Arnold touts the benefits of hot-tub negotiations
Ahhh, so California:
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger learned the art of political negotiation in a setting that's oh so California — soaking in his backyard hot tub. Keynoting a gathering of Silicon Valley business leaders Friday, the Republican governor explained how his wife — former television news anchor Maria Shriver — came to support his 2003 gubernatorial bid.'We were sitting in the Jacuzzi. I said, "Maria, here's an idea. What do you think about this, me running for governor?"' Schwarzenegger said to peals of laughter. 'I said, "There's a recall, there's only a 2-month campaign. I think we can work our way through this two months and then I'm governor — isn't that great?'"
After the laughter died down, Schwarzenegger turned solemn.
'In all seriousness, she had tears in her eyes. I had to work on her for 14 days,' Schwarzenegger said. 'That's where I learned to negotiate — bringing Democrats and Republicans together right there in the Jacuzzi.'"
Hot tub negotiations, of course, can be taken a few steps further beyond the bubbly water to solve all sorts of problems:
NEGOTIATING HEALTH CARE REFORM: Add a nice pinot noir and some fresh fruit. BALANCING THE STATE BUDGET: Add some candles and Barry White music. IMMIGRATION REFORM: A nice toe-tingling massage should do the trick.