International View of California Recall
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: For many Americans, California's recall election is just another offbeat antic of a state that marches to a different drummer. But how does the rest of the world look at this election? Our Richard Quest came to California from London to give his perspective.</s>RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Venice Beach is not typical California, but then what is? So it's as good a place as any to find out why Californians are so unhappy.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've had literal blackouts. Our cars are getting ready to get tripled. The license's fees are going get tripled, and the state is bankrupt.</s>QUEST: Chris is supporting Arnold. So it is not surprising to also find him working out on out Muscle Beach, where Schwarzenegger built his body to world class proportions. It is that workout determination that will help Arnold deal with California's problems.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This guy Arnold -- we are out here lifting weights. This is hard work. It is not something you can take a couple of pills or three months and you come out looking like Arnold. This is hard work; it's hard sweat that you have to do.</s>QUEST: Others here believe that, regardless of the economy, this election should not be taking place at all. The impression it gives the world is a state that doesn't know what it's doing.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We look foolish. We look like we don't know what we're doing. Like it is all just a Hollywood game.</s>QUEST: In a city where individuality reigns, everyone has a view. Even if that means only wanting happy thoughts.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have to stay focused on what I am doing, or else I will get like depressed and whatever. So I have to do things that keep me occupied and stay positive, because a lot of this stuff is very negative. And I try not to get into that.</s>QUEST: Getting depressed is what this process is turning into. As the accusations fly in the final days, who will win? On Venice Beach, you can find those with hidden powers.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I see Arnold Schwarzenegger will win this hands down. Here I see a celebration, happiness, joy, celebrating with his wife. And card one</s>QUEST: But I haven't come all this way just to learn about California and politics. I need to learn some local customs as well, such as the true Muscle Beach way to shake hands. (on camera): I messed up.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One, two, three.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One, two, three.</s>QUEST: Once more.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now we have to do it fast, like we always show.</s>QUEST: All right.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, mate...</s>QUEST: Hey mate, how are you doing? One, two, three, yeah.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There you go.</s>QUEST: Richard Quest, CNN, Venice Beach, California.