Why Arnold's Life Is 'Fantastic'

Laurence Leamer is no stranger to the legacy of this country's most famous political family. The Kennedy biographer has now set his sights on the most famous Kennedy in-law, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In his new book, "Fantastic: The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger," Leamer chronicles the life of the champion body builder, turner mega movie star, turned governor of California, and describes Schwarzenegger's mental drive as "fantastic." Click here to read an excerpt,

"It's joy. That's what he has in him," Leamer explains on The Early Show. "That's what brings people to him and convinced others that he could be a movie star, and later the governor of California. When I interviewed him, he said about his early years, 'don't over analyze it. I just was blessed with the joyous spirit in me. I feel great naturally.' He's up all the time."

The author of three Kennedy bestsellers' planned to write about the gubernatorial campaign itself. But after meeting Schwarzenegger, he tells co-anchor Julie Chen, he knew he had to write about him.

"Because what a fantastic life it is," Leamer says. "He started off coming from Austria, becoming the greatest body builder, not only in contemporary times but probably in history. Then with this heavy accent, German background, actually almost no abilities as an actor, he becomes the greatest movie star in the world."

And it was the ability to envision his success that has helped him reached his goals, Leamer says.

"I changed my life just by knowing him. Everyone around him does," Leamer says. "The positive joy, the focus, and energy - I picked up some of these things myself. That's probably the best reason to read the book."

Leamer notes among the great qualities the Austrian native has is that he learns what is good and important from the people around him, particularly his mentors, and he does not have a multi-tasking mentality. When he talks to someone, he remains focused in just that one person.

"He's with you, whether somebody in the street or spending an hour with you, you're the only person in the world," Leamer says.
Leamer says he quickly found out that he had to be persistent to get Schwarzenegger to agree about the book.

"I went to Austria. I got to everybody. At the end, Arnold started calling me," Leamer says. "And we had these lengthy interviews on the phone. I was able to say, I finished the first draft of the book. I went from the first page to the last page asking about everything in the book. No matter what I asked, how intimate, how deep, how controversial, his voice didn't change. He answered everything. He backed away at nothing. He's never done this before in his life."

As for the governor's relationship with Maria Shriver, Leamer says,"It's an extraordinary marriage."

The couple met at a tennis match when he was at the end of his career as a body builder. And it was sex what drew them together from the very beginning, Leamer notes. "They shared this vision of the world. She believed in him. She knew his dream could come true," he says.

Pointing out they are both powerful figures in their own right, Leamer says Schwarzenegger would surely have lost the election if Shriver hadn't come to his aid.

He explains, "When the girlfriend charges came out during the campaign, if she hadn't been there and said essentially, 'I accept my husband. Can't you, the California voter, accept him, too?' And they certainly did."

Asked if the groping allegation was founded, Leamer says, "There are many things in this book about him that are extremely upsetting that he did. But he didn't rape anyone. OK? That's what I keep saying to tell people. It's unacceptable behavior. He doesn't do it anymore. It's behind him and the California people have accepted that."

The last chapter in "Fantastic" is called the "Not The Last Chapter." Leamer points out, "This past year was not as dynamic as he would have had hoped. But he won't be gone from politics when it's all said and done. He shouldn't. He has so much to offer California and this country."

So if Schwarzenegger could run for president, would he do it?

"If he runs, I wouldn't get against him," Leamer says.