like a three-dimensional chess game. . . . The key is that the messages not be too far apart.

It was like a three-level chess game.

It resurrects his relationship with his base - that's the first critical step toward rehabilitation, ... It puts him in a good position. ... And it advances us to the midterm elections.

Arnold set the bar for very high expectations, coupled with strong demands. But the expectations weren't met, the demands weren't honored, and that has voters very skittish. Most voters are showing malaise, even downright disgust.

For me, it was 90 minutes of wasted time. They got nowhere beyond their elevator statements. I'm not sure that's going to help people make sense of things, because these propositions are so complicated.

There's no doubt about it in my mind that the announcement was set for this particular time to generate both financial and political support for what are ... flagging campaigns, ... If there ever was a time to pull rabbits out of the hat for the governor, this is it.