So let’s talk about California this morning. In the end, the recall had all the Election Night suspense of a Harlem Globetrotter’s game. Gavin Newsom won big, that much is indisputable. As to what it all means more broadly, well that’s a matter of discussion. So we figured we would put this topic before all of your wisdom in our midweek conversation.
Another thing is also certain. If Newsom had somehow lost (which this morning seems like it was never that much of a real possibility despite some frightening poll numbers for the governor earlier in the race) that would have been a disaster for the Democrats. Most importantly, because there would have been a new head of the state who didn’t believe in vaccines, a women’s right to control of her own body, and all sorts of other reactionary policies. But a loss, or even a close race for that matter, could have portended stiff headwinds for Democrats going into the make-or-break midterm elections in 2022.
Now that the opposite has happened, are there lessons in the other direction? Does this mean that the political toxicity of Donald Trump continues, even when he’s not on the ballot? Is this a vote of confidence for vaccine mandates, mask policy, and other pandemic responses based on science? Does this suggest that Democratic enthusiasm and energy is still there, even in a special or off-year election? Or is this a one-off case in a special state under special circumstances?
Once again, the pundit class has not exactly set themselves up in glory in analyzing what was happening in California. Instead of talking heads on television, we are much more interested in the conversation that could take place in the comments section below. So please weigh in and respond to each other. We are proud of the community you are helping us build.
Some ground rules for these Wednesday chats (and also the comments sections on other posts):
I want a space where people feel safe to express their views, as long as they are offered in good faith.
I want a space where ideas can be challenged, especially my own.
I want debate. But I want it to be civil.
I want people to come here with open minds, and open hearts.
I want this to be fun as well as serious.
We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
California Dreamin'?
I am a Democratic California and I do have to say that I was surprised (and frankly felt I had not adequately informed myself) when I saw a map of the recall voting by County. If California is to remain Democratic, those of us who would prefer no governmental interference in the rights of women over their bodies, and other personal choices had best keep ourselves informed and voting for we may wake up one day and find ourselves with a science denying, real world education denying, religious terrorist billionaire running the California government.
I often tell my kids that everything in life is a gift, and that perhaps it took people with an authoritarian view of government to wake decent people up to the necessity of civic engagement at every level, vigilance, leadership, and voting up and down the ballot. It's such a relief to have this silly recall effort over, and it's just wonderful to have Dan Rather to keep everyone steady through all of it!