San Bernardino, Calif. ? The president who bench-presses 185 pounds came face to face Thursday with the governor-elect who bench-presses 300 in a matchup that both men hoped would pump them up with voters.

Standing before a cheering California crowd, President Bush said he has a lot in common with Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“We both married well. Some accuse us both of not being able to speak the language. We both have big biceps,” Bush said to laughter and applause. “Well, two out of three isn’t bad.”

Looking to each other for political support, Bush embraced Schwarzenegger as “a fine and strong leader” Thursday and the governor-elect returned the compliment by saying California has no greater ally in Washington.

The political lovefest, on a stage with a huge American flag as backdrop, followed a half-hour of private talks in Bush’s hotel suite and then in his limousine as they rode together to a speech where Schwarzenegger introduced the president.

After trading compliments, Bush delivered an address setting the stage for his trip to Asia and Australia, a journey focusing on trade and the war on terror.

Planning to raise complaints that China and Japan are reaping unfair trade advantages by intervening in currency markets, Bush said, “We need a level playing field when it comes to trade. And a level playing field will help us create jobs here in America.”

California Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger, right, gets a pat on the back from President Bush as the actor-turned-politician introduces Bush to speak on the economic recovery and the war on terror, in San Bernardino, Calif.

Immediately after his speech, Bush boarded Air Force One and headed for Tokyo, his first stop. The president left with a diplomatic triumph in hand: In New York, the United Nations Security Council had unanimously approved a resolution intended to encourage countries to contribute money and troops to stabilize Iraq.

Bush said the United States was pursuing an orderly plan to bring democracy to Iraq.

“We want the process to go as quickly as possible, yet it must be done right,” Bush said. “The free institutions of Iraq must stand the test of time.”

Schwarzenegger, coming into office facing a budget deficit of at least $8 billion and possibly as much as $20 billion, is looking to Bush for federal help to bail out California.

Bush, in turn, is hoping the new Republican governor will flex his political muscle to help the president carry California in next year’s White House race. Bush lost the state by more than 1.2 million votes in 2000.