In the wake of a highly disappointing 2024 election cycle for the Democratic party that resulted in President Donald Trump occupying the White House for a second term, it seems California Governor Gavin Newsom imagines himself a beacon of resistance. Despite having not announced any ambitions for a presidential bid, some polls are ludicrously identifying him as a possible favorite for the 2028 Democratic primary. Hailing from a state plagued by myriad issues, Newsom’s unconvincing leadership appears to have somehow caught the attention of the left-leaning masses.
Interestingly, Newsom and his press office have recently adopted an aggressive strategy of public communication eerily mirroring the style many attribute to President Donald Trump. Though imitation is said to be the best form of flattery, this crude replication of the president’s unique approach seems to reek of desperation rather than innovation. It would appear that Newsom has resorted to magnified rhetoric to remain relevant in the national conversation.
Following his lackluster second term as California’s governor set to conclude in 2026, Newsom is bizarrely seen by some as a likely contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Holding onto this prediction shows a remarkable disregard for his dreary performance as a governor. But perhaps, for Democrats, even flawed leadership appears preferable to the apparent chaos through which they perceive the present administration.
Adding fuel to the fire, aggregate polling tracker Race to the White House has tentatively positioned Newsom as the leader for the 2028 Democratic primary in two states. These include his own state of California, where his approval is a mere 23.2 percent, and Ohio, with an only slightly better score of 20 percent. The fact that Newsom is leading the pack in these state scenarios speaks volumes about the current quality of Democratic leadership.
An intriguing competitor emerging is former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who trails Newsom by only 5 percent in both California and Ohio. Buttigieg, however, has managed to command more support than Newsom in several states: 23 percent in Florida, 16.8 percent in North Carolina, and 21.6 percent in Texas. Newsom’s lukewarm standing trails behind in these locations, which again raises questions about whether he truly is the beacon of hope some Democrats make him out to be.
Newsom’s standings, particularly in battleground states like Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, certainly raise eyebrows. He registers third in Florida, trailing even New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Unsurprisingly, in North Carolina, he finds himself behind failed 2024 Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Lastly, in Texas, he is just behind Buttigieg. It’s quite revealing that these potential contenders are garnering more attention, especially as Newsom is allegedly the Democrats’ forerunner.
President Donald Trump, as ever, did not mince words about Newsom’s plight, remarking that ‘Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls. He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California.’ There’s considerable truth to this perspective, as California’s decline in various sectors during Newsom’s governorship has been both notable and alarming. Thus, it remains highly amusing that Newsom is being portrayed as a potential front runner for the Democratic primary.
Newsom made an irksome statement following a legislative signing, saying: ‘I remind you all the time, it’s not the rule of law. It’s the rule of Don, and we’re standing up to that…They fired the first shot in Texas.’ This unsubstantiated claim attempts to delegitimize the Trump administration’s actions, instead of providing any robust Democratic alternatives. The rhetoric is disappointing, and frankly, quite unbecoming of a state leader.
Newsom’s antics have even drawn praise from veteran Democratic strategist Bob Shrum, who believes that ‘He’s fighting fire with fire and I think he’s had a big impact. It’s born out of frustration with the president and a determination to see Democrats find new ways to fight back.’ Such a statement re-emphasizes the strategic emptiness of the Democratic party – rather than proposing concrete policies or ideas, they’re content with trading barbs.
Despite the buzz in political circles, Newsom has not confirmed his intention to run for the White House in 2028. This might well be a mercy for the general populace, given his mixed record as governor of California. His probable decision to run continues the trend of lackluster Democratic hopefuls who seemingly prioritize political maneuvering over delivering effective policies.
As the Democratic Party scans its landscape for potential 2028 candidates, the state of potential contenders is discouraging. Newsom’s flawed leadership style, coupled with weak numbers in critical states, hardly make for a promising presidential nomination. If these are the frontrunners for the Democratic Party, one wonders what the back-up options look like.
In the end, the Democratic nomination race serves as a glaring reminder of the dearth of strong leaders within the party ranks. Relying on leaders like Gavin Newsom, displaying a lamentable performance as a state governor, to be the bulwark against Trump’s administration only exacerbates the Democratic Party’s shortcomings. Their past errors in assessment were evident in the 2024 election, but they seem set to repeat these in 2028 if Newsom remains a prospect.
The potential nomination of Gavin Newsom embodies the Democratic Party’s desperate state following the 2024 election defeat. They appear willing to float flawed candidates in the hopes of regaining national influence. All the while, these moves reveal a party seemingly disconnected from the necessities of effective leadership and the demand for credible alternatives to the current administration.
The post Newsom’s Desperate Attempt to Mirror Trump Exposes Democratic Weakness appeared first on Real News Now.
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