Governor brandishes huge knife in video

SACRAMENTO, July 23 (UPI) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wielded a large hunting knife in a video in which he thanked the public for helping him find ways to cut the budget.

Schwarzenegger appears holding the knife in a video posted online Tuesday, a day after he announced a plan to eliminate California's $26 billion deficit, with state agencies expected to face billions in spending cuts.

Critics accused the actor-turned-governor of making light of budget cuts that could hurt needy people.

Schwarzenegger said the critics need to loosen up.

"You sent a governor to Sacramento -- not El Stiffo, like some in the past were," he said.

He described himself as someone who's a "little bit more entertaining and who has a little bit more fun with the whole thing, not have fun making the cuts -- they sadden me -- but fun with the job itself."

Schwarzenegger did not provide specifics about his budget plan. He said details would be released after legislative leaders discuss the plan with their caucuses.