![Governor Gavin Newsom to national Democrats: "Don't be timid" on COVID-19 response](https://cbsnews1.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2021/09/15/b2069ebb-73e3-4cc7-9340-ec8e3196c907/thumbnail/1200x630/442cf725081f084d05b95f1b324b8ee1/newsom-1.jpg)
Governor Gavin Newsom to national Democrats: "Don't be timid" on COVID-19 response
CBSN
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, warned Wednesday that his party needs to "lean in" on COVID-19 prevention, despite hardline opposition. Speaking with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett less than 24 hours after he overwhelmingly survived a recall challenge, Newsom said he views the victory as a sign that his constituents approve of his handling of the pandemic.
"So, what I'm saying here is, be affirmative," Newsom said he would tell national Democrats. "Don't be timid. Lean in. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about formal authority of setting the tone and tenor on masks — on vaccines and masks. But it's the moral authority that we have: that we're on the right side of history and we're doing the right thing to save people's lives."
Newsom acknowledged that the recall effort was launched "in no small degree because of our approach to this pandemic."
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This story previously aired on Feb. 10, 2024. It was updated on Feb. 15, 2025. AMIE HARWICK (video): You can seek therapy to address an issue like depression, anxiety, a breakup. You can also seek therapy to be a better you! GARETH PURSEHOUSE (voicemail): I have so much I need to say. Please give me a chance to just say it. … Please (crying) please.
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