It just struck me how badly Trumpism did on September 14th, even if it was California.

[Rustynaerduwell]

Only a third of the voters rejected Newsom. Less than half of those voters picked one of the Trumpiest of Trumpists- endorsed by the man himself- Larry Elder. That's less than 15% of the voters. So, 85% of voters ignored or rejected Trump's guy. And on a recall vote, no less, when the more passionate the base is on any side, the more of the base will turn out. Am I missing something basic here, or did the Trumpublican, in practical terms, get third party numbers?

[TDale313]

1. Nope. You're not missing anything.

They did horribly. California does not want far right policies. And, they make it very easy to vote in a variety of ways and to track your ballot if you mail it in or return it to a drop box.

[wryter2000]

2. You're right

Furthermore, the Republicans might have had a chance if they'd gone with a candidate who had a reputation for being a moderate. The voters' desire to keep Newsom grew exponentially when they considered what they'd get if Newsom lost.

[Hortensis]

3. Yes! But, that over half of an overall intensely bigoted and authoritarian group

did not choose Elder to lead their state could also be because he's not a white male. He's also not particularly churchy, but as a RW radio sleaze he became prominent early and evangelical churches came out for their apparent best chance.

In any case, trumpist types want the appearance of not being racist, not the reality. With this painful and seriously damaging election, it seems likely GOP leaders will work harder to see that leading candidates are overwhelmingly white and male.