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Arnold Schwarzenegger compares California Republicans to 'the Titanic, after it hit the iceberg'

Republican centrists, from left, Ohio Governor John Kasich, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and New Way California founder, Assemblyman Chad Mayes, attend the first New Way California Summit: AP
Republican centrists, from left, Ohio Governor John Kasich, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and New Way California founder, Assemblyman Chad Mayes, attend the first New Way California Summit: AP

Arnold Schwarzenegger has compared the California Republican Party to the sinking Titanic as the group struggles to attract voters in the Democratic state.

“Today we are the Titanic, after it hit the iceberg, but before the last bit of the ship submerged,” Mr Schwarzenegger said.

“But unlike the Titanic, we might be able to save Leonardo DiCaprio before he goes under,” he added, referring to the tragic end for Mr DiCaprio’s character in the blockbuster hit.

Mr Schwarzenegger spoke at a forum for the political group New Way California, which aims to unite California’s Republicans by focusing on centrist policies and issues in the age of Donald Trump.

The state party has been losing voters for years, and Democrats hold every statewide office.

Mr Schwarzenegger, the last Republican to serve as governor of California, argued that the Party needs to claim issues usually supported by Democrats, such as global warming.

The actor was the Golden State’s governor from 2003 to 2011.

In an obvious dig at Mr Trump, the movie star said voters are looking for answers but the party is giving them Twitter fights.

Mr Schwarzenegger was joined at the event by Ohio Governor John Kasich, another Republican centrist.

Mr Kasich, who ran against Mr Trump for president in 2016, called the President a “manifestation of where this country has been going”.

“We’ve got to knock it off,” he said.