Comments and discussion

In your analysis of Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2004 speech at the Republican National Convention, we recommend that you pay close attention to controversial or otherwise interesting claims and statements the speaker makes that are worth discussing or commenting on.

One of the most discussed remarks in the speech was: “And to those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy, I say: ‘Don't be economic girlie men!’ ” (ll. 129-131)

The phrase ‘girlie men’ is pejorative (an expression of contempt) and is still associated with the speaker because he has used it on several occasions, including in 1988 during George H. W. Bush’s presidential campaign. This phrase attracted a lot of criticism from feminist and gay rights groups who describe it as a homophobic insult. Consider the possibility that using language like this is unlikely to appeal to more liberal voters, and could therefore undermine Schwarzenegger’s attempt to encourage non-traditional Republican voters to vote for his party...