The "Super Bowl of debates" among California's recall candidates was a television circus that failed to focus on politics. Arnold Schwarzenegger set high expectations for his performance when he nicknamed the debate, but he didn't do anything Wednesday night that Americans haven't seen in any of his "Terminator" films.

The questions were received ahead of time and he did a fine job of memorizing his lines and delivering a nice performance - even getting some chuckles from the crowd along the way.

But residents of California should be legitimately concerned. Republican candidates Schwarzenegger and state Sen. Tom McClintock are vying for the seat against Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, independent Arianna Huffington and Green Party candidate Peter Camejo. The debate among these five individuals severely lacked political content.

There was limited talk concerning taxes and driver's licenses, but nothing substantial was voiced from any candidate. But the debate did not lack in rudeness.

Schwarzenegger's comment toward Huffington suggesting a part for her in "Terminator 4" received some laughs but no points for manners. He also described Huffington as "entertaining."

Offended, Huffington said, "That was such a clear and ambiguous indication of what he really thinks of women."

The candidates are vying for Gov. Gray Davis' position, the target of the Oct. 7 recall election. But he was barely mentioned by the candidates. Instead, the candidates took this opportunity to make personal jabs at one another.

It's sad when politics are no longer taken seriously. The candidates seemed more focused on fighting with each other than fighting for their issues.

This should not be the case. California's large population should not willingly subject themselves to being the joke of the country.

All candidates, movie stars or not, need to step up with real issues to deal with the state's real problems.