Gavin Newsom never imagined himself becoming the left’s surrogate-in-chief, but he is thoroughly enjoying his role as the far-right’s public enemy number one.
During the presidential debates in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and his own undercard in Alpharetta, Georgia, Newsom tirelessly advocated for the Democratic ticket, and sometimes for his own interests.
After engaging in a debate with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Fox News, a prime-time broadcast supported by President Joe Biden’s White House, Newsom embarked on a journey through the South to campaign for Biden. Additionally, he conducted a tour of the Blue Wall states.
On June 27, following Biden’s disastrous debate, Newsom found himself in a series of cable news interviews that felt like a mix of interrogation and therapy. Surprisingly, he took charge of the situation, putting the host in the hot seat instead.
During a backyard canvassing event in Charlotte, the California governor reminisced, “You may recall, I was the chief surrogate who tried to calm down Rachel Maddow and reassure her by saying, ‘It’s going to be OK.'” The crowd found humor in the situation, indicating that enough time had passed to reflect on the challenging night.
Newsom proudly expressed his unwavering support for Biden, emphasizing that he firmly believes Biden is the most transformative president he has witnessed in his lifetime.
He also credited Vice President Kamala Harris for playing a significant role in this transformative record. Newsom further demonstrated his support by actively campaigning for Harris this week.
Newsom expressed his utmost pride in his long-time friend, Kamala Harris. He emphasized that his admiration for her extends beyond the realm of politics. Newsom clarified that when he refers to Harris as his “old friend,” it is not a mere political platitude.
In fact, their friendship predates their respective political careers by several years. They used to enjoy vacations and dinners together, and they shared mutual friends. Newsom’s statement highlights the deep personal connection he shares with Harris.
Dozens of other Democrats are vying for the next opportunity, but none have the same level of familiarity and shared political network as these candidates.
They have been working side by side for years, facing similar challenges and obstacles. What sets them apart is that one of them is on the verge of becoming the next president, which poses a critical question for the rest: What comes next for them?
On Friday, Newsom found himself in Cabarrus County, just nearby, addressing a room full of seniors. He explained why he believed his presence there was much more valuable than being in his home state.
The only topic of discussion back home was whether Harris would surpass former President Donald Trump by a margin of five or six million votes.
During a campaign stop with Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, the speaker criticized Trump for his absence on ’60 Minutes’.
He boldly stated, “Trump didn’t have the courage to show up on ’60 Minutes’.” Furthermore, the speaker expressed doubts about Trump ever agreeing to be interviewed by Rachel Maddow, emphasizing that he is “scared to death.”
It wasn’t guaranteed that Newsom would dedicate so much of his time to the presidential race. Initially, his actions were met with skepticism from those within the administration.
When he criticized Democratic leaders in Washington for not acting quickly enough after the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights, one Biden aide compared his actions to a baseball fan shouting from the bleachers.
However, Newsom managed to strengthen his relationship with the White House over the following year, partly by assuring top advisers that he had no intentions of challenging the president in 2024.
During his campaign stops, Newsom would often face questions about his aspirations for the White House, whether from the media or voters.
This was a common understanding between Newsom and his supporters. However, at times, Biden’s team felt that Newsom was more focused on his own agenda rather than following theirs.
Despite this, Newsom remained loyal to Biden and consistently deferred to him. When pressed by voters about why he wasn’t running for president, Newsom would point out that Harris was the best candidate to take on that role, especially considering Biden’s age.
Despite his concerns, he did not anticipate any negative consequences for Biden. Newsom remained steadfast in his belief that the president’s campaign was actively taking measures to rectify any issues, even after the June debate.
Good surrogates never leave their patron, and according to multiple accounts within the campaign, Newsom was the standout Biden surrogate. He was much younger, charismatic, adept at fighting for causes, and had a rare ability to effectively convey the White House’s message.
He effortlessly recited a plethora of statistics on jobs and manufacturing, highlighting the significance of the Biden administration’s social spending plan, Build Back Better. In addition to discussing infrastructure and microchips, he also mentioned the long-awaited agreement on guns.
He criticized Trump for leading a backward movement within the Republican party that has already restricted abortion rights and is now endangering other rights, such as gay and interracial marriage, as well as contraception.
Newsom received criticism from California pundits for his low-profile presence in Chicago as he delivered the delegates to ceremonially nominate Harris for the Democratic nomination. Adding to the backlash, he made a joke about Harris winning the nomination in a “very open process.”
The journey from being a passionate supporter of Biden to becoming a strong advocate for Harris took time. He actively participated in fundraising events for the Harris campaign, collaborating with Tim Walz and Nancy Pelosi.
After his trip to South Carolina to kick off the year, he hit the road again, this time heading to Harris. As the week progressed, he made his way to North Carolina and even hopped on a bus with fellow governors in Michigan. This journey served as a perfect bookend to his year, showcasing his dedication to connecting with people across different states.
“It’s a surreal experience to have such a deep understanding of both Harris and Trump,” Newsom reflected, dismissing the notion of a sibling rivalry between them.
He recalled the time when he assumed the role of mayor of San Francisco just moments before Harris swore in as district attorney. “That was the last significant event I attended before Kamala’s rise,” Newsom reminisced.
And he discussed the potential impact on himself and his state if either she or Trump were to win the election.
Newsom believes that if Trump is re-elected, he will embark on a “vengeance” tour immediately after his transition. He extensively discussed Trump’s previous and ongoing pledges to withhold federal disaster relief funds and his various threats to California, ranging from climate policies to immigration issues.
“He mentions ‘Newscum’ when he attends the Economic Club,” he remarked, alluding to Trump’s nickname for him. “There’s a sense of familiarity with me because we are only one step away. I’m not just referring to my ex-wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle, but even in his right-wing circle, talking to Bret Baier, talking to Sean Hannity all the time, talking to these individuals, I am present in their thoughts. …
Even when I’m not making headlines, I am a part of their news cycles. I am included in their discussions. In that regard, I am on his mind because that’s his environment. That’s the muck he navigates. So I am keenly aware of how the world is transforming in both positive and negative ways.”
During his visit to a brew pub near Davidson College, the alma mater of NBA legend Stephen Curry, Governor Newsom emphasized the significance of the current moment in American history. He stated, “You hold the power to shape the destiny and future of our nation.”
According to Governor Newsom, Justice Ginsburg’s life revolved around fighting for racial justice, economic justice, and social justice. He regarded her as a dedicated warrior who was committed to serving and making a difference.
Governor Newsom also expressed his admiration for the Kennedy family, who emphasized values that are not commonly discussed today, such as empathy, care, compassion, and collaboration. He believed that Justice Ginsburg embodied the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. by highlighting the idea that we are all interconnected in a web of mutuality.
Governor Newsom was seated next to former Secretary of State John Kerry, who had also come very close to winning the presidency. During their conversation, Kerry emphasized the significance of every vote and reflected on the narrow margin in Ohio. “He spoke about the importance of every vote and what could have been,” Newsom shared.
The upcoming November election holds different implications for his own career. If Harris emerges victorious, it could potentially delay his aspirations for a White House run by eight years, or even indefinitely.
However, a Trump triumph would instantly catapult him to a position of power, not as the President of the entire United States, but certainly as a leader within blue America.
“I can’t even begin to imagine that,” Newsom expressed. “Our country truly needs a respite from the upcoming election. It’s absolutely draining.”
As he prepared for one of his last days on the trail in 2024, he expressed his frustration over the excessive amount of money being spent on the never-ending campaign.
Newsom expressed his frustration with the current situation, stating, “It’s not like we’re not playing in that game either, the Democratic faction. But this is a joke. This is gross. This is not sustainable.”
