On August 9, California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom made headlines by calling himself an “entrenched insurgent.” This statement reflects a bit of classic Newsom, attempting to appeal to both establishment figures and those advocating for radical change. It’s a puzzling stance, much like the actions of those who claim to be peaceful while engaging in destructive protests. Newsom’s alignment with other far-left leaders seems like a strategic move to leverage class warfare for personal gain, all while trying to undermine his rivals. This approach could be seen as a manifestation of the “Danton delusion.”
In my book “Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution,” I explore historical events reminiscent of today’s politics, particularly the French Revolution. The so-called “Terror” wasn’t sparked by the lower class but emerged from educated elites participating in the Jacobin movement. Georges-Jacques Danton was a key figure during this period, known for his powerful speaking and writing.
Danton held positions such as Minister of Justice and was a member of the Committee of Public Safety. He fed the mob’s anger and later found himself ensnared by it. Danton, who initially thrived on revolution, ultimately incited violence against perceived threats, sending many to their deaths and orchestrating events like the September Massacre. His rhetoric painted a picture of danger emanating from his opponents, claiming that “the bell we are about to toll… tolls an indictment against the enemies of our country.”
Danton, however, scrambled to maintain his influence over the mob as he sacrificed individuals to the escalating violence. Ultimately, no one was spared—the nobility, religious figures, and merchants fell victim to the radical Jacobins, led by Maximilien Robespierre, who also turned on Danton himself.
Before his demise, Danton recognized the cycle of violence spiraling out of control. When one supporter encouraged more executions under dubious accusations, Danton countered with a sobering thought: “We are all partisans. If they can be guillotined, we all deserve to be guillotined.”
In a twist of fate, he faced the same brutal end as those he had led, standing before the guillotine on April 5, 1794.
Interestingly, today’s radicals are echoing similar calls for purges within the Democratic Party, accusing moderates of engaging in “sectarianism.” At the same time, Newsom seems to believe he can manipulate these movements to benefit his own political ambitions, ignoring the historical cautionary tales that warn against fomenting revolution.
Newsom aims to position himself within the emerging “red aristocracy” of the new Democratic Party, pushing for sweeping changes to the constitutional framework while hoping that voters will overlook his own affluence. It’s not unlike what California Congressman Ro Khanna is doing, pushing for upheaval despite his $360 million fortune, reportedly tied to family wealth.
In Newsom’s eyes, the working-class narrative is less about genuine struggle and more about maintaining appearances. He appears to be trailing in public opinion polls, possibly being outpaced by figures like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has also embraced ambitious reforms and controversial allies.
The recent loss of DSA candidate Francesca Hong won’t likely deter Newsom’s strategy, as he observes far-left candidates inching close to gubernatorial nominations. Other Democratic leaders celebrate the surge of socialist ideologies within the party, indicating a shifting landscape.
However, Newsom’s notion that there exists a group of fervent supporters eager for his leadership may be misguided, especially since he’s struggling in places like New Hampshire against populist figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Some of her views might be seen as extreme, but she resonates with voters in a way that Newsom’s mixed messages seem to miss.
As figures like Harris and Buttigieg craft their radical agendas, Newsom might need to seek alternatives to traditional institutional supports. The push to expand the Supreme Court is merely a preliminary step for those calling for significant alterations to the foundational legal structure of the country.
Ultimately, Newsom, as a supposed “establishment rebel,” is striving to lead the discontented masses instead of becoming their next victim. History doesn’t seem to offer him much reassurance; well-styled appearances and catchy podcasts may not be enough to quell the fervor. Across the nation, forces expressing extreme leftist views are beginning to dominate the political landscape. In a moment very much like Danton’s, he may find himself forced to appease the crowd—or worse, become a spectacle of its demands.
