Harris campaigns for Newsom as recall campaign enters final stretch

The big picture: The effort to recall Newsom gained speed after he was photographed last year at a dinner in Napa County as coronavirus cases surged and the state government restricted social gatherings.

• Newsom has also been criticized for reportedly misleading the public about the progress his office made in shoring up wildfire prevention.
• Harris, who previously served as attorney general of California before becoming one of the state's senators, has known Newsom for a long time.

What they're saying: Newsom told supporters that "our principles, our values, are on the ballot" and warned that Elder would be sworn in as governor if the recall effort succeeded.

• Newsom slammed Elder's positions on climate change, reproductive rights, voting rights and anti-immigrant sentiments.
• Harris said Newsom understood the "plight of working people" and praised his stances on a number of issues including paid family leave, unions and women's rights.

• She praised Newsom's "vision" and "courage" and called the recall effort a "political game."

Of note: Harris also warned that the effort to recall Newsom was about a "whole lot more" than just California, and that it would be replicated by Republicans around the country if successful.

• "They think if they can win in California, they can do this anywhere. Well, we will show them — you're not going to get this done. Not here, never."