Afternoon Hot Takes in California Politics!

Newsom v. Harris? Baby Bonta! Prop 50… EV Sales Tank… National Redistricting… More!

Our afternoon columns are typically reserved for paid subscribers—There are a whole bunch of great hot takes below — the first two are above the paywall. Upgrading is easy and affordable, and it unlocks every column. Why stop at just 60% of the story? Subscribe today and instead of two “hot takes” read them all! And unlock of what So, Does It Matter? has to offer! And — we are in the middle of our Halloween Sale! Which means you get a 25% (or so) discount: $5/mo $50/yr!

Here Are The Afternoon Hot Takes…

OK, like with an iceberg that only has a small part you can see above the water, only a small part of this extensive column is above the paywall. FOMO? Here is why you should upgrade your subscription! 60% of our content is free, but 40% is for paid subscribers. There are a a lot more “Hot Takes” below…

Harris vs. Newsom: California’s Civil War?

Are we looking at an intra-party, intra-California food fight as Democrats hunt for a 2028 contender? It’s Harris vs. Newsom — come the end of next year they may both be criss-crossing America, jockeying for national dominance from the same home base. Harris brings history and name recognition; Newsom brings swagger, donors, and camera polish. Each claims loyalty to the party, but both are clearly plotting the next act. The only real suspense: who wins California’s delegates — and the bragging rights that come with them? Dan Walters’ take is spot on here.

---

Four-Year-Old Attorney General Says “Neener Neener” To Federal Election Oversight

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is throwing a fit over federal election monitors, vowing to send state agents to keep tabs on the U.S. Department of Justice observers. Instead of cooperating to ensure fair elections, Bonta is treating basic oversight like an invasion. It’s petty, partisan grandstanding — a stunt meant to score headlines and appease the anti-Trump base. When California’s top lawman acts like a campaign operative, it’s no wonder public trust keeps slipping. Ashley Zavala of CRA has the scoop.

This X post from Assistant United States Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon is unimprovable.

---

OK, like with an iceberg that only has a small part you can see above the water, only a small part of this extensive column is above the paywall. FOMO? Here is why you should upgrade your subscription! 60% of our content is free, but 40% is for paid subscribers. There are a a lot more “Hot Takes” below…