Will he be back?

Clichéd, for sure, but it is the line that’s tagged every story about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s departure from office. Will Arnie return to the political fray or enjoy a sun-kissed retirement?

The odds of a return to office are long. California, the state that did most to shape America’s self-image in the 20th century, is now like former movie stars who eke out an existence in Hollywood’s run-down parts – they once had it all but have since lost both looks and love. Fair or not – the Californian governor doesn’t have as much power as his peers. Voters give Schwarzenegger part of the blame for the state’s mess; his approval ratings on his last day in office were as bad as those of the governor he defeated in a recall election, Gray Davis.

Yet Schwarzenegger has salvaged his career from greater depths before. Remember True Lies? One option could be a Sarah Palin-style role pushing his favourite causes – but without the downside of term-limits. The former strongman has developed a passion for environmental issues. In the absence of federal-level action, Schwarzenegger urged state and regional governments to limit greenhouse gasses. He has already said he “has plans to go back to Washington” to push for a new approach to energy policy.

Once in the nation’s capital, I would not be surprised if Schwarzenegger was asked to stick around. With President Obama looking to revamp his administration, Schwarzenegger could be the perfect climate “czar”. Or he could be an outrider – and potential Cabinet member – for one of the Republican presidential candidates in 2012. So yes, it will likely be “hasta la vista” from Schwarzenegger,  rather than farewell.