Below the Fold for Oct. 12

The Arnold Revolution

Arnold Schwarzenegger's election may have global ramifications.

Reuters is reporting that German citizens, bored with their lackluster political class, want somebody more like The Terminator. Peter Boenisch, a former government spokesman, wrote in the tabloid Bild, "Germany urgently needs something Schwarzenegger-like; a can-do spirit, unconventional thinking, courage, strength and vision. We're facing the worst crisis since the war."

Pollster Manfred Guellner agrees: "The dissatisfaction is growing every day," he says. "Germany and Europe are ripe for the same sort of phenomenon. People feel they're being messed with. They want simple language and simple remedies."

But the real money quote comes from Rony Zibilnski, identified as a 19-year-old Berlin technician. He says, "We need someone like that to clean up the mess and blow away the lousy politicians."

No Laughing Matter

Speaking of blowing away, broadcaster and evangelist Pat Robertson (search) has thoroughly ticked off the U.S. Department of State.

The controversy stems from a Wednesday interview with Joel Mowbray, author of a book, "Dangerous Diplomacy: How the State Department Endangers America's Security." Here's how Robertson opened the interview: "I read your book. When you get through, you say, 'If I could just get a nuclear device inside Foggy Bottom, I think that's the answer,' and you say, 'We've got to blow that thing up.' I mean, is it as bad as you say?"

The State Department reportedly has expressed its displeasure directly to Robertson. In addition, State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher has declared, "I lack sufficient capabilities to express my disdain. I think the very idea is despicable."