The California gubernatorial recall election is just two weeks away and stakes are high for Democrats and progressives across the country. California Donor Table Executive Director Ludovic Blain joins us to discuss the racist roots of this Republican-led recall effort against Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

We point out where Governor Newsom’s campaign has gone wrong in fighting the recall effort, what he should be doing instead to hold onto his seat, and how our listeners can help.

We also travel down memory lane to reflect on California’s first successful gubernatorial recall effort in 2003 (against former Democratic Governor Gray Davis), and explain why the entire recall process in the state is in dire need of reform. Additionally, we break down why people of color are the key to winning this, and all elections, in the Golden State for Democrats.

REFERENCES:

Ludovic Blain, Executive Director, California Donor Table - @LudovicSpeaks

Gavin Newsom - @GavinNewsom

Articles

Democracy in Color // Ludovic Blain – Newsom Taking Black and Brown Voters for Granted May Cost Him Recall Election https://democracyincolor.com/blog/2021/8/10/newsom-taking-black-and-brown-voters-for-granted-may-cost-him-recall-election

CNN // Harry Enten – Why the California recall is within the margin of error and what that means for Gavin Newsom https://cnn.com/2021/08/29/politics/newsom-margin-of-error-recall/index.html

Calmatters // Laurel Rosenhall – Could Latino voters make the difference in whether Newsom survives California’s recall election? https://calmatters.org/projects/newsom-recall-latino-voters/