California governor defends progressive values, says they're an 'antidote' to populism on the right

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has used his State of the State address to defend California's progressive values ahead of a pivotal presidential debate. In a prerecorded speech released Tuesday, Newsom compared Donald Trump's version of the Republican Party to the rise of fascism prior to World War II. He said Democrats' ideals offer “an antidote to the poisonous populism of the right.” Newsom is one of the top surrogates for President Joe Biden's presidential campaign. Biden and Trump will face off in a televised debate on Thursday. Newsom rejected Republican portrayals of California as a failed state. He highlighted the state's economy and its efforts to combat homelessness.