Schwarzenegger lives and breathes the achievement of this nation. Later in his speech he again blasted the Kerry pessimists, stating that the U.S. economy ?is moving ahead in spite of a recession [the Bush administration] inherited and despite an attack on our homeland.?

Indeed, since President Bush?s tax cuts of 2003, the domestic economy has increased by 5 percent and the unemployment rate has dropped to a historically low 5.5 percent. Business-payroll enrollment has climbed by 1.5 million while 2.5 million more people are working overall. (Entrepreneurs, the self-employed, independent contractors, and many other income-earning Americans are not counted in the Labor Department?s payroll survey.) Filling this out, the stock market has increased 40 percent in the last year, home ownership is at a record high, wage and salary income is growing better than 4 percent, and family net worth has surpassed the level of Clinton?s busted asset bubble.

Schwarzenegger gave the economy the high marks it deserves. And on foreign policy, he planted himself firmly in Bush?s orb. He attacked Kerry?s multilateralism (read U.N., France, and Germany) as a handcuff on American national security and military operations. He said, ?If you believe this country, not the United Nations, is the best hope of democracy in the world, then you are a Republican!?

Invoking Reagan?s city-on-the-hill optimism, Schwarzenegger exclaimed, ?We are still the lamp lighting the world, especially for those who struggle. . . . No matter in what injustice they are trapped . . . they hear our call, they see our light, and they feel the pull of our freedom.?

Schwarzenegger concluded, ?America is back! Back from the attack on our homeland -- back from the attack on our economy, back from the attack on our way of life. We are back because of the perseverance, character, and leadership of the 43rd president of the United States, George W. Bush. . . . Send him back to Washington for four more years!?

With this remarkable speech, Schwarzenegger becomes the post-Bush heir apparent. It may take congressional action to change the eligibility requirements for the nation?s top office. But as he continues his political development, surely millions will clamor for a presidential run from the Governator.