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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Thursday, August 07, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to "fight fire with fire" in response to moves in Texas to redraw the electoral map to favor Republicans.

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"They've triggered this response and we're not going to roll over and we're going to fight fire with fire, but we're going to do so not just punching with the weight of the fourth largest economy, the most populous state in our union, the size of 21 state populations combined.

"We also will punch above our weight in terms of the impact of what we're doing, and I think that should be absorbed by those in the Texas delegation. Whatever they are doing will be neutered here in the state of California, and they will pay that price."

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul have likewise indicated they could be prepared to act in kind if Texas proceeds with its gerrymandering manoeuvre

Good!

Blue states shooting themselves in the foot by ending gerrymandering while leaving red states free to do so was a complete bonehead move.

Bad enough that flyover red states like Wyoming with 1.5% the population of California get as many Senators. Blue states didn't need to go out of their way to hand the House to the GOP as well.

#1 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-06 10:30 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Nice find.

Almost exactly what I said but with a little more oomph.

I was thinking that's what they "should do". They are saying that is what they are going to do.

"They've triggered this response and we're not going to roll over and we're going to fight fire with fire, but we're going to do so not just punching with the weight of the fourth largest economy, the most populous state in our union, the size of 21 state populations combined."

#2 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-08-06 10:37 AM | Reply

"Blue states shooting themselves in the foot by ending gerrymandering while leaving red states free to do so was a complete bonehead move."

It's the Liberal Conundrum.

#3 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-08-06 11:33 AM | Reply

It's the Liberal Conundrum.
#3 | Posted by donnerboy

Doing what they believe is right (like sitting out elections where neither candidate is perfect), versus what actually helps advance their causes (like voting for the guy or gal who is less likely to kneecap progressivism for the next 60 years).

So here we are.

#4 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-06 11:49 AM | Reply

The Liberals Conundrum goes way beyond that.

"Progressives have really got to figure out how to deal with this buzzkill problem. You do realize we annoyed the average American into fascism." He pauses for a big laugh and round of applause and adds, "No one can ruin a barbecue quicker than a liberal: So, you want something from the grill?
What about the genocide?"

-Marc Maron in Panicked

#5 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-08-06 12:10 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

As true today as the day it was broadcast 30 years ago:
Stampy-RNC-DNC

#6 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-06 12:34 PM | Reply

---- you, Laura.

#7 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-08-06 02:28 PM | Reply

I certainly approve of fighting fire with fire.

#8 | Posted by fresno500 at 2025-08-06 05:14 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

this is one of the best topics going

the founding fathers of gerrymandering are
pissed about rediscticting in another state

a state where once again dems are chicken spit

fluquing cowards and run away like little spoiled

bitches.

--and dems are still wandering in the wilderness..

it's a great time to be alive in America

#9 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-08-06 08:22 PM | Reply

--and dems are still wandering in the wilderness..

it's a great time to be alive in America

#9 | Posted by shrimptacodan

You're clapping that your apartment building is burning down because you hate your upstairs neighbor.

#10 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-07 12:38 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

ou're clapping that your apartment building is burning down because you hate your upstairs neighbor.

#10 | Posted by SpeakSoftly

I am proud to state that I don't know what the hell you're trying to say.

ha ha

#11 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-08-07 02:42 PM | Reply

a simple google will tell you that the districts in a wide area of LA
have been democrat gerrymandering at it's highest level.

--I'd say fight your own fire but he's already been proven to
be CORRUPT and INEPT in that regard.

#12 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-08-07 02:44 PM | Reply

I am proud to state that I don't know what the hell you're trying to say.

ha ha

#11 | Posted by shrimptacodan

Proud to be dumb is the real maga slogan.

#13 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-07 02:45 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

a simple google will tell you that the districts in a wide area of LA
have been democrat gerrymandering at it's highest level.
#12 | Posted by shrimptacodan

So, I guess the Repubs have nothing to lose if Cali starts gerrymandering again. Which makes it strange that this guy wants to sue over it.

GOP California governor candidate says he plans to sue [...] if redistricting plans advance
www.kcra.com

#14 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-07 02:54 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Why does California care about what Texas does?

How does the redistricting in Texas affect Cali?

#15 | Posted by boaz at 2025-08-08 09:46 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

theyre trying to steal seats to affect the midterms.

#16 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-08-08 09:51 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Why does California care about what Texas does? How does the redistricting in Texas affect Cali?
#15 | Posted by boaz

Seriously? Are you just playing dumb?

On the chance that you're not playing, Texas is gerrymandering to prevent the Dems from taking the House in midterms. California restricted its ability to gerrymander over a decade ago under Rep Guv. Schwarzenegger (Hi, mentally challenged bleeper!). A number of other blue states have gone a similar route, ending gerrymandering, while red states have gone whole-hog on gerrymandering. So, blue states have given the GOP a huge advantage and the GOP has returned the favor by attacking blue states at every turn (How the GOP Tax Bill Still Leaves Blue States Picking Up the Check, time.com).

To put it in terms you might understand, California is now threatening to stop the unilateral disarmament it engaged in about 15 years ago.

#17 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-08 10:36 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Why does California care about what Texas does?

How does the redistricting in Texas affect Cali?

#15 | Posted by boaz

I love it when a moron writes a post trying to make an argument, but ends up just proving that they don't know anything about the topic.

#18 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 12:20 PM | Reply

#15
Poor Boaz, admitting that grasping the point this affects the entire US is a concept that lies beyond his ken.
How utterly humiliating.

#19 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-08-08 12:29 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

California is now threatening to stop the unilateral disarmament it engaged in about 15 years ago.

#17 | POSTED BY CENSORED

As it turns out.. it's also a hell of a time to stop drinking.

#20 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-08-08 01:58 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

"Seriously? Are you just playing dumb?"

Been visiting here a while now..

From what I've seen ... he is definitely not playing.

Your post will sail thru his brain and not even leave a trail like a bird flying across the sky.

#21 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-08-08 02:01 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

"Why does California care about what Texas does?
How does the redistricting in Texas affect Cali?"

I would imagine California is very democratic party heavy in their state and Federal representation.

If anybody believes Newsom then so what? California can gerrymander all they want. Where does that come back to harm Texas?

Do Texas republicans give 2 ----- if California actually follows through? (which is doubtful)

That's really the better question....Do Texas republicans care if California removes their own handcuffs and engages in similar behavior?

California isn't at risk of power changing hands. Apparently Texas is.....so that's the difference here......that and I really doubt Texans care one bit what the California legislature or governor does.

#22 | Posted by eberly at 2025-08-08 02:35 PM | Reply

And California could squeeze out a few republican districts by gerrymandering them. If that's what Newsome is threating to do then let him.

#23 | Posted by eberly at 2025-08-08 02:39 PM | Reply

That's really the better question....Do Texas republicans care if California removes their own handcuffs and engages in similar behavior?

California isn't at risk of power changing hands. Apparently Texas is.....so that's the difference here......that and I really doubt Texans care one bit what the California legislature or governor does.

#22 | Posted by eberly

This isn't about texas, this is about keeping congress in the hands of trump's cult so he can continue to act like a dictator.

Texas wants to redistrict to help trump cheat democracy again. California is threatening to cancel out their cheating.

#24 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 02:44 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

24

I don't disagree. But I doubt anybody believes Newsom is serious. Certainly not Texas republicans.

#25 | Posted by eberly at 2025-08-08 02:58 PM | Reply

Why does California care about what Texas does?
How does the redistricting in Texas affect Cali?
#15 | POSTED BY BOAZ

Hey Boaz.

Just give up on life already.

I swear we'll say nice things once you're gone.

Like, man it's better with him gone.

#26 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-08-08 03:09 PM | Reply

Looks like Eberly is just as confused about this as Boaz is.

It's about the House of Representatives. In Washington DC.

If Texas creates 5 extra Republican seats by taking away 5 seats from democrats, it affects the HoR.

So Newsom's plan would counterbalance that.

Fact is, he's still leaving republicans 9 seats, which, if he really wanted to, he could easily turn to zero.

How are you confused about this?

Stop drinking the MAGAide.

#27 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-08-08 03:15 PM | Reply

I doubt anybody believes Newsom is serious.

Demowussies generally don't like to fight back against republithugs.

This is true.

We shall see how this all plays out.

#28 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-08-08 03:16 PM | Reply

"Looks like Eberly is just as confused about this as Boaz is.
It's about the House of Representatives. In Washington DC."

not confused any more. admittingly I referenced the Texas legislature...I was wrong.

#29 | Posted by eberly at 2025-08-08 03:22 PM | Reply

I don't disagree. But I doubt anybody believes Newsom is serious. Certainly not Texas republicans.

#25 | Posted by eberly

Yet no one doubts texas is serious because republicans have a proven record of cheating democracy to establish minority rule.

#30 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 03:25 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I'm truly surprised at the number of folks who were confused about this topic.

#31 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-08-08 03:41 PM | Reply

I'm truly surprised at the number of folks who were confused about this topic.
#31 | Posted by rstybeach11

Dems voted their feelings and in favor of "good government" by unilaterally disarming, ending gerrymander in blue states. Repubs, on the other hand, listened to their leaders and held onto gerrymandering for dear life.

Republicans lucked out in how stupid their opponents were. About time Dems undid this act in self-immolation.

End the gerrymander? Go for it. But condition it on every other state doing the same.

#32 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-08 03:54 PM | Reply

California can gerrymander all they want.

Yeah but Newsom doesn't create the districts. What Newsom is threatening to do is go around what Democracy has voted for.

One could hardly call CA a democracy when the States Elite continually negate what the populace has voted for.

For instance:
Prop 36 ...
Newsom insults California voters by not funding Proposition 36
www.latimes.com

Prop 187 ...
Federal Judge W. Matthew Byrne issued a temporary restraining order against institution of the measure, which was filed by State Attorney General Dan Lungren.
en.wikipedia.org

In November 2008, California voters passed the Voters FIRST Act, authorizing the creation of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw new district lines, taking the job out of the hands of the California Legislature and transferring it to the citizens
wedrawthelines.ca.gov

And now Newsom is going to tromp all over the democratic process again. The point of these commisions isn't to do the right thing when its easy, but to do the right thing when its difficult.

#33 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-08-08 04:19 PM | Reply


California is threatening to cancel out their cheating.
#24 | Posted by SpeakSoftly

By cheating its own democratic processes. Oh the ------- irony.

#34 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-08-08 04:21 PM | Reply

-And now Newsom is going to tromp all over the democratic process again.

Many here would be cheering "Yeah! Stick it to Texas" when it's really "Yeah, Stick it to Californians"

That's how it will play out.

Which is why nobody thinks he serious.

#35 | Posted by eberly at 2025-08-08 04:26 PM | Reply

California is threatening to cancel out their cheating.
#24 | Posted by SpeakSoftly

By cheating its own democratic processes. Oh the ------- irony.

#34 | Posted by oneironaut

If you were in a life and death competition where the other side was cheating and the ref didn't care you'd be a moron not to cheat too.

Dems offered a bill to end gerrymandering. Guess how many republican votes it got.

#36 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 04:27 PM | Reply

Many here would be cheering "Yeah! Stick it to Texas" when it's really "Yeah, Stick it to Californians"

That's how it will play out.

Which is why nobody thinks he serious.

#35 | Posted by eberly

More like "stick it to fascists who are trying to establish minority rule nationwide"
but good try

#37 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 04:28 PM | Reply

Well this is awkward.

2024 - Democrats Reject Bipartisan Map and Will Redraw N.Y. House Districts
www.nytimes.com

#38 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-08-08 04:49 PM | Reply

Dems offered a bill to end gerrymandering.

Here's my guess on that "bill" it wasn't clean and had some BS about transgender sex changes for 2yos or something along those lines.

I have been in this country long enough to know thats how these things work. Why don't you know that?

#39 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-08-08 04:51 PM | Reply

Many here would be cheering "Yeah! Stick it to Texas" when it's really "Yeah, Stick it to Californians" That's how it will play out. Which is why nobody thinks he serious.
#35 | Posted by eberly

The GOP HoR has repeatedly cut taxes on billionaires by limiting the SALT deduction, which favors blue states.

States on the East Coast and West Coast Generally Have the Highest Share of Returns Claiming SALT Deductions
bipartisanpolicy.org
If you think putting the Democratic party into power will somehow hurt Californians compared to what the GOP/Trump has in store for them, we may have a fundamental cognitive failure on our hands.

#40 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-08 05:11 PM | Reply

I created a thread about this.

Here is the crux:

They've escalated a war in which the Republicans have a structural advantage

#41 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-08-08 05:36 PM | Reply

jeff is okay with republicans trying to steal the midterms for (R)easons.

#42 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-08-08 05:48 PM | Reply

BullBringer excuses the actions of the American Fascist Party's attempt at cheating to create a majority in the House of Representatives, because democrats.

Welcome to what's wrong with America.

------- whataboutist fascists like BullBringer.

#43 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-08-08 05:49 PM | Reply

#38

You know nothing, 1NutSnow.

#44 | Posted by Corky at 2025-08-08 06:04 PM | Reply

They've escalated a war
A war which the GOP would otherwise win if there were no dem response at all, so what's the risk

in which the Republicans have a structural advantage
#41 | Posted by BellRinger

Size of the House is set by statute. As soon as the Dems take control of presidency and legislative, the can deal with that by massively increasing the number of seats.

In the 1st United States Congress (1789-1791), there were 65 members in the House of Representatives. Based on an estimated population of 3.7 million for the 13 states at the time, this meant there was approximately one representative for every 57,169 people
Bringing that up to today's population, which is almost 100 times as high, that would be 6,500 members. Republican structural advantage? None, but I hope Wyoming enjoys their one seat in the House.

Will that ever happen? Not likely. The people making the rules are unlikely to do anything that would reduce their own individual importance, even if it would be best for their party and nation.

#45 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-08 06:17 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

#42. No. I expect them to play by the same rules as Democrats.

#46 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-08-08 06:46 PM | Reply

I have been in this country long enough to know thats how these things work. Why don't you know that?

#39 | Posted by oneironaut

If you knew how things work, you wouldnt support the party that is always worse for the economy, that invented trickle down economics and the drug war, that lied us into iraq, became the cult of a con man, attempted a coup, and protects pedophiles.

#47 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 06:51 PM | Reply

#42. No. I expect them to play by the same rules as Democrats.

#46 | Posted by BellRinger

The way democrats oust their leaders for having sex scandals?
Republicans only oust their leaders who tell the truth.

#48 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 06:52 PM | Reply

They've escalated a war in which the Republicans have a structural advantage

#41 | Posted by BellRinger

Republicans make gerrymandering worse so trump can be a dictator

You: "Why are democrats doing this!?"

#49 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 07:01 PM | Reply

" You: "Why are democrats doing this!?"

#49 | POSTED BY SPEAKSOFTLY AT 2025-08-08 07:01 PM | REPLY | FLAG"

I know why they are doling it. I think it's a tactical mistake for them to escalate because they are at a significant disadvantage.

#50 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-08-08 07:03 PM | Reply

If you knew how things work, you wouldnt support the party that is always worse for the economy, that invented trickle down economics and the drug war, that lied us into iraq, became the cult of a con man, attempted a coup, and protects pedophiles.
#47 | Posted by SpeakSoftly

Cut it out, man. Wu Mao Russian Troll sockpuppet OneIronTurd is a Bernie Bro who supports everything the Republican Party says and does.

You know he's for real because he says he a resident of California, even though he didn't know who its US Senators are, or that Baldwin Park is part of Los Angeles. Just like a real Californian.

#51 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-08 07:03 PM | Reply

I know why they are doling it. I think it's a tactical mistake for them to escalate because they are at a significant disadvantage.

#50 | Posted by BellRinger

"If you're getting raped, you should just lie there and take it. Fighting will only make it worse"
-guy who votes for the rapists

#52 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 07:16 PM | Reply

JBellefry's concern for Dems is SO moving!

Makes me want to... puke.

#53 | Posted by Corky at 2025-08-08 07:20 PM | Reply

BullBringer doesn't believe girls when they say they've been raped.

But he's sure men identify as transgender in order to rape girls.

Also sports.

#54 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-08-08 07:23 PM | Reply

I'm calling it as I see it, Corky. I'm not concerned at all that Dems are making a tactical error on this.

#55 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-08-08 07:27 PM | Reply

Dems are making a tactical error on this.
#55 | POSTED BY BULLBRINGER

You're a fascist who supports Trump destroying America through Executive Order.

Congress exists only to cut more and more taxes on billionaires and you cheer. Like a ------- moron.

The judicial branch has crippled itself.

The country is dead.

China killed its billionaires and has the strongest economy in the world.

America is feeding itself to the billionaires.

Wake up idiot.

#56 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-08-08 07:33 PM | Reply

Your children are ------.

They better learn Arabic and move the Saudi Arabia or learn Chinese and move to China.

Because America is done.

#57 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-08-08 07:34 PM | Reply

I'm calling it as I see it, Corky. I'm not concerned at all that Dems are making a tactical error on this.

#55 | Posted by BellRinger

Because you're not at all concerned about fascists overthrowing democracy. You see no problems with the way russia is run.

#58 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 07:38 PM | Reply

He saw no reason not to spend his time here supporting a Traitor.

#59 | Posted by Corky at 2025-08-08 08:21 PM | Reply


"If you're getting raped, you should just lie there and take it. Fighting will only make it worse"
-guy who votes for the rapists

#52 | POSTED BY SPEAKSOFTLY

We should rape someone else.
~ SpeaksSoftly

#60 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-08-08 08:27 PM | Reply


Because you're not at all concerned about fascists overthrowing democracy. You see no problems with the way russia is run.
#58 | POSTED BY SPEAKSOFTLY

California has more in common with Russia than Texas.

#61 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-08-08 08:28 PM | Reply

Why does a brainwashed cross-legged California sissy like Newsom care what Texas does in so far as fair representation?

Democrats are an ideology and party that no one wants influencing their govt, because they want crime and corruption first instead of honest efficient govt. I don't want them near my local or federal govt

#62 | Posted by Robson at 2025-08-08 08:51 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Texas ---------- die fighting for the orcs.

www.france24.com

#63 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-08-08 09:02 PM | Reply

Blue states are already more gerrymandered than the red ones.

The gerrymander in California is outrageous. Of their 52 congressional districts, nine of them are Republican. That means 17 percent of their delegation is Republican when Republicans regularly win 40 percent of the vote in that state. How can this be possibly allowed?

#64 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-08-08 09:27 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

The gerrymander in California is outrageous. Of their 52 congressional districts, nine of them are Republican. That means 17 percent of their delegation is Republican when Republicans regularly win 40 percent of the vote in that state. How can this be possibly allowed?
#64 | Posted by visitor_

You don't understand how a 40% vote could lose an election? The fact that California has a single Republican representative after they voted to raise Californian's taxes in 2016 with Trump's first tax cut gift to billionaires is the real shock.

California Citizens Redistricting Commission
The commission first met in 2010 and has fourteen members: five commissioners each from the two political parties with the first and second largest statewide registrations, and four commissioners not registered with either of those two parties.
Independent studies by the Public Policy Institute of California, the National Journal, and Ballotpedia showed that the 2010 CCRC's maps included some of the most competitive districts in the nation, and created opportunities for new elected officials.
en.wikipedia.org

#65 | Posted by censored at 2025-08-08 10:06 PM | Reply

We should rape someone else.
~ SpeaksSoftly

#60 | Posted by oneironaut

"Help I'm being raped by the party that has zero political power!"
-professional victims

#66 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 11:39 PM | Reply

Blue states are already more gerrymandered than the red ones.

The gerrymander in California is outrageous. Of their 52 congressional districts, nine of them are Republican. That means 17 percent of their delegation is Republican when Republicans regularly win 40 percent of the vote in that state. How can this be possibly allowed?

#64 | Posted by visitor_

Dems offered a bill to end gerrymandering. Guess you should vote against all the republicans who refused to support it.

#67 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 11:39 PM | Reply

California has more in common with Russia than Texas.

#61 | Posted by oneironaut

So how come texans love russia so much?

#68 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-08 11:40 PM | Reply


So how come texans love russia so much?
#68 | POSTED BY SPEAKSOFTLY

Well not as much as Newsom and yourself, but my guess is you all like getting ------ up the ass.

#69 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-08-09 12:01 AM | Reply

Well not as much as Newsom and yourself, but my guess is you all like getting ------ up the ass.

#69 | Posted by oneironaut a

Why do conservatives spending so much time thinking about gay sex?

If you need a hint - Why does grindr traffic skyrocket when the republican convention is in town?

You hate what you know you are.

#70 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-08-09 12:45 AM | Reply

The gerrymander in California is outrageous. Of their 52 congressional districts, nine of them are Republican.

#64 | Posted by visitor

Get ready for only four of them to be Republican.

You see, those Texans in Ohio are actually fighting for you.

Better hope they stay where they are.

#71 | Posted by Zed at 2025-08-09 06:25 AM | Reply

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