Schwarzenegger recalls George H.W. Bush calling him ‘Conan the Republican’

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) recalled his friendship with George H.W. Bush and how the former president referred to him as “Conan the Republican.”

“Well, we had a great friendship,” Schwarzenegger told CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday. “He was a very sincere man and just a wonderful human being.”

He recalled how he was invited to introduce Bush in Columbus, Ohio, a few days before the 1988 election.{mosads}

“There was around 10,000 people there. I did a speech. He called me then ‘Conan the Republican’ at his speech.”

“We had a great friendship … He was a very sincere man and just a wonderful human being,” Arnold @Schwarzenegger says about his friendship with former President George H.W. Bush, who later tapped him for his Council on Physical Fitness. pic.twitter.com/oUYr1uozER

— State of the Union (@CNNSotu) December 2, 2018

Before becoming governor Schwarzenegger gained prominence starring in numerous hit Hollywood films, including the title character in “Conan the Barbarian.”

Schwarzenegger said he looked up to Bush.

“He was kind of like a mentor and kind of like a father figure at the same time,” he told CNN.

Bush died this past Friday and his funeral is set for Wednesday.

President Trump previously feuded with the Bush family, but has joined Schwarzenegger and others in praising the former president since his death.

“He was a very fine man. I met him on a number of occasions,” Trump said Saturday. “He was a terrific guy and he’ll be missed. He lived a full life and an exemplary life.”