Podcast Summary: "Why Hispanics Might Make Larry Elder California’s Next Governor"
The Charlie Kirk Show | August 4, 2021
Host: Producer Andrew (filling in for Charlie Kirk)

Episode Overview

In this episode, producer Andrew sits in for Charlie Kirk and dives into major topics sweeping the headlines: the political crisis faced by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, COVID-19 variant alarmism, and—centrally—the California gubernatorial recall and why Hispanic voters might be the key to conservative Larry Elder’s chances of unseating Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Andrew analyzes polling data, social trends, and political narratives, providing conservative commentary on shifting demographics and the growing law-and-order concerns among Latino voters.

Segments & Timestamps

• [00:27] Cuomo’s Political Survival and Democratic Privilege
• [14:41] COVID Variant Panic, Mask Mandates & Population Behavior
• [29:15] California Recall Polling & Larry Elder’s Surge
• [32:39] Why Latinos are Turning Against Newsom: A Closer Look
• [39:59] Is Replacement Theory Real? Demographics, Crime, and Party Shifts
• [47:15] Lessons for Republicans and the Path Forward in California

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cuomo Scandal and “Democrat Privilege”

[00:27 – 13:29]

• Andrew analyzes the political fallout from Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment scandal and the media's role.
• Critiques how, in Andrew’s view, Democrats often withstand greater scandals due to “Democrat privilege,” whereas Republicans would be forced out expeditiously.
• Connects Cuomo's saga to wider distrust in American institutions across political and minority groups.

“When you become expendable in politics, do not be surprised when your friends turn on you. And I use friends with air quotes… that is everything you need to know about the way that the system works and why Americans are losing their faith in the institutions.” — Andrew, [08:25]

2. COVID-19 Variant Panic and Media Hysteria

[14:41 – 29:15]

• Andrew discusses reports of the Delta and Lambda COVID-19 variants and skepticism around variant-specific PCR testing.
• Argues that media and government are fueling public alarm (“pandemic porn”) and cites polling about shifting public opinion on mask mandates.
• Discusses the seasonality of COVID surges—attributing new case upticks in the summer to people flocking indoors due to heat, increasing transmission.

“Delta, while it’s more transmissible, does not appear to be more deadly… Do not give in to the panic.” — Andrew, [18:44]

• Commentary on prominent figures being caught violating their own mask guidance (AOC, Obama).

“She knows it’s about to snap the pictures. Putting on the mask. Oh, there you go. … Now a minute later, the masks is back off, folks. So she’s not afraid of the delta variant. Why? Because she’s 30 years old and she knows she doesn’t have to be.” — Andrew (on AOC’s mask photo op), [23:17]

• Asserts the show is “pro-freedom and anti-mask mandate,” distinguishing this from “anti-vax.”

3. California Recall: Larry Elder’s Opening and Hispanic Voters

[29:15 – 39:59]

• Discussion of a pivotal Emerson College poll that showed Governor Newsom at risk of recall and Larry Elder leading among prospective replacements.
• Emphasizes that only a simple majority (50%+1) is needed for Newsom’s removal, with the highest-voted replacement candidate winning outright.

“Our friend and our fellow Salem Radio Network colleague Larry Elder is currently leading in the polling with 23%... Larry has come in and completely energized the California recall. Masterful, masterful move.” — Andrew, [29:46]

• Conservatives and Republicans are strong supporters of the recall, but the real shock is Hispanic support:

“Latinos support the recall. I’ll say it again—Latinos in California support recalling Governor Gavin Newsom.” — Andrew, [31:17]

• Details a personal anecdote with a Hispanic contractor who supported Trump for “macho” reasons and economic prosperity.
• Cites data showing a shift towards Republicans among Latino and Asian voters in major cities across the US, including Los Angeles.

4. The Hispanic Vote: Demographics, Social Trends & “Replacement Theory”

[39:59 – 47:15]

• Plays a Newt Gingrich clip discussing the left's hopes about demographic changes favoring Democrats ([41:00]).
• Andrew expands on Newt’s point, saying the left has expected Hispanic immigration to secure long-term Democratic dominance, but current trends are defying expectations.
• Explains the historical context of California’s Prop 187 and its role in alienating Hispanic voters from the GOP in the 1990s, but argues that today’s law-and-order issues and dissatisfaction with Democrats are pushing Latinos back to the right.

“Law and order is so top of mind for the Hispanic electorate that it is beginning to supersede some of those past allegiances.” — Andrew, [43:30]

• Discusses how concerns over crime, business climate, faith, and family values are making Hispanic voters more receptive to Republican messages.
• Points out that many Hispanic legal immigrants are not supportive of illegal immigration and see tightened borders as beneficial for their own economic security.

“If you are Hispanic, and this is counterintuitive, if you are Hispanic you don’t just naturally support more illegal immigration. … The less illegals that are coming through, the better that is for my job prospects.” — Andrew, [46:58]

• Quotes and headlines from mainstream and conservative outlets noting Democratic anxiety over losing Latino and Asian voters.

Notable Quotes

• On Democratic loyalty from minorities

“A generation later, the party that [Hispanic voters] used to be so enamored by is turning their back on them and taking them for granted. And guess what? The White House knows this. They are in full panic mode.” — Andrew, [44:54]

• On Republican strategy with Latino voters

“They saw in President Trump a strong leader, somebody that would help lead them to better financial progress. … It was strength that started this trend.” — Andrew, [46:37]

• On media narrative shifts

“The messaging from the White House, from the mainstream news media has changed public perception in a blink. That’s why people like those of us that work on this show… need to start pushing back with actual facts.” — Andrew, [16:56]

Key Segment Timestamps

• Cuomo Scandal/Democratic Privilege: [00:27 – 13:29]
• COVID Variant & Panic: [14:41 – 29:15]
• California Recall & Larry Elder: [29:15 – 39:59]
• Hispanic Voter Shift, Law & Order: [39:59 – 47:15]
• Final Commentary & Lessons for GOP: [46:37 – end]

Summary & Takeaways

• Producer Andrew argues that the erosion of mainstream trust in institutions—exemplified by the Cuomo scandal and the gaslighting over COVID—is producing a political realignment, particularly visible among Hispanic voters.
• Polling indicates Newsom could be recalled, with Larry Elder benefitting from expanded Hispanic support, rooted in concerns about crime, economic opportunities, and dissatisfaction with Democrat leadership.
• Historical shifts (like Prop 187) that once drove Latinos to the left are being overshadowed by current realities of lawlessness, ideological extremism in schools (CRT), and the Democratic Party taking minorities for granted.
• Andrew urges Republicans to recognize that “strong leadership, law-and-order messaging, and rejecting pandering” are resonating with Latinos more than attempts to moderate Republican rhetoric on immigration.

Conclusion
This episode contends that California’s Latino population, animated by concerns about crime and declining faith in Democrat leadership, could be the decisive force putting Larry Elder into the governor’s mansion. Andrew calls on conservatives not to shy away from forthright policies, asserting that strength, not pandering, is what wins minority voters today.

For more:
Go to CharlieKirk.com for detailed show notes, news, and supporting information.