Our Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been taking advantage of the many ways the Internet has available to connect to the public. Using his Twitter account to reach out in real time, the Governor has recently been fielding questions during his lunch breaks. He also started a Twitter Forum, MyIdea4CA.com, for users to share and discuss their ideas that will help move California forward, and hopefully into a more positive direction.
He released this video yesterday, thanking his following for giving their ideas through Twitter about the state budget cuts. It seems one user in particular gave him the latest idea dubbed The Great California Garage Sale. @RyanStothard suggested that the Governor autograph vehicles to make them more valuable, and sell them off.
By wielding a large machete in the beginning of the video, Arnold caught the attention of a few reporters, no doubt the reason for the large knife in the first place, bravo Governor.
Arnold also made a trip to the Twitter headquarters in San Francisco, big day. An epic one according to Biz Stone, creator of Twitter, when he interviewed the Governor with Evan Williams. They met to talk about how the Governor is using Twitter in a way that inspires them. He thinks big and is using the open exchange of information to have an impact on the world, something Twitter strives for.
In the video interview, Arnold shares intimate conversations that he had with Ted Kennedy, how the family inspired him to get in to politics, and the advantages of Twitter for him when trying to connect with the public. Does the level of personal interaction the Governor is offering inspire you to communicate with him?
See the full conversation here. (and look for the Twitter Book, by Tim O’Riley strategically placed behind Arnold, it’s not hard to miss.)
Check out Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s weekly address on Youtube, and follow him on Twitter @Schwarzenegger
(Photo from sfbayview.com)
