Another day, another Democrat: Jesse Jackson was the latest Democrat to come to the aid of Gov. Gray Davis, two days before California voters decide whether he stays in office. Jackson appeared with Davis on Sunday in Los Angeles as the governor signed a health insurance bill. The parade of Democrats has included former President Bill Clinton and all of the party’s leading presidential candidates.
Do not deliver: Hundreds of readers are fuming at the Los Angeles Times’ coverage of accusations of sexual misconduct against Arnold Schwarzenegger. The newspaper, which is owned by Tribune Co., said more than 1,000 readers have canceled their subscriptions, citing what they believe is unfair coverage in the final days of the race. The number of female accusers in the Times has reached 15, including a 51-year-old woman who said Schwarzenegger spanked her three years ago.
Details later: In an interview on “Dateline NBC,” Schwarzenegger said a lot of the groping allegations were “made-up stories.” He added: “I never grabbed anyone, that I pulled up their shirt and grabbed their breasts and stuff like that.” But he admitted doing “crazy things.” Asked whether he would address the specific accusations, he said, “As soon as the campaign is over, I will.”
Female fans: Some women who are backing Schwarzenegger are downplaying the accusations. “He can grope me!” one woman shouted at a weekend rally. Other supporters held signs declaring: “Gray Davis groped me while reaching for my wallet.”
Gaps narrowing: A Knight Ridder poll conducted Wednesday through Saturday found 54 percent favored a recall while 41 percent opposed it. The poll of 1,000 registered voters, with a margin of error of 3.2 points, also showed Schwarzenegger leading Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante 36 percent to 29 percent. Pollsters reported a shift from the start of the polling period to the end: Both the recall and replacement races appeared to be tightening.
