Some tough talk today from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger about the response so far from the federal government and President George W. Bush over help from back east for the state’s levees.

At an afternoon news conference to mark the two year anniversary of a Capitol deal modifying the workers comp system, Schwarzenegger was asked about Bush’s trip to California this weekend, and the status of their relationship these days.

The governor seemed as though he had been prepped for questions about Bush, whose visit presents a bit of a political tightrope walk for the GOP governor of a blue state with a low opinion of the GOP president.

It would be interesting to know whether the answer– directed toward a recent rejection of a request for emergency levee repair money– was designed to help walk that fine line.

“Our levees are very vulnerable,” said Schwarzenegger. “And I think it’s irresponsible of the federal government, and I think that it is dangerously misformed [sic] , the federal government, when they come out here and say we don’t need federal help. It’s inexcusable.”

The governor said that’s the message he wants to get to Bush during their scheduled time together in San Jose on Friday. And Schwarzenegger rejected notions that he should think about politics when deciding to see, or not see, Bush on any given trip to California… saying it’s part of his job as governor.

For a full audio clip of the Bush question, click here and then click on the audio file marked “Arnold on Bush.” [Note: You will need an audio player installed, such as Quicktime]