You’ve seen the photos of them together. Two massive personalities, one a literal bodybuilding icon and the other a political powerhouse from New Jersey. On the surface, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Christie seem like they’re from different planets. One spent his prime in a thong on a stage in Graz; the other spent his in a suit in Trenton.
But if you look closer, there’s a weirdly specific bond there. They’re the "Post-Partisan" relics.
Honestly, in a world where politics feels like a never-ending shouting match on a cable news loop, these two represent a brand of Republicanism that’s basically extinct. They’ve been friends for years. They talk. They trade advice. Arnold even hosted Christie at Gold's Gym back in the day, though I don’t think anyone expected the former Governor of New Jersey to start hitting the lat pulldown machine with the same intensity as the Austrian Oak.
The Unlikely Friendship of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Christie
It’s not just about GOP loyalty.
Arnold and Christie share a very specific "moderate-in-a-red-suit" DNA. When Chris Christie was considering his presidential runs, he reportedly leaned on Arnold for advice on how to appeal to people who don't usually vote Republican.
Think about it.
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Arnold won in California—a state so blue it's practically sapphire—by being a "Recovering Republican" who cared about climate change and healthcare. Christie did something similar in New Jersey. He won in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by huge margins. They both mastered the art of being the "tough guy" who wasn't afraid to tell their own party to shut up when they thought they were being too extreme.
- They both navigated massive state deficits.
- They both had a "straight talk" brand that eventually rubbed some people the wrong way.
- They both found themselves as outsiders in the modern MAGA-dominated party.
I remember a moment back in 2023 when a paparazzo cornered Arnold at the gym and asked if he’d support Christie for President. Arnold’s response? "I love good questions, but I hate stupid questions!" He didn't give a canned political answer. He gave a very Arnold answer. It showed that while they are friends, the "Governator" stays above the fray these days.
Why Their Brand of Politics Still Matters
People forget how big Christie was before Bridgegate. People also forget how transformative Arnold was for California’s environmental policy.
They are the last of the "Big Tent" guys.
Nowadays, if you aren't 100% in line with the party platform, you’re out. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Christie basically built their careers on being 70% in line and 30% "do what I want."
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Arnold has been incredibly vocal about the January 6th riots, famously comparing the event to Kristallnacht in a video that went viral globally. Christie, similarly, became one of the few high-profile Republicans to vocally and consistently challenge the direction of the party under Donald Trump during the 2024 primary cycle.
They’re kind of like the two old lions at the edge of the pride. They aren't the leaders anymore, but they’ve seen it all, and they aren't going to change who they are to fit a new mold.
The "Celebrity Governor" Paradox
There’s a specific burden to being a famous Governor.
When Arnold was in office, people called him "The Collectinator" or mocked his accent. When Christie was in office, the media focused on his weight or his confrontational town halls.
They both used their personalities as shields.
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Arnold used his Hollywood charm to bypass the legislature and go straight to the voters. Christie used his prosecutorial background to bully—or "convince"—people into seeing his side. It worked. Until it didn't.
What can we learn from them today?
If you're looking for a takeaway, it's that charisma only gets you through the door. Keeping the house in order requires the boring stuff—budgeting, compromise, and long-term planning. Both men have acknowledged their mistakes. Arnold is open about his personal failings and his political missteps. Christie has spent the last two years trying to explain where he thinks the GOP went off the rails.
It’s refreshing, sorta.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights
You don't have to be a Governor or a movie star to use the "Arnold and Christie" method of communication. Here is how you apply their "straight talk" logic to your own life or career:
- Embrace the "Post-Partisan" Mindset: In your workplace or community, don't just stick to your "side." Find the 20% of common ground with the person you disagree with most. That's where the actual work gets done.
- Own the Room with Authenticity: Both men are known for their specific voices. They don't try to sound like anyone else. If you have a unique perspective, don't polish it away until it's boring.
- Admit When the Script Changes: Arnold moved from action hero to Governor to elder statesman. Christie moved from "Trump's friend" to "Trump's biggest critic." Being able to change your mind based on new evidence isn't "flip-flopping"—it's growth.
- Value Loyalty Over Optics: They’ve stayed friendly despite the political winds shifting. Don't dump people just because they aren't "in" right now.
Watching Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Christie today is like watching a masterclass in how to stay relevant when the world moves on. They aren't trying to be the "new" thing; they are comfortable being the "classic" thing.
Keep an eye on their joint appearances or comments. Usually, when they agree on something, it’s because it’s a common-sense solution that the rest of the political world is too scared to touch.