Gray Davis: Any Who Can’t Pronounce ‘California’ Shouldn’t Be Governor

James Joyner · Wednesday, September 10, 2003 · 1 comment

Fox reports that,

The California Senate voted 19-2 on Tuesday to demand an apology from Democratic Gov. Gray Davis (search) for what many regard as an ethnic slur made against Arnold Schwarzenegger.

During the floor debate, some Democrats faulted Davis for telling a supporter — in a conversation he thought was private but was overheard by a reporter — that anyone who can’t pronounce California should not be governor of the state. Davis later said he was only joking.

“I am not going to deny that when the governor made fun of Mr. Schwarzenegger’s accent it was very, very painful, especially for someone like me who speaks with an accent,” Sen. Martha Escutia, D-Norwalk, who voted for the motion, said on the floor.

Sheesh. Now, I am no fan of Gray Davis and rather like Schwarzenegger. But, please, this was rather obviously a joke. And a reasonably funny one, for that matter. I’m pretty sure Arnold wasn’t offended.

(Hat tip: Eugene Volokh)