Schwarzenegger sees similarities between this recall and the one that got him elected.

In the history of California, only one person has previously won the seat of governor in a recall election: Austrian film star Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, with another recall election coming up next week, Schwarzenegger has been feeling a spot of deja vu.

Schwarzenegger says atmosphere of this year's California recall looks 'exactly the same' as when he won in 2003 | ⁦@DanaBashCNN⁩ https://t.co/G2k61VppB5

— State of the Union (@CNNSotu) September 8, 2021

“It is exactly the same. The atmosphere is exactly the same (as) when I ran,” Schwarzenegger told CNN‘s Dana Bash.

Schwarzenegger has done his best to remain neutral on the recall, endorsing neither current governor Gavin Newsom nor any of the candidates running against him, even the ones he considers personal friends. He is, however, understanding of the frustration of the Californian populace that brought the situation to where it is.

Arnold Schwarzenegger says California Gov. Gavin Newsom is in a 'very dangerous' political environment as he faces recall https://t.co/xAqZAtNXej

— Politics Insider (@PoliticsInsider) September 8, 2021

“There’s millions of people out there that are dissatisfied, dissatisfied with the way the corona was handled, dissatisfied with the fires,” Schwarzenegger said.

“It’s very dangerous for him because you got to take this stuff seriously. For too long, they didn’t take it seriously. But now I think they do take it seriously,” Schwarzenegger said of Newsom.

“There’s a reason why people are angry and they’re not just disappointed. … I drive by homeless people every day when I go to Gold’s Gym and I talk to some of them. They’re angry the way they’ve been pushed around and they’ve been promised things and no delivery,” Schwarzenegger said.

The California recall election is scheduled for September 14.