Newsom Backs Biden but Acknowledges Concerns

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom asserted that he “never once” questioned former President Joe Biden’s ability to lead the nation—except, maybe, after a particular fundraiser in California.

At a June 2024 event in Los Angeles, Biden, then a candidate, failed to recognize celebrity co-host George Clooney, who was reportedly “disturbed to the core,” as noted in a book co-authored with CNN’s Jake Tapper.

In an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” when asked about any worries over Biden potentially stepping away from the presidency, Newsom firmly stated, “Never.”

He elaborated that his concerns were largely tied to that specific fundraiser and noted that everyone was a bit taken aback. But he reassured, “We were also aware [Biden] was traveling to Europe almost weekly.”

Shortly after the fundraiser, Biden participated in a televised debate against Donald Trump that did not go well, leading him to exit the race a mere month later.

Throughout the interview, Newsom sometimes seemed to overlook the widespread apprehensions many observers, including Biden’s allies, harbored during that time.

Instead, the term-limited governor praised Biden’s significant achievements, like the Chip and Science Act and the national recovery from COVID-19, arguing these were indicators of the former president’s competencies while in office.

“I spoke with the president just a few hours ago; it’s an honor to have a relationship with him,” Newsom expressed.

Nevertheless, he recently labeled Biden “one of the most successful presidents of the last century” and vowed to defend that stance fervently. Still, he admitted he privately raised concerns about Biden’s performance, particularly regarding the debate.

When pressed on why he hadn’t voiced these worries publicly, Newsom stated, “My role is to give him space. I just approach things differently.”

Regarding whether he believed Biden was fit to continue serving in the White House for another term, Newsom deflected, indicating his primary concern was preventing Donald Trump from regaining presidency.

In a broader discussion, Newsom also touched on his recent acknowledgment of considering a run for the presidency in 2028.

When asked why he wanted to be president, he clarified, “I’m not saying I’m running.”

He expressed disdain for politicians who mislead, saying, “We all sit there and roll our eyes, thinking, ‘Give me a break.'” He concluded with, “Let’s see what happens.”

Interestingly, Newsom once hinted that he might challenge Biden in the 2024 primaries but consistently denied those rumors, aiming to project a unified front with the former president.