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While much of the talk surrounding the 2024 presidential race is focused on the Republican party and the prospect of a Donald Trump reelection campaign, speculation is now swirling around who will be vying for the Democratic nomination. One name that hasn’t circulated much — until recently — is the governor of California, Gavin Newsom. Native Californian — and Straight Arrow News contributor — Ruben Navarrette isn’t surprised by the chatter. Newsom has brilliant political chops and “movie star good looks,” according to Navarrette. He’ll have a tough road ahead, however, given California’s poor marks on key issues and Newsom’s inability to connect with a key constituency: Minorities.
What is Gavin’s game? I’ll tell you this much, whatever game it is, it’s all about Gavin. And it’s been in the works and well planned for months, even years. And one day soon, perhaps after the November midterm elections, which promise for Democrats who resemble the red wedding from “Game of Thrones,” California’s progressive prince of privilege will climb down off of “mount elitist” and let you in on the secret, when you need to know but not a minute before.
Gavin Newsom, you’re governor of the most populous state in the nation. California is the big bear. It has 55 electoral votes, more than 20% of the 270 electoral votes a candidate needs to be elected president. You easily beat back a recall campaign last year making this year’s coronation — I mean re-election — a foregone conclusion and a walk in the park. You’re 54 years old with movie star good looks, a beautiful and talented filmmaker wife, a contact list full of rich and powerful friends — and your iPhone — and a war chest of more than $25 million. Your tan, rested and ready, and, super ambitious. There’s only one job left for you. You were built for this moment.
So Gavin Newsom, what are you going to do now? And whatever you say, don’t say you’re going to Disneyland. You don’t have time to wait in line for a churro before getting on Thunder Mountain Railroad — you’re going to be too busy running for the Democratic nomination for president in 2024. That’s how this is going to play out. Everybody in California knows it. You know it, soon the rest of America will know it too. Our governor is ready for his close-up.
