From Governator to Green Giant

April 13, 2007 — -- From Terminator to governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger has undergone an incredible transformation. Once known for his bulging biceps, he's now respected for his political muscle as the governor of California.

Though he's not able to run for president, he's championing one of the biggest issues of the 2008 election -- the environment -- and embracing a new nickname: the green giant.

Schwarzenegger told ABC's Chris Cuomo that he doesn't see the answers to the global warming crisis coming from Washington.

"I think that they're making an effort but I think that the effort that they're making is not big enough and is not fast enough [for] what needs to be done in the world right now," he said.

He said that to save the Earth everyone needs to take an interest in environmental conservation.

"What we have to do is set goals for ourselves -- how to reduce it, and turn the clock back," he said. "We know that 40 percent of the greenhouse gases come from the cars and so we have to really also set very tough standards there ... We have already seen how successful the Japanese are with their cars, with the hybrid cars. And so, we want Americans to be successful."

No Presidential Ambitions for Former Bodybuilder

Because he was born in Austria, no matter how high his political star rises, Schwarzenegger can never run for president. But he said he doesn't dwell on his limitations.

"You know I don't concentrate on the things that I can't do, because if I look at it, what I was able to accomplish in America because I'm in America, that is staggering," he said. "I've thought about a lot of things -- what it will be like to be Bill Gates ... It's always fun to dream about those things."

As for the current contenders in the '08 presidential race, Schwarzenegger refused to pick a favorite, but named two Republicans who he believes can advance the campaign to save the environment.

"I think there are several candidates, like for instance, amongst the Republicans, when you think about McCain and Rudy Giuliani, both of them are talking about the environment," he said.

Schwarzenegger graces the upcoming cover of Newsweek, clad in a suit and looking the part of the power politician. Not so long ago, he bared his chest and flexed his muscles on the covers of bodybuilding magazines. Schwarzenegger said he's as proud of his past career as he is of his current one, and speculated that he might try something new when he's out of office -- broadcasting.

"Maybe I will be sitting here and I will be doing your job," he told Cuomo.

Regardless of what the future holds, Schwarzenegger said he'll need his wife, Maria Shriver, by his side.

"I couldn't do what I am doing if I wouldn't have such a great partner in my wife," he said. "I mean, I think Maria has been the most extraordinary partner and I always get great advice from her. She's my partner and I just love having her there, always by my side."