Eli Jacks-in-the-Box

Man. Remember that movie with Schwarzenegger and DeVito, where they're basically, genetically engineered twins separated at birth? I remember enjoying it when I was a young kid, and then watched it again when I was a little older and boy did it suck.

Well, today we saw Twins: the Sequel. Phil let the other guy have it; not being nasty, just drawing basic, factually based I should add, contrasts between the candidate and his opponent.

Read Phil's speech. Some excerpts for you:

We are the richest state in the wealthiest nation in human history. A state of boundless potential. Yet we've learned the hard way these past two years: it takes more than tough talk to lead a great state. It takes more than empty soundbites to educate a child, more than scorched-earth rhetoric to balance a budget, more than celebrity swagger to care for the sick and the aged.

Damn straight, Phil!

I see something different. I see the California and the America in which I grew up -- a place where one generation would do anything to lift up the next one; a place where my grandmother could work day and night as a seamstress, and send my dad to UC Berkeley, one of the great universities in the world. A place where I could work part-time and get financial aid and student loans when my dad was laid off from his job, so I could stay in college. A place that makes opportunity real for each new generation of seekers and idealists, for all who are willing to work for it. I'm running for Governor to see that every Californian has that chance. I'm running for Governor because our economy, our basic sense of fairness and decency, demand that we help more young people -- not fewer - get a world-class education.

Yay! California for everyone, not just the wealthiest or those with the most resources.

I will put education first in the State of California. You don't have to take my word, you have my record.

I will chase the special-interest lobbyists out of the lobby, and put an end to the shameless parade of tax loopholes and giveaways. You don't have to take my word, you have my record.

I will stand up for those who most need a champion - our families. Our kids. And the most vulnerable. You don't have to take my word, you have my record.

Does that other guy even have a record?