Men Flex Political Muscle in California

Here we are, shortly after the big California recall election. Arnold “the Terminator” Schwarzenegger is the governor-elect of the Golden State. From a male perspective, the election has been interesting for at least three reasons.

First, California's recall election featured a prominent men's rights expert and advocate as a candidate. Dr. Warren Farrell campaigned on an innovative platform in which he called for a “Reformation” of the Democratic Party. His campaign emphasized practical solutions for men's issues and the benefit of families and children. I am grateful to Dr. Farrell for bringing those issues to the public debate in a once-in-a-lifetime election. I also congratulate him for running a fine campaign, focused on the issues, and totally free of the nasty mudslinging that we so often see in today's politics. I appreciate Dr. Farrell's work on behalf of men, and, by extension, on behalf of all people.

Second, male voters are getting attention as an electoral force to be reckoned with. Susan Faludi claimed that Arnold Schwarzenegger owed his election to “a lopsidedly male following.” In a sneering commentary in the Village Voice, James Ridgeway notes that “[t]he main force behind [Schwarzenegger] were macho men.” It also appears the male vote was decisive in approving the recall itself, and that more than half of Schwarzenegger's voters were men. The whining—and thoroughly predictable—Katha Pollitt moaned, "aggressive male chauvinism is back in style, and Mr. Schwarzenegger is its standard-bearer.”

Finally, the results of the election seem to suggest that voters will not be swayed by desperate, last-minute attempts to discredit a male candidate by claiming that he sexually harassed some women, with no opportunity to investigate or rebut the claims. Perhaps that is a sign of an electorate that is becoming more savvy about politcal gamesmanship. On the other hand, it could be a sign of an electorate that just doesn't care about the harm that individuals may have suffered. The latter possibility is unfortunate and frightening. Still, we might be seeing a case of political opportunists having “cried wolf” once too often.

In any event, the mainstream media may not be reporting on these male-significant implications of California's recall election. However, it is important to consider and discuss them because men are beginning to flex their political muscles. While we have a long way to go, we have taken the first steps toward a reformation. It may not be the precise reformation that Dr. Farrell sought in his campaign, but I think this election is a wake-up call for all men in the USA. Let's build on this foundation to make this world a better place for all beings.