Gavin Newsom has acknowledged that he’s contemplating a run for the presidency in 2028. However, it seems the reality is that, perhaps, he may be one of the most manageable candidates for the Democratic Party.
Unlike figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris or Pete Buttigieg, he can overlook President Joe Biden’s declining capabilities without stirring up public ridicule.
In contrast to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Newsom consistently supports left-leaning factions enough to appear acceptable to the core Democratic base. Some might argue he could even be embraced by a segment of the party seeking a non-socialist white male to lead.
Mr. Newsom is attempting to present himself as a somewhat moderate figure. California sees one to three far-left bills vetoed annually, which is supposedly to showcase some sense of “reasonableness,” though the effectiveness of these so-called moderates seems questionable.
A glaring issue has surfaced in Los Angeles, where the notorious Figueroa Street spans several blocks, infamously known as the “Kiddy Stroll.” This area is sadly filled with preteen girls in lingerie, many victims of human trafficking and coming from the foster care system. It’s a distressing situation drawing national attention.
Newsom’s role in this problem became more pronounced after he signed the controversial “Safer Streets for All” law in 2022. This legislation effectively stripped police of their ability to arrest individuals suspected of solicitation, which could have been a tool for rescuing vulnerable children.
In a recent podcast, Newsom attempted to narrate his background as that of a typical overachiever, mentioning his diet of “Wonder Bread” and “macaroni and cheese.” He claimed to have worked “two and a half jobs” while his mother “struggled” to support him, making sacrifices for his college education through sports.
But let’s be real—his mother may have juggled some low-wage jobs post-divorce, yet his father is a successful lawyer closely tied to the wealthy Getty family, backing Newsom’s ventures throughout his career.
Early in the podcast series, he told Charlie Kirk he found it “grossly unfair” to have transgender athletes in women’s sports, and later recognized that the Democratic stance on gender reassignment for minors could be a significant issue for the party.
Despite these remarks, he hasn’t solidly committed to any position that could sway the party’s base.
While criticizing Donald Trump for lacking in role model qualities, he doesn’t hesitate to insult him, even referring to Trump as a “shithole.” Plus, he’s engaged in trolling on social media in a style reminiscent of Trump while lambasting the party for prioritizing “personality” over real issues.
He has indicated Democrats should clarify their “positions,” yet his own views seem to shift frequently—condemning Wokeism in one conversation but later claiming that opposing Wokeism equates to being anti-Black.
It appears he expects the left-leaning national media to overlook his inconsistencies and the failures stretching from Figueroa to the wildfires in Los Angeles, all while the Golden State struggles under his governance, with residents fleeing due to high taxes and living costs, among other issues.
Though California’s media landscape has seemingly made it easier for his allies to shield him, Newsom might be in for a rude awakening.
It’s becoming harder for “Greasy Gavin” to peddle his narrative.
