He reorganized his staff, bringing on aides with long and distinguished government résumés. For chief of staff, he tapped Susan Kennedy, a respected Democratic political strategist who had worked for Davis . It is hard to imagine Trump or his transition team appointing anyone to a key administration role who had opposed him — from his own party, let alone a Democrat. According to reports, his transition team forbade it.
Schwarzenegger also reached across the aisle to form partnerships and even friendships with Democrats in the legislature, including some of those, such as House Speaker Fabian Núñez, he had called “girlie men” in the past. With Núñez, he went on to pass what remains the most sweeping climate change legislation ever enacted in this country.
That would be like Trump working with Sen. Chuck Schumer (whom he just called the “head clown ”) on an Obamacare replacement or with Sen. Tim Kaine (whom Trump called “a joke ”) on immigration reform. Of course, with Republicans in the majority in Congress, Trump won’t have much incentive to extend a hand to Democrats. But he also maintains chilly relationships with House Speaker Paul Ryan (whom he insulted as recently as October) and other potential Republican allies. And his New Year’s Eve message — wishing “Happy New Year to all, including to my many enemies and those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don’t know what to do. Love!” — doesn’t suggest a surge of magnanimity.
Although Schwarzenegger did not accomplish all he wanted to in office, given the challenges he faced with a cratering economy, a tough regulatory environment and entrenched special interests, his track record was solid.
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