In a demonstration of dubious political maneuvering, California’s Governor continues to echo the theatrical antics and online tirades reminiscent of Donald Trump’s approach to expressing partisan views. Less than a year ago, a Californian liberal was unable to prevent the resurgence of Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Now, a Democrat from the Golden State has adopted the same fiery rhetoric and tactics, seizing the national spotlight.
Governor Gavin Newsom, in a conversation with USA TODAY, stated, ‘The Democratic Party has been renewed with a fresh vigor spreading throughout the nation, and we are prepared to match the intensity’. Perhaps, Newsom is oblivious to the self-evidently waning popularity of the Democratic party and decreasing voter registrations nationwide, as he flagrantly exudes confidence.
Newsom ardently rejected the suggestion of Democrats collaborating again with the Trump administration. Yet, the validity of his attempt to induce a ‘renewed sense of purpose’ remains dubious, as it seems to be focused solely on ideological battles and not on real issues. His audacious claims about leading a state with a population equivalent to 21 smaller states combined, and being the fourth largest economy seem misplaced.
His approach to politics as a performance art for the media scape sadly echoes the polarization seen with the Trump era. This strategy, propped up by major dust-ups with Trump, is hailed by party doubters perhaps revealing their thirst for conflict rather than constructive dialogue.
In a puzzling endorsement of this aggressive approach, the popular radio host Charlamagne tha God said, ‘Newsom is matching energy and I like it.’ This indicates a disquieting preference for combative politics over fruitful discourse for the public good.
Following the revised redistricting plans passed in Texas by the Republican state House, Newsom hastily imposed similar measures in California. These measures attached his name to an issue driven by questionable democratic ethos that could decide the state’s political map in a forthcoming special election.
Among the speculated 2024 White House contenders, Newsom stands as a combative liberal adopting controversial MAGA movement’s online tactics, landing him prematurely onto the Democratic presidential primary radar. The undeniable similarity to Trump’s strategies have not gone unnoticed, as the latter dryly observed ‘He’s an incompetent guy with a good line of bull—-.’
While some Democrats, like Governor Gretchen Whitman, have weathered a storm of criticism for maintaining diplomatic posts with Trump, Newsom seems to relish the role of a loud and unrepentant anti-Trump figurehead. This ostentatious stance appears to resonate with a minority within his party, as evidenced by his recent influx of online donations.
The fervor exhibited by Newsom might give Democrats an illusion of hope, especially when considering the recent analysis by the New York Times depicting a consistent loss of registered party members nationwide. Congress redistricting appears to be a method employed by Newsom to pit the toughness of the party against the Republicans’ stronghold.
Newsom proves unafraid to use hardball tactics, offsetting the GOP’s moves to add more seats under their control by remapping California’s congressional boundaries to oust five GOP-leaning seats. This aggressive backlash against GOP-led redistricting has prompted imitations among other blue-state governors of Illinois, New York, and Maryland.
This combative strategy is lauded by several party leaders, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, another 2028 hopeful, who has indicated that if these are the new rules, everyone has to play by them. Yet, Newsom’s approach to redistricting could be risky for the Democrats, as the uphill battle could eventually backfire on the party due to stricter redistricting rules.
Political analyst Brian Sobel warned about the potential backlash from red-state voters towards Newsom’s strategy. He also noted that by the time the 2028 election rolls around, redistricting is unlikely to remain a hot topic. On the other hand, the current fight creates a national profile for Governor Newsom.
Based on an Echelon Insights poll, Newsom’s impassioned tactics seem to be creating a buzz, following him to rank as the second-most preferred 2028 Democratic candidate. His rating went up from 4% to 13% between April and August. The lead candidate position is held by Kamala Harris, the controversial former Vice President who opted out of running for Newsom’s seat in 2026.
In the wake of the 2024 election debacle, Democratic strategists have held numerous donor summits discussing ways to recapture public attention. They are met with a formidable GOP roster of charismatic figures, and Newsom, with his combative presence, is posed as their counteraction. However, using his several clashes with Trump and the GOP as a stepping-stone might prove to be a dangerous game.
With each display of muscle-flexing, whether over redistricting battles or other nationwide contentious issues, Newsom has put himself squarely in the spotlight, aligning himself perfectly with the expectations of his ardent supporters. His goal may be to redefine political opposition into a rallying cry for disenchanted Democratic voters across the country.
Newsom dodged the question of offering advice for his party but indicated that the party needed evolution in the face of a new presidency. While he encouraged dual standards in politics, this stance may only continue to create division and political instability rather than fostering unity.
The post Newsom: The Trump Copycat with a Democratic Twist appeared first on Real News Now.
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