Mandates and math carry lessons from California: The Note

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's laugher of a triumph over recall efforts represent a broad affirmation of his approach to COVID-19.

The TAKE with Rick Klein

Mandates won out, at least for one night, and at least in one very big and very blue state.

Math also won, in ways that mattered for this race and that figure to dominate countless more in an era of fierce partisanship.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's laugher of a triumph over recall efforts represent a broad affirmation of his approach to COVID-19. Recall backers got the showdown they wanted but not the environment they banked on, not with 70% support for mask mandates in schools and voters adamant about not wanting to go backwards in fighting the pandemic.