Is California Governor Gavin Newsom Hoping for Kamala Harris's Election Loss?

Gavin Newsom's National Stature

California Governor Gavin Newsom had a chance to enhance his national stature during two minutes of airtime at the Democrat National Convention in Chicago. He used this opportunity to announce Kamala Harris's clinching of the Democrat presidential nomination during a symbolic roll call of state delegates. Newsom painted Harris as a champion for civil rights, LGBTQ rights, social justice, racial justice, and other left-leaning causes. However, this was Newsom's only official speaking role during the four-day DNC, where he presented Harris as the future of the Democrat Party. The contrast between his support for Harris and his thinly veiled presidential ambitions was hard to ignore.

Newsom's Presidential Ambitions

Despite denying any plans for a 2024 nomination, Newsom's high-profile nationwide travels and meetings with government officials in Israel and China suggested otherwise. He even bought ads in Florida, further fueling speculation about his real intentions. Newsom's vocal support for Joe Biden, especially after Biden's June 27 debate disaster, seemed designed to secure Biden's endorsement for Newsom's potential presidential run. His strategy was to stay as close as possible to Biden and continue praising him, hoping for an endorsement in return.

Biden's Endorsement of Harris

However, things did not go as planned. Biden endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democrat nominee for president within hours of announcing his re-election withdrawal. This move prevented any attempt at an open convention to nominate Biden's successor. It has been suggested that Biden's move was intentional and a form of revenge against Democrat Party bosses who pushed him out of his re-election efforts after his disastrous debate performance.

Newsom's Support for Harris

Despite missing out on Biden's endorsement, Newsom has positioned himself well among Democrats as a dynamic campaigner, a capable fundraiser, and a popular figure among Democrat base voters. His loyalty to Biden only increased his visibility and distinguished him from other leading Democrats who publicly called for Biden to stand down from his re-election effort. However, with Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee, Newsom's support for her seems superficial at best. He now has to work on repairing his record at home, letting Harris and others shoulder the blame for California's problems.

Newsom's Potential Presidential Run in 2028

Newsom's term as California governor expires in 2026, providing an opportunity for him to shed much of his poor reputation and create a new persona. However, this would require Kamala Harris to lose to Donald Trump, allowing Newsom to potentially run for president in 2028 against a new Republican candidate. The 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics could provide a global platform for Newsom's presidential run. His state would be glamorized, his failures sanitized, and his presidential run romanticized in a way only Hollywood can produce. However, this would not be possible if Kamala Harris is the incumbent president.

Newsom's Presidential Ambitions Depend on Harris's Defeat

Newsom's presidential ambitions rest solely on a Harris defeat. Given his ambition and historical disdain for Harris, it would not be surprising to see Newsom undermine his California rival in some subtle way to save his political future.

Bottom Line

The political landscape is a complex one, with alliances and rivalries often intertwined. The future of Gavin Newsom's political career seems to be tied to the success or failure of Kamala Harris's presidential run. Is it possible that Newsom could be hoping for Harris's defeat to pave the way for his own presidential ambitions? What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and discuss it. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6 pm.