News: POLITICO California Playbook: Final frenzy

Monday, September 13, 2021

POLITICO California Playbook: Final frenzy — will women save NEWSOM?

Sep 13, 2021

By Carla Marinucci, Jeremy B. White and Camryn Dadey

Presented by the California Association of Health Plans

THE BUZZ — GRAY'S BEEN THERE: Gray Davis has some comforting advice for Gavin Newsom in the final 48 hours of the California recall election — no, 2021 will not be 2003.

The biggest difference: "In my day, the Democratic and Republican parties were pretty evenly divided,'' the former California governor — the only state governor to be recalled in history — tells Carla in an interview. "There has been a massive shift to Democrats over the past 18 years. Today they're about 5 million more Democrats than Republicans."

But Davis — ousted in the 2003 recall that brought Arnold Schwarzenegger to power— warns that there is a big problem lurking in California's political system. And that's the quirky rules that have made two pricey California gubernatorial recalls possible in less than two decades. The recall system, he predicts — "mark my words" — will deliver a dangerous blow to democracy if not reformed.

"This is a game of Russian roulette,'' Davis says. "And at some point, for sure, a governor who got more votes than his successor will have to leave office — because he failed to reach the 50 percent threshold." Read more from Carla's interview here.

WILL CA WOMEN SAVE NEWSOM? POLITICO's Mackenzie Mays reports on a key trend heading into Election Day: Newsom could have women to thank if he fends off the recall on Tuesday. A striking gender divide has crystalized in the lead-up to the election, with a new poll showing 66 percent of women voters plan to reject Newsom's ouster. Meanwhile, a razor-thin majority of men say they'd vote to recall him.

Newsom, a self-proclaimed feminist and father of four, has made a habit of speaking directly to women — particularly mothers — as he embraces policies from mask mandates in schools to expanded family leave. Read Mackenzie's full story here.

SPEAKING OF WOMEN... ELDER TOUTS MCGOWAN'S BACKING: Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder on Sunday accepted an endorsement from actress Rose McGowan, who made news in 2017 with accusations of rape against Harvey Weinstein . The endorsement came just days after McGowan alleged that Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, contacted her on behalf of the Hollywood producer's law firm in an attempt to silence her #MeToo allegations.

Emails shared by McGowan with POLITICO show Siebel Newsom was in touch with McGowan in 2017 — but don't directly confirm McGowan's claim. In a December 2017 message that Siebel Newsom characterizes as being to an "email list of Harvey victims," the governor's wife wrote that "an extended family member" works for the law firm of David Boies , Weinstein's attorney. While Siebel Newsom characterized Boies' actions as "sickening," she said had reached out to McGowan as an intermediary, hoping to learn "what if anything Boies could do for her that would help her to heal," which Newsom could have conveyed "to my brother in law to take to Boies." (That's a reference to Joshua Schiller, the husband of Siebel Newsom's sister and a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner.)

McGowan asserted in a message to POLITICO that Siebel Newsom had spoken in a call preceding the email not of healing but of the law firm wanting to know "what would make you happy" — phrasing that wasn't reflected in the emails she provided.

A representative for Siebel Newsom called McGowan's allegations "a complete fabrication," saying, "Their limited correspondence has been strictly as fellow survivors of sexual assault and in Jennifer's former capacity leading the Representation Project, an organization that fights limiting gender stereotypes and norms."

AND THERE'S THIS… Siebel Newsom, in a 2017 op-ed in the Huffington Post, defended Weinstein's accusers, saying "I believe every word that was written in the New York Times, because very similar things happened to me." She wrote: "Let this really be the end of Harvey Weinstein and the Weinstein's of the world― no matter their wealth, no matter their power, no matter their privilege. Because the Harveys of the world will do whatever it takes to put up a fight and silence their victims, intimidate them from coming forward."

BUENOS DÍAS, good Monday morning. President Joe Biden hits the Sacramento area to monitor damage from the Caldor Fire, then heads to Long Beach for a campaign stop with Newsom on the eve of the Sept. 14 recall election. More on that below. Get your ballots in and postmarked by tomorrow midnight!

Got a tip or story idea for California Playbook? Hit cmarinucci@politico.com or jwhite@politico.com or follow us on Twitter @cmarinucci and @jeremybwhite.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I made a mistake, and I recognized it. A lot of folks don't even acknowledge mistakes, and we did that.'' Gov. Gavin Newsom on the French Laundry scandal in a weekend interview with SFChronicle's Alexei Koseff, who broke the story.

BONUS QOTD: "So many in our nation — too many in our nation — have deeply felt the passage of time these last 20 years. Every birthday your loved one missed. Every holiday. Every time her favorite team won, or his favorite song came on the radio. Every time you've tucked in your children or dropped them off at college. You have felt every day, every week, and every year that has passed these 20 years." Vice President Kamala Harris commemorates 9/11 at the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania.

TWEET OF THE DAY: Former CAGOP chair Ron Nehring @RonNehring: "Google isn't "research." We don't even trust Google for research on a political campaign, much less something medical. Talk to your doctor, and skip the Facebook memes and other nonsense from crackpots. And #GetVaccinatedNow"

WHERE'S GAVIN? Nothing official announced.

A message from the California Association of Health Plans:

The California legislature passed harmful legislation that puts patients at risk and increases health care costs for Californians. Now the bill is heading to Governor Newsom. SB 524 raises health care costs by eliminating the effective tools health plans, employers, unions, and the state use to lower the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs. It limits access to lifesaving medications and lowers patient safety standards. Save our care. Stop SB 524. Learn more.

TOP TALKERS

LONG BEACH, THE FINAL AND SYMBOLIC STOP: Biden's trip to Long Beach Monday takes him to the California city that was the vanguard on moves to shut down Covid — a city whose mayor, Robert Garcia , has felt the devastating effects of the pandemic, having lost both parents to Covid. "He called and personally reached out to me, and shared his own experiences, talking about the losses he's had,'' Garcia said. "And it means a lot."

Garcia, in an interview with POLITICO, said "the president has called our city a national model ... because we really stepped out early and did things that other jurisdictions weren't doing.'' He said his office was in touch with the White House. And Long Beach has bragging rights there — it was among the first cities to move aggressively to vaccinate health care workers, nursing home staff, residents, essential workers like grocery store clerks as well as public schoolteachers and those 65 and older.

FOIL-WRAPPED MIRACLE — " How one foil-wrapped home survived the Caldor Fire as everything around it burned," by SFChronicle's Michael Cabanatuan: "However odd that may sound, wrapping buildings with what are known as fire blankets or aluminized structure wrap can foil the flames of a wildfire."

THE LOOK AHEAD — " Newsom's rebound papers over broader trouble for Democrats," by POLITICO's Steven Shepard: "For Newsom, the past six weeks have been a resurgence after finding his political career on the ropes. For Biden, they've been a nightmare after a strong start to his presidency."

FINAL 48 HOURS — "Recall poll shows Newsom in strong position to survive," by POLITICO's Nick Niedzwiadek: Roughly 60 percent of likely voters polled said they opposed recalling Newsom, compared to 38.5 percent who supported removing Newsom and filling his term with someone else. Only 1.4 percent of respondents said they had yet to make up their minds, a sign that Republicans may have a difficult time unlocking significant last-minute momentum ahead of the Sept. 14 contest.

HERE WE GO AGAIN — "False Election Claims in California Reveal a New Normal for G.O.P. ,'' by NYTimes' Nick Corasaniti: This swift embrace of false allegations of cheating in the California recall reflects a growing instinct on the right to argue that any lost election, or any ongoing race that might result in defeat, must be marred by fraud. The relentless falsehoods spread by Mr. Trump and his allies about the 2020 election have only fueled such fears.

STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.

CAMPAIGN MODE

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — SCHIFF's MONEYBALL FOR GAVIN: Rep. Adam Schiff, a top Democratic House fundraising rainmaker, tells POLITICO that "when I asked my supporters to defeat the recall, we were able to raise almost $500,000.''

Schiff says that windfall underscores what energized Democrats in the closing weeks: "The reality is, Californians understand that this recall is a costly stunt by Republicans who can't win in a general election and can buy their way onto the ballot.'' So, Schiff says: "We not only want to defeat it — we want to defeat it soundly."

THE BIG PICTURE — " Democrats try to put Trump on the ballot in California, Virginia and New Jersey races.'' via Washington Post's Dave Weigel, Colby Itkowitz and Gregory S. Schneider: " California is one of three Democratic-led states — the others are Virginia and New Jersey — holding statewide elections this year. In each state, party leaders acknowledge that in past elections Trump polarized and motivated voters that they had never won before his presidency. Democrats worried that his absence from the ballot, along with their party's historic difficulties in turning voters out in non-presidential elections, would threaten their chances."

HOW THE ATLANTIC SEES IT — " What Is Larry Elder Running For?" by the Atlantic's Annie Lowrey: "The brief, strange political career of the man who leads the Republican pack in the California recall election."

BIG LIE REDUX? — "Newsom slams Elder for 'extension of the Big Lie' ahead of California recall,'' by POLITICO's Colby Bermel: Elder recently added a section to his campaign website with the option "report election incident," which takes users to a separate 'stop California fraud' website. He has also threatened a lawsuit. Other conservative Republicans have begun to cast aspersions on California's election process without providing evidence, including former President Donald Trump, who told Newsmax that Tuesday's contest is "probably rigged."

INCIDENT EXAMINED — " Police seek woman in Larry Elder attack as his supporters claim a double standard," by LATimes' Julia Wick, Richard Winton and Joe Mozingo.

ELDER'S FINANCES — "Inside Larry Elder's Bad Bets: How The Candidate For California Governor Lost One House And Nearly Lost Another,'' via Forbes Magazine.

THE BIG ISSUE — "Where the recall candidates stand — and sidestep — on healthcare policy," by LATimes' Samantha Young and Rachel Bluth: "Exactly where all the leading Republican recall candidates stand on healthcare is unclear. Other than vowing to undo state worker vaccine mandates and mask requirements in schools, none have released comprehensive healthcare agendas."

LATIMES' LOPEZ: "The recall circus has managed to ignore staggering crisis ripping apart California"

THE NEXT RECALL — "Opponents of S.F. school board recall say it's fueled by Republicans. Tell that to its liberal backers," by SFChronicle's Heather Knight.

CALIFORNIA AND THE CAPITOL CORRIDOR

END OF SESSION UPDATE: We told you going into the final day of the legislative session that it was looking unusually quiet , but we were still astonished to see both houses adjourn by 9 p.m. — the earliest conclusion that most people can remember, and a stark break from the chaos of the last two years.

We still saw some high-profile bills perish: the most prominent remaining environmental bill collapsed in the Senate; an effort to bar prisons and jails from releasing immigrant detainees to ICE never got a Senate floor vote; and an expansion of automatic records expungement fell short on the Assembly floor after another of its author's bills was the object of some inter-house machinations.

Onward to Newsom went measures to end mandatory minimum drug sentences, to extend and expedite California's aid-in-dying law and to ensure journalists can cover protests. A bill to decriminalize loitering with the intent to commit prostitution passed but, in an unusual request, Sen. Scott Wiener is buying more time to convince Newsom by waiting to send it to the governor until January.

Legislative leaders insisted the looming recall vote didn't affect which bills made it, arguing they pursued ambitious legislation regardless. But they're confident they won't be working with a new governor any time soon. "When we get back in January, Gavin Newsom will still be governor," Speaker Anthony Rendon said after votes concluded. "I have complete faith in the voters of California they won't buy into this power grab."

UM, WUT? — " California Senate passes bill allowing state to keep details of COVID outbreaks secret," by Bay Area News Group's Fiona Kelliher: "AB 654 was revised days before the end of the legislative session Friday to erase a requirement that the California Department of Public Health publicize COVID outbreaks by location, contradicting the author's stated purpose in drafting the bill and dealing a blow to employees, advocates and epidemiologists who have long argued that such information is essential to protecting workers."

SWAB SCENE — "Unvaccinated California state workers to take COVID tests under eye of their managers," by SacBee's Wes Venteicher: "Under California Public Health Department guidelines, unvaccinated employees would take their own nasal swabs in the presence of a supervisor and then hand over the sample. The supervisor would roll the swab in reagent solution on a testing card, and wait about 15 minutes for a result."

TAHOE BLUE — "One Of California's Favorite Escapes May Never Be The Same Because Of Climate Change," by Buzzfeed News' Stephanie K. Baer and Brianna Sacks: "As of Friday, no one was killed in the blaze and officials believe not a single home in the Lake Tahoe Basin was destroyed. However, the fire, which was 53% contained, had so far consumed more than 218,000 acres and burned down 782 homes elsewhere."

— "COVID jobs recovery: California rebound is among nation's worst," by Bay Area News Group's George Avalos: "Through the end of July, California had recovered slightly more than 58% of the 2.71 million jobs it lost during March and April of 2020, leaving a deficit of 1.13 million jobs."

NOT SO FAST — " Other school districts in no rush to follow Los Angeles Unified vaccine mandate," by CalMatters' Joe Hong: "While Los Angeles Unified became the first major district in the nation to issue a vaccine mandate for all eligible students, other school districts are in a holding pattern."

— "Thanks To This Woman's College Paper, "Stealthing" Could Soon Be Outlawed In California ," by Buzzfeed News' Tasneem Nashrulla: "California lawmakers have sent the governor a bill that would allow victims of 'stealthing' to sue partners who secretly remove condoms during sex."

DON'T MISS — Heart-breaking tribute to those we've lost: "California's War Dead," via the LATimes.

A message from the California Association of Health Plans:

SILICON VALLEYLAND

— "Elon Musk's Tesla Bot Raises Serious Concerns – but Probably Not the Ones You Think," by Next Gov's Andrew Maynard : "The so-called 'Tesla Bot' is a concept for a sleek, 125-pound humanlike robot that will incorporate Tesla's automotive artificial intelligence and autopilot technologies to plan and follow routes, navigate traffic – in this case, pedestrians – and avoid obstacles."

— "Elizabeth Holmes: Has the Theranos scandal changed Silicon Valley?" by BBC's James Clayton.

HOLLYWOODLAND

MACHO MAN — At 91, Clint Eastwood throws a punch and rides a horse in his new movie. And he's not ready to quit," by LATimes' Kenneth Turan: "Clint Eastwood has been directing himself and others longer than many of his colleagues have been alive. If he walks a little slower on-screen, he's entitled."

— "How Hollywood Sold Out to China," by the Atlantic's Shirley Li: "A culture of acquiescing to Beijing's censors is now the norm, and there's little sign of it changing."

HAPPENING WEDNESDAY - POLITICO TECH SUMMIT: Washington and Silicon Valley have been colliding for some time. Has the intersection of tech, innovation, regulation and politics finally reached a tipping point? Join POLITICO for our first-ever Tech Summit to explore the evolving relationship between the power corridors of Washington and the Valley. REGISTER HERE.

CANNABIS COUNTRY

— "Cannabis farmers, employees protest outside Sonoma County supervisors' offices," by the Press Democrat's Emma Murphy.

— " Marijuana use at 'historic high' among college-aged adults," via Study Finds: "Close to half of college students in the poll (44%) reported using marijuana at some point in 2020. In 2015, that percentage was 38 percent. Similarly, 43 percent of college-aged adults not enrolled in school reported using cannabis."

MIXTAPE

— "One-third of Biden's Cabinet visited the Bay Area this summer. Why?" by SFChronicle's Tal Kopan.

— " Post-9/11 war vets go to Mexico to treat trauma with a psychedelic that's illegal in the U.S.," by San Diego Union-Tribune's Wendy Fry.

— "How a massive punk show gone wrong harmed a West Oakland homeless community," by Oaklandside's Zack Haber.

— "Source: Los Angeles Dodgers P Trevor Bauer's season is over as MLB administrative leave extended through postseason," by ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.

DOG DAYS — "In Calaveras County, a golden retriever goes viral — and makes a name for his small town," by SacBee's Hannah Holzer.

— "Judge dismisses lawsuit filed against man who raised $100K for Starbucks barista,'' via San Diego Union Tribune's Teri Figueroa

— "Oversight Agency Probes Santa Clara County Sheriff Over an Internal Investigation That was Shut Down ," by KQED's Alex Emslie

MEDIA MATTERS

— "SF Weekly is Shutting Down for an "Indefinite Hiatus"," via Broke-Ass Stuart: "The paper will stop printing at the end of this month and it's not clear at the moment what will happen with its website."

WELCOME ABOARD — "The Sacramento Bee hires two distinguished journalists to join its editorial board," by SacBee's Marcos Bretón.

BIRTHDAYS

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) … Henry "C.J." Jackson … Squarespace's Ashley Calame … Sanette Tanaka Sloan … Asya Evelyn of Rep. Ro Khanna's (D-Calif.) office … Tina Pelkey … (was Sunday): former Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) … Yahoo's Ethan Klapper … Jill Jackson … Natalie Raps.

A message from the California Association of Health Plans:

The California legislature recently passed harmful legislation that puts patients at risk and increases health care costs for Californians. Now the bill is heading to Governor Newsom.

SB 524 raises health care costs by eliminating the tools health plans, employers, unions, and the state use to lower the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs. It places harmful restrictions on how employers and unions design pharmacy benefit plans to lower prescription drug costs—instead of letting them create the individual high-quality, affordable plans that keep their costs low and help their employees and members pay less at the pharmacy counter.

Most alarmingly, it puts California's most vulnerable patients at risk by undermining all the important safety and quality requirements for pharmacies that handle specialty medications.

Now is the time to save our care. Tell Governor Newsom: Stop SB 524.

Learn more.

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