# Recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom of California **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [March 19, 2021, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239 "2021-03-19T13:27:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2021, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/41 "2021-03-25T14:40:48Z")
> **[Newsom swats away Democratic challengers. Will his party live to regret it?](https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2021/03/24/newsom-swats-away-democratic-challengers-will-his-party-live-to-regret-it-1369438)** > > For now, Democrats have projected unity behind Newsom. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2021, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/42 "2021-03-25T15:07:33Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > Even if recalls are a reasonable thing to have (I tend to think they aren’t), the California system in particular is pretty ridiculous, and some group should try challenging it in federal court as a violation of one person-one vote. > > The way it works is that if the incumbent gets under 50% of the vote, they’re disqualified, period, _even if the top replacement candidate gets many fewer votes._ There are no runoffs or instant-runoffs or anything to resolve this. There are also no primaries (AFAIK) to whittle down the potential replacements, it’s just a total free for all. If the recall question gets 50.001% in favor of recall and 49.999% against recall, and the top replacement candidate has 30%, the 49.999% incumbent is thrown out of office in favor of the 30% candidate. (Worse, some of that 30% may be people who voted against recall, in which case it’s really even lower than 30%. Imagine instant runoff voting but where they cut the winner of the first count and then redistribute votes _down_ to prop up someone who’s more like a 3rd or 4th place finisher.) The use of the term “incumbent” is misleading, because the office holder is not running for the office. There is the recall issue itself. “Yes” to recall the official; “no” to not. This is a confidence vote, not an election. And there is a general election, which the official cannot run in–there is no incumbent, by law. Every voter can vote on both parts, the recall issue and the general election. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2021, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/43 "2021-03-26T01:06:51Z")
Yes, I’m aware of all of that. It’s very common in the history of the United States to give minority-rule the veneer of legitimacy through procedural trickery. In California recall elections, they separate out one candidate’s votes and hold them to a standard that no other candidate’s votes must meet; in other states, they used to require voters to give the number of bubbles in a bar of soap and then claim that the result was legitimate because only the intelligent voters were admitted to the polling booth. Democracy is at risk right now. It would be foolish for California to allow its own to be dragged down. ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/44 "2021-03-29T14:48:47Z")
Thinking about it some more, one big risk I see in the recall effort is the enthusiasm gap. The “recallers” have some number of enthusiastic voters, whereas there is not really an equal/opposite motivated block of Newsom enthusiasts. Instead, like this thread somewhat illustrates, there are those who think he is doing fine to pretty decent to good. In addition, there are those like me who see the whole thing as GOP shenanigans and wish they would just stop. Are those things that motivate enthusiasm in a voter for an off-cycle election? I’ thinking that that answer is, “Not really!” ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/45 "2021-03-29T18:06:59Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > The “recallers” have some number of enthusiastic voters, whereas there is not really an equal/opposite motivated block of Newsom enthusiasts. He has a block of solid SF supporters. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/46 "2021-03-29T18:09:52Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > Thinking about it some more, one big risk I see in the recall effort is the enthusiasm gap. The “recallers” have some number of enthusiastic voters, whereas there is not really an equal/opposite motivated block of Newsom enthusiasts. I don’t live in California so I don’t know how things are “on the ground” or anything, but I expect that there are probably people who were apathetic about him before, thinking he was “fine” but not caring, who might be more defensive and supportive now that people want to recall him. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2021, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/47 "2021-03-31T05:55:53Z")
A new poll reports that Newsom is highly favored to defeat the recall. > **[California voters would support Newsom against recall campaign, new poll finds](https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2021/03/31/california-voters-would-support-newsom-against-recall-campaign-new-poll-finds-1370542)** > > A double-digit majority of likely voters said they would vote to retain Gov. Gavin Newsom, with 56 percent saying they would keep him. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2021, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/48 "2021-03-31T16:28:29Z")
Here’s a [map of California counties](https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/5369983/embed) showing where the recall has more or less traction. Of note the recall has more favor, or so it seems, in the rural/farming areas (and in the north, where the [State of Jefferson](https://sojxx.org/) crazies reside), while the populated coastal areas and urban centers there is little interest. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/49 "2021-04-01T12:16:46Z")
surprised no GOP celeb has jumped in yet but I guess there will be time after the recall is officially approved ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2021, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/50 "2021-04-12T00:31:37Z")
I read the other day that Caitlin Jenner is contemplating throwing her hat into the ring. What’s the current status of the recall effort, btw? ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2021, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/51 "2021-04-12T03:41:17Z")
> **[56% of likely California voters oppose recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, poll shows](https://abc7.com/newsom-recall-poll-gavin/10464678/)** > > A new poll shows 56% of likely California voters would vote to keep Gov. Gavin Newsom in office if a recall election were held today. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2021, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/52 "2021-04-12T05:03:02Z")
I’ll bet that number goes up every time another publicly-seeking celebrity throws their hat in the ring. Billboard Queen Angelyne has just declared her candidacy. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2021, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/53 "2021-04-12T14:58:45Z")
I’d expect the number goes up more as Covid gets controlled and vaccinations continue to increase. The mid June complete reopening sounds about right ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2021, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/54 "2021-04-12T16:15:07Z")
I think there is likely to be an election this fall for the recall, in spite of general opposition. I think the recall organizers have enough valid signatures. And while the majority seems to oppose this nonsense recall, if there is an election, and nobody but the recall supporters show up to vote, Newsom may be out. So, lack of enthusiasm aside, if there is a ballot we will need to make sure there is enough Newsom supporters (even if grudgingly) turning out to vote NO on the idiotic recall. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2021, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/55 "2021-04-12T16:25:33Z")
Agreed, the recall is pointless and stupid but apathy could allow a combination of lefties and Republicans to recall Newsom. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2021, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/56 "2021-04-23T14:58:12Z")
Caitlin Jenner in the race now. > **[Caitlyn Jenner Officially Running for Governor of California](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/caitlyn-jenner-running-california-governor-4171788/)** > > “I am a proven winner, and the only outsider who can put an end to Gavin Newsom’s disastrous time as governor,” Jenner said in a statement Friday. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2021, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/57 "2021-04-23T15:49:39Z")
I’m glad Jenner is in, this will give apathetic Dems a reason to turn out. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2021, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/58 "2021-04-23T15:51:54Z")
Agree. Jenner will bring more eyes on this sham recall. I hope people will realize what is going on and go vote NO. ---
**Author:** ![Boycott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boycott/32/6741_2.png) [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2021, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/59 "2021-04-23T16:25:06Z")
Might help Newsom in a weird way. Any legitimate challenger probably feels deflated now a reality tv celebrity has jumped in. All that money and effort to drive a recall and now one of the Kardashian people decide to make it their next little shiny object to parade. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2021, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239/60 "2021-04-23T16:28:05Z")
Hmm. On the off-chance that she actually gets elected, what are Jenner’s politics? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recall-of-gov-gavin-newsom-of-california/938239.md?page=4)