The Daily Show mocks Newsom as a potential 2028 candidate and criticizes his track record.

The Daily Show Takes on Gavin Newsom’s Political Journey

“The Daily Show” made some pointed jabs at California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, introducing him as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election.

In its segment, part of the “Daily Showography” series, the program traced Newsom’s ascension to power, starting with a winery venture. The narrator quipped, “All he had was his grit, refined taste, and the financial backing of an oil tycoon.”

The segment highlighted Newsom’s journey from being the mayor of San Francisco to his current role as governor. However, it also touched on his setbacks, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. “But Governor Newsom also faced setbacks during the pandemic, like having to hide half of his money-making and having to make difficult choices like limiting public gatherings,” the narrator remarked. “Well, most public gatherings.”

Amid criticisms, actor James Woods suggested that Newsom’s presidential ambitions might falter due to what he called “atrocious” governance in California.

Later in the segment, a clip showed Newsom dining at the exclusive French Laundry restaurant during the pandemic’s peak. The video lampooned his social media exchanges with former President Donald Trump, noting, “And while Trump was sending soldiers into the streets, Gavin was ready to fight back with a tweet.”

The segment even suggested that Newsom might be a serious contender for the Democratic nomination in 2028. “So I want you to think of Gavin Newsom as a movie-ready, Christian Bale type, ready to tackle chronic issues like homelessness and high-speed rail. And, for some reason, he dances while he talks,” the narrator said.

On some issues, California is in a state of crisis, as illustrated by two headlines shown in the video—one citing a record high in homelessness, and another indicating the state’s high-speed rail project was significantly underfunded and still years away from completion.

Recently, Newsom celebrated the completion of a milestone for the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Southern Railhead facility in Kern County, calling it an important step in the project’s journey. “We have taken another important step in laying the track,” he stated in a press release.

The narrator concluded, “Gavin Newsom—he’s not just a politician, he’s a leader.” However, the governor’s office did not respond to requests for additional comments.

Interestingly, a recent profile in Vogue magazine referred to Newsom as “embarrassingly handsome,” which drew some mockery from critics. “Let’s stop talking about this. He’s embarrassingly handsome, his hair silver and coiffed, and he’s at ease with his fame as he delivers his final State of the State address,” the profile noted.

The article even suggested that Newsom’s charisma might irritate Trump, describing him as “wiry, enthusiastic, and energetic,” likening him to Kennedy.