Last night, in a landslide victory for Democrats, California voters rejected a right-wing attempt to recall Governor Newsom. The results reflect strong support for President Biden and Governor Newsom’s efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus and keep Californians safe, and it’s a complete rejection of the anti-mask, anti-vaccine, and anti-science party of Donald Trump. Coverage makes clear that coronavirus was the dominating issue for voters, who overwhelmingly support President Biden and Democrats’ aggressive steps to get shots in arms and put an end to this pandemic.
New York Times: The Pandemic Is A Key Issue In The Recall, And That Bodes Well For Newsom. “In the closing days of the campaign, Mr. Newsom and his supporters have been more than willing to frame the recall election as a choice between a governor who “follows the science” and favors tight restrictions, and one who would loosen protocols that meant to prevent transmission and deaths.” [New York Times, 9/15/21]
Los Angeles Times: French Laundry. Pandemic. Trump. Chaos. All Played Big As Voters Cast Recall Ballots. “Recall opponents largely say that Newsom did his best during the coronavirus outbreaks and that, without his leadership, the state would be suffering a deadly third wave that would further cripple the economy and set back student achievement. Even those who are tepid about the governor didn’t see why he shouldn’t finish his term and fight for reelection next year.” [Los Angeles Times, 9/14/21]
ABC News: Analysis: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Romps Based On Twin Fears Of Covid-19 And Trump. “Newsom and his fellow Democrats leaned in on COVID leadership and the need to take restrictions seriously… Exit polls showed that COVID was indeed the top issue on voters’ minds, outpacing the economy, crime, homelessness and wildfires. More than two-thirds of recall voters feel like the state’s coronavirus situation is either getting better or staying the same, according to preliminary exit polls. Forty-five percent said Newsom’s policies on the coronavirus have been about right, while another 18% actually said they haven’t been strict enough.” [ABC News, 9/15/21]
CNN: California Democrats Voted Along Broader Political Lines To Save Newsom, CNN Exit Poll Shows. “The Covid-19 pandemic remained at the top of voters’ minds, with about one-third saying it’s the biggest issue for the state…There was broad support for Covid mitigation measures, with roughly 70% of voters favoring mask requirements in schools and more than 6 in 10 saying that getting vaccinated is more of a public health responsibility than it is a personal choice. Nearly all who oppose school mask mandates voted to recall Newsom.” [CNN, 9/15/21]
USA Today (Opinion): California Recall Lesson: Telling The Truth About Republicans And Covid Is A Winner. “Newsom’s resounding success in keeping his job shows Democrats can win simply by telling the truth about their Republican opponents – that they are threats to democracy, the common good, public health and life itself… Today’s vaccine resisters are putting their lives on the line for the freedom to score political points.” [USA Today, 9/15/21]
New York Times: A Covid Referendum. “The recall…became a ‘referendum on pandemic management.’ Now Newsom has won that referendum in a landslide. According to the latest results, California voters rejected removing him from office by a margin of 64 percent to 36 percent. The final margin may change as the vote count continues, but it was clearly a political victory for vaccination…Newsom’s overall approach to the pandemic helped save him.” [New York Times, 9/15/21]