EXCLUSIVE — The California recall election is Sept. 14, and Larry Elder has emerged as the leading Republican candidate to challenge Gov. Gavin Newsom. Elder is a longtime critic of Newsom. He has routinely said that “we have a state to save” when referring to Newsom and the movement to oust him.
Elder has emphasized “common sense” as the remedy to Newsom. It’s also one of the reasons he is running for governor. “I’ve got common sense, something sadly lacking in Sacramento, especially under this smug, corrupt governor,” his campaign website says.
Forty-six candidates will appear on the ballot tomorrow. Polls show Elder as the front-runner among them. While pleased with the support, Elder remained focused on the larger task at hand. He emphasized helping people who have been harmed by Newsom’s decisions.
With one day left, Elder is “in it to win it,” as his campaign website says. In the final days before the recall, he graciously took the time to answer some of my questions and detail his vision and common sense. It is a vision that will serve most Californians well.
“While I’m pleased with the positive poll numbers, I’m singularly focused on continuing to get my message out to the millions of Californians who have been hurt by Gavin Newsom’s failed policies,” Elder told me. “I’m happy to hear that my ideas on fixing homelessness, failing schools, and the high cost of living, among others, are being well received by my fellow Californians.”
Elder has frequently stated how Newsom is harming California. It is a sentiment shared by all of the 46 people appearing on the ballot. Yet Elder has been the victim of some pretty atrocious insults and attacks — attacks that the other recall candidates have not been subjected to. While the incident of a gorilla-masked white woman has drawn the most news coverage, Elder was on the receiving end of bigoted attacks weeks before that. Have they affected him in any way?
“I’ve been an outspoken radio show host and columnist for over 27 years. You can’t stay the course in this business without a thick skin, especially as a conservative. I’m discovering that this is certainly one thing entertainment and politics have in common,” Elder said.
As he takes the attacks and criticism in stride, he feels those who display such bigotry reveal more about them than himself. Furthermore, he said he will not let it intimidate him.
“Those who would write hateful things about me, like calling me a ‘white supremacist,’ betray their intentions by their own viciousness. I choose to take the high ground. Saving California is worth it,” he said.
Yet despite such outward displays of bigotry and prejudice, the very same people doing these things are also among those declaring how racist the United States is. Furthermore, they are trying to advance this narrative by implementing toxic ideologies such as critical race theory. This is something Elder staunchly opposes.
“I don’t believe America is a racist nation,” Elder told me. “CRT is a fundamentally flawed program aimed at indoctrination, not education. I don’t agree that white students should be made to feel like oppressors or that black students should be made to feel like victims.”
As a challenge to critical race theory, I brought up the topic of different curricula, such as the one proposed by the Woodson Center, 1776 Unites. It is a curriculum that focuses on “authentic, inspiring stories from American history that show what is best in our national character.” Elder was receptive to an idea.
“With regard to any new curriculum, I am open to learning more about those that teach history as it actually occurred,” Elder said. “And where Mr. Bob Woodson is involved, I would definitely be interested in learning more.”
If elected, Elder could reshape the academic standards of all California schools. His election would help stop the spread of critical race theory throughout California. However, doing so would not be easy — even if he wins. Elder’s governorship would face immense pushback from a Democrat supermajority in the California State Legislature. Elder is aware of this obstacle, but he told me how he hopes he would overcome it and incorporate his ideas.
“I will use the gubernatorial bully pulpit to make the case for my ideas — ideas that far too many Californians have not been allowed to hear due to the mainstream media in the state, which is really just an extension of the entrenched interests in Sacramento,” he said. “I truly believe that minds can be opened when given all of the information.”
“I know it won’t be easy for a Republican to govern California right now, but I’m also not easily deterred or quickly frustrated,” Elder added. “I do have options at my disposal.”
Elder discussed his options, which include his power to appoint people to entities such as the judiciary and executive agencies. Additionally, Elder told me he would use ballot initiatives to advance his agenda.
“I can bypass the Legislature and go directly to the voters by promoting ballot initiatives,” Elder said.
He also detailed his power to veto. This could be a tool to use in what most likely be contentious gridlock and the Democratic supermajority.
“Though there is a Democratic supermajority, the Legislature does not actually make a habit of overriding the governor’s veto. In fact, the last time a veto was overturned was in the 1979-80 legislative session,” Elder said. “Once the governor vetoes a bill, he shines a spotlight on it and can use the bully pulpit to make it much more costly for legislators oppose him.”
Elder hopes to win the recall election because of the problems many Californians are facing in the state. Much of Elder’s complaints echo their complaints.
“Do you feel safe in your own neighborhood? Do you like the high tax and gas prices? Does it bother you that while your kids are forced to stay at home and learn virtually, your governor’s children are able to attend school in person?” Elder asked. “If you’re troubled by any of these issues, or the numerous other problems facing California today, vote ‘yes’ to recall Newsom.”
Elder would represent a distinct change from the governorship of Newsom. Their policies are as different as their socioeconomic backgrounds — Newsom’s background of affluence, Elder’s working-class roots. Elder would be the first black governor in California’s history if elected.
He appeals to the Californians who do not recognize the state they see today. He represents those who feel abandoned by the liberal Democrat elitists who rule the state. Elder struck a chord with those who feel Newsom has become too totalitarian. He elaborated as to why he feels he is the right choice for California.
“Californians should trust me because I’ve been writing and thinking about these issues that plague our great state for over 27 years. I’m running for governor to fix this state, not make friends,” Elder told me.
“Unlike Gavin Newsom, I will abide by the rules my administration puts forth, not flaunt them,” Elder said. “I will treat the everyday, ordinary Californian the same way I will treat the Sacramento elite and special interest groups. I understand the gravity of the issues that face California, and I will work every day that I’m in office to solve them.”
