Arnold can still deliver a good line

Steven Hayward has a funny Arnold Schwarzenegger vignette.

These days, when Mr. Schwarzenegger promotes a film, such as when he participated in a Comic-Con International panel with his “The Expendables 2″ co-stars including Sylvester Stallone and Randy Couture, his handlers still prep him as they would have in office, quietly slipping him note cards to review backstage.

He doesn’t always follow the script. Introducing a screening of “The Expendables 2″ at Camp Pendleton, he strode onto the stage of the auditorium and grabbed the microphone.  “It is wonderful to be back,” said Mr. Schwarzenegger, outfitted in two-tone brown saddle shoes and a white, short-sleeved oxford shirt. “And I’ll tell you, I’m very impressed with the security here. The security is almost as tight”—he paused for effect—”as Nancy Pelosi’s face.”

An audience of military families roared with laughter. Backstage, an aide muttered, “That wasn’t pre-screened.”