Arnold Schwarzenegger Criticizes Gerrymandering and Prop 50 on CNN

Schwarzenegger's Stance on Gerrymandering

• 🗣️ Arnold Schwarzenegger criticizes the ongoing "gerrymandering wars" across the United States, comparing California's Proposition 50 to Texas's redistricting efforts.
• 💔 He expresses sadness over the partisan battles, lamenting that states are trying to "out-cheat" each other rather than using independent commissions to draw district lines.

Blame and Historical Context

• ⚖️ Schwarzenegger pushes back against the idea that Republicans solely initiated the gerrymandering conflict, pointing out that gerrymandering has existed for 200 years.
• 📉 He highlights examples like Massachusetts and New Mexico, where significant percentages of voters for a particular party receive zero representation in the House.

Systemic Issues and Polarization

• 📈 The current system incentivizes both parties to create safe seats, leading to the election of more extreme candidates and increased polarization.
• 😟 It's suggested that fixing this "broken system" is challenging due to the vested interests of both parties in maintaining the status quo.

Proposition 50 and Gavin Newsom's Approach

• 🗳️ Schwarzenegger distinguishes California's Proposition 50, initiated by Gavin Newsom, from Texas's actions by noting that Newsom is asking voters for their approval.
• ✅ While not a fan of gerrymandering, Schwarzenegger believes Newsom's method of seeking a public mandate is the "right way" to approach redistricting, even if the outcome is a partisan advantage.