27 Comments

Writing from the East Coast I like Newsom and certainly would consider him a contender for 2028. It will be interesting to see if he spends the next year campaigning not only for Biden but for other Democrats -- collecting chits in the process.

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I think that's the plan. I also think he wants to put himself out there as a " break glass in case of emergency" option for Biden in 2024.

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Dude looks like he's from Central Casting...

...and Matthew McConaughey's cousin.

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That's part of his appeal for sure. He looks the part.

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No doubt Biden is the Dem candidate fin 2024. And he is going to win in and serve ourt his second 4 years. Nothing is 100% sure in life. No one knows what is going to happen to ANYBODY tomorrow. It's going to be a great primary contest between Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsome and Pete Buttiege in 2028. Thèse are my

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I still like Whitmer/Booker in 2028. I was a Bay Area resident for 20 years. I moved before he became governor, but I'm quite familiar with him. I honestly don't think he can win nationwide.

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I think we will get a test of that theory in 20228. Because I see no real way that Newsom doesn't run at this point.

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I like the Whitmer/Booker ticket as well for 2028. Newsome is okay and can be assertive but not sure he could win the general.

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It’s WAY premature to be gaming this out, but my suspicion is that Biden and his circle will find the pressure to be loyal to Harris in 2028 an awkward liability for them and for the party. I refer not to any conviction of mine that Harris isn’t smart and capable, but rather her inability to gain traction in the last presidential cycle, and what I’d call a widely held belief that she’s not so good at RUNNING for President. It wouldn’t surprise me if her numbers improved next time just enough to make it tricky for Dems to publicly oppose her candidacy.

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Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck,…. 😄

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I've always thought Newsom came across as too "arrogant" to connect well with middle-class voters. Nonetheless he'd be a strong, assertive candidate. One thing that would sink him for sure would be to endorse the current Calif. "reparations" initiative; he'll need to shoot down the cash payments part of that while maybe endorsing other suggestions such as investment aid for black small businesses.

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I think you're right that Newsom's record would absolutely come under significant scrutiny...and California is not indicative of the country.

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What if Trump, Jr also runs for president in 2028? He'd be running against his ex-wife.

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What do you say to that Boccherini piece? KILLICK! KILLICK there! Bring up some toasted cheese and that port.

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Playing at ducks and drakes so if Biden drops then Newsom scoops up Bidens supporters as easy as kiss your hand and just like that - Bob’s your uncle - newsoms the nominee

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Brilliant. Now get out your violin so we can play a piece.

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Well, that would almost guarantee a Trump victory. I live in California, and I actually don't hate Newsom, but he has 0 chance nationally.

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Geoff why do you say that? I'm just curious.

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Yes! But if he was running against Trump, he might win.

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I wouldn't take that bet.

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I believe Newsom is independent voter kryptonite. He is synonymous with the zaniness of California (deservedly or not, doesn't matter) and a lot of the rust belt states that are crucial for D's to win in the EC will be very difficult for Newsom to succeed in.

Add to that a vitriol in the right wing media ecosystem that will be scorched earth, and you have an almost insurmountable barrier to get over.

I doubt that any California pol really can win nationwide.

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Interesting. You may be right. Although I would argue that the ridiculous polarization will be there no matter who runs for Democrats.

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Newsom has been elected governor 3 times in California.

He is not afraid to attack the wacky people on the right. I, for one love that he isn’t afraid to go on the offensive. The D’s need someone just like him.

I would not underestimate him.

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I’m going to agree with Geoff on this one. Newsom is not well liked in many major pockets of California. That said, am I glad he’s an out there Dem pushing back on Republican tripe? You betcha.

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Jun 22, 2023
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Precisely. Whitmer will be much better received in the heartland, and the rust belt, and that makes a huge difference.

I will admit that the backbone Newsom is showing to the NIMBY factions and housing plans is encouraging, but that is not a dog that will hunt nationwide.

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