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Arnie Gives First Speech Since Scandal

And the tan former 'governator' gets a standing ovation

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 5, 2011 8:27 AM CDT

(AP) – Arnold Schwarzenegger is making a comeback … for the second time? Or is it the third? We've lost track, but the former California governor made his first speech in the state yesterday since confirming in May that he fathered an out-of-wedlock son, the latest sign he's gradually maneuvering back into the public eye. Sporting a deep tan, he joked that he was running for president in 2012—of a bodybuilding association. Speaking for about 10 minutes before a business group at a downtown hotel, the moderate Republican warned about the dangers of political gridlock, telling the group that partisan division was choking progress in California and Washington.

"We have too many of the legislators that are too far to the right or too far to the left, and therefore nothing gets done," he said. He gave a glossy recounting of his uneven years in Sacramento, cherry-picking accomplishments such as redistricting reform and never mentioning that the state economy has struggled for years. The apparently forgiving crowd gave him a standing ovation. (Click to read about Arnie's upcoming movie role.)

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks after being honored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, in Los Angeles.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks after being honored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, in Los Angeles.   (Mark J. Terrill)
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks after being honored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, in Los Angeles.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks after being honored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, in Los Angeles.   (Mark J. Terrill)
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, right, receives an award from Gary L. Toebben, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, in Los Angeles.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, right, receives an award from Gary L. Toebben, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, in Los Angeles.   (Mark J. Terrill)
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks after being honored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, in Los Angeles.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks after being honored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, in Los Angeles.   (Mark J. Terrill)
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