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Arnold Schwarzenegger outlines plan to 'save Democracy': 'We have to talk to each other'


Schwarzenegger has a plan that could unite Democrats and Republicans


Schwarzenegger shared his plan on Bill Maher's show© Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Im
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
OCTOBER 20, 2025 7:02 PM EDT

Arnold Schwarzenegger has never shied away from politics. The former Governor of California was a guest at "Real Time with Bill Maher," where he etched out his plan to unite Republicans and Democrats and thus "save democracy." 

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Schwarzenegger has pursued many career paths throughout his life

Maher kicked off the segment by sharing that Schwarzenegger was the last Republican to be elected as Governor of California. Over the years, Schwarzenegger has made his stance on politics clear, maintaining that while he is a Republican, he's not a supporter of Donald Trump, often criticizing him and his agenda. 

"We're talking here about saving Democracy," said Schwarzenegger. "The way we save democracy nationwide is to have a proposal like, for instance, the 'Save Democracy Act.' It's just an idea," he said.

Some of his proposals included making Election Day a holiday, allowing people to go vote without having to worry about the days that are available to them in work, or having to juggle time constraints. He also suggested that all voters have a voter ID.

© Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Im
Schwarzenegger shared his plan on Bill Maher's show

"These are all things that they have back in Europe. I come from Europe, not that I created these ideas. These are things that are happening in Europe and have been happening for centuries." 

Schwarzenegger explained that his plan appeals to both Republicans and Democrats, something that could work in uniting the country and giving the people what they actually need, instead of resulting in government lockdowns that don't accomplish anything in the long run. 

"This is the way we have to do it. We have to talk to each other instead of hating each other. Because that's what the people want and that's what the people need," he concluded.

Schwarzenegger's career as a politician

Schwarzenegger's career as a politician kicked off in 2003, when he was elected as the Governor of California through a special election that replaced Governor Gray Davis. He then won a full term in 2006 and was reelected in 2011, when he wasn't allowed to serve anymore due to his term's limits. 

He also served as the chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports during George W. Bush's presidency.

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Schwarzenegger has played a key political figure in the country, serving as Governor of California for various terms

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