Biden stumps for Gov. Gavin Newsom ahead of California's recall election
- The conservative radio host Larry Elder is Gavin Newsom's main rival in Tuesday's recall election.
- At a rally Monday, Newsom criticized his views on racism, taxes, abortion, and the climate crisis.
- President Joe Biden called Newsom one of the "best governors in the country."
On his first trip to the West Coast since his election, President Joe Biden implored attendees of a rally in Long Beach to vote no in California's recall election targeting Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Newsom introduced the president at the Monday-night rally and mentioned several controversies surrounding his main opponent, the conservative radio host Larry Elder. Newsom also criticized Elder's views on racism, taxes, abortion, and the climate crisis while comparing him to former President Donald Trump.
"You saw what happened in Texas, and the fact that we have other Republican governors that hope to model that Texas legislation as it relates to denying women the right to choice," Newsom said. "We may have defeated Donald Trump, but we have not defeated Trumpism - Trumpism is still on the ballot in California."
Biden took the stage and endorsed Newsom as one of the "best governors in the country" while dubbing Elder a "Trump clone." He listed several reasons to keep Newsom as governor, saying he respected women, believed in climate change, and respected scientific guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The eyes of the nation are on California because the decision you're about to make isn't just going to have a huge impact on California," Biden said. "It's going to reverberate around the nation and quite frankly - not a joke - around the world."
California's recall election for governor is set for Tuesday. If more than 50% of voters vote "yes" to recall Newsom, he will be replaced by the opposing candidate who garners the most support. If he is recalled, county officials would have 30 days to count votes, and on the 38th day California's secretary of state, Shirley Weber, would certify the election results.