California Governor Gavin Newsom’s chief press secretary recently criticized a reporter’s request for medical documentation regarding his dyslexia diagnosis.
Newsom has publicly discussed his dyslexia for quite some time now. Back in 2004, while serving as San Francisco’s mayor, he faced scrutiny for comments made in Atlanta, Georgia, about his literacy challenges.
RealClearPolitics correspondent Susan Crabtree shared a harsh response she received when she inquired about evidence of Newsom’s dyslexia. The governor has stated before that he received a medical certificate for his dyslexia as a child in 1972.
In a response screenshot shared by Crabtree, Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s communications director, wrote, “Susan, thank you for reaching out,” followed by, “With all due respect, rest.” In a follow-up question, Crabtree wanted to know if Gardon was expressing this view personally or on behalf of Newsom. Gardon simply concluded, “Yes, Susan can stop now.”
When asked if Newsom shared Gardon’s perspective, the director replied that the governor didn’t know who Crabtree was.
In a statement given to Fox News Digital, Crabtree alluded to a book Newsom co-authored about corruption in California and suggested that it might have landed in Gardon’s hands. She declared, “Californians and all Americans deserve real answers about Mr. Newsom’s claims, not lazy, abusive retorts from a failed state politician who aspires to be president.” She further mentioned that despite any attempts he may make to intimidate her, she would keep asking difficult questions.
During a book tour event in Atlanta over the weekend, Newsom’s remarks led to allegations of racism. He remarked, “I’m not, I’m not trying to impress you, I’m just like you. I’m not better than you.” He continued to speak about his SAT scores—a 960—and mentioned that he doesn’t usually read speeches because, as he put it, he struggles with reading them.
Some critics have taken issue with Newsom’s remarks, claiming they undermine black intelligence. There seems to be some ambiguity regarding whether he was addressing a mostly black audience, as footage showed a diverse crowd. Newsom and his supporters have firmly denied any claims of racism.
