
The 'Governator' poked fun at Obama while praising McCain at campaign stop

FOXNews.com

Friday, 2008-31-305


Arnold Schwarzenegger had the crowd in the palm of his hand Friday at a John McCain rally in Columbus, Ohio, with a speech that mixed a healthy helping of jokes with praise for the Republican presidential candidate.

"You look all pumped up. You look ready to elect John McCain president of the United States," Schwarzenegger said, before moving on to a story about Halloween back in California.

He said he had just called his wife, Maria Shriver -- a member of the Kennedy family -- and had asked her what she had given to trick-or-treaters. Candy, cookie, M&Ms and an apple, she had told him.

"Typical liberal giveaway," Schwarzenegger said.

The "Governator," a former bodybuilder, also had some fun at the expense of McCain's rival, Barack Obama, and Obama's slight frame.

"He needs to do something about those skinny legs, make him do some squats and some bicep curls to build up those scrawny little arms. If only we could do something about putting some meat on his ideas," he said, adding that McCain was "built like a rock."

Schwarzenegger, known for dipping into his Hollywood past to fill his speeches with movie catchphrases, said voters "don't have to wonder, is (McCain) ready to be president?"

"John McCain served longer in a POW camp than his opponent has in the United States Senate," he said. "Ladies and gentlemen, I only play an action hero in my movies, but John McCain is a real action hero."

McCain has been hitting Ohio hard this week in an effort to trim Obama's lead in this key battleground state before Tuesday's election. The Republican's campaign has scheduled more stops in the Buckeye state for Saturday, and it has put an emphasis on Pennsylvania as well.

"Our position in these states is strong and undecided voters continue to have a very favorable impression of our candidate," campaign manager Rich Davis said Friday evening in a "Final Push" memo.

Schwarzenegger Pumps Up McCain Rally in Ohio